CENTELLA ASIATICA AND MURRAYA KOEINGII IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS: A REVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Varicose veins are a common chronic venous disorder characterized by dilated, elongated, and tortuous veins, predominantly affecting the lower limbs. They develop due to dysfunction of venous valves and vessel walls, resulting in venous pooling, circulatory impairment, pain, edema, and discomfort, and in severe cases, lead to skin changes and ulcers. Conventional treatment options and surgical interventions are available; however, an increasing number of patients prefer to use natural remedies. Medicinal plants that possess vascular protective and anti-inflammatory activity are of great interest in the treatment of patients with varicose veins. Centella asiatica and Murraya koenigii are commonly used medicinal plants with a variety of biologically active compounds. C. asiatica is a source of many triterpenoids, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which are known to exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects, including wound healing, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and connective tissue supportive properties. Another medicinal plant, M. koenigii, contains various carbazole alkaloids and flavonoids, which are beneficial for the circulatory system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review focuses on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional use of these two medicinal plants. The combined positive effects of C. asiatica and M. koenigii on the circulatory system, and their potential role in the treatment of varicose veins, were discussed. However, there is a need for further preclinical and clinical studies to explore the mechanisms of action, formulations, and clinical effectiveness of these two medicinal plants in the treatment of patients with varicose veins.