Composition for treating chronic venous insufficiencies using an extract of red vine leaves

An improved composition in a form suitable for oral administration consisting of an active principle, and a pharmaceutically, cosmetically or dietetically acceptable carrier, the improvement wherein is that said active principle consists essentially of an aqueous extract of red vine leaves containing:

• 2 to 20% flavonoids and less than about 0.15% anthocyanins;
• wherein said aqueous extract of red vine leaves is obtainable by a method comprising the steps of:
• (a) collecting red vine leaves at a point of time when the content in flavonoids has reached an optimum;
• (b) drying and crushing the leaves;
• (c) cutting the leaves to pieces;
• (d) extracting the leaves with water at temperatures from 60 to 80° C. for 6 to 10 hours in an exhaustive percolation;
• and, optionally,
• (e) concentrating the obtained extract;
• and
• wherein the improved composition contains an amount of said aqueous extract of red vine leaves sufficient for administration in dosages corresponding to 350-750 mg daily.