Abstract
A randomized controlled open-label crossover trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of ingesting a drink containing Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJT), a member of the Umbelliferae family, on leg swelling in 10 healthy Japanese women. On the test day, subjects ingested the test drink or water as a control, followed by loading with water. Calf circumference was measured at its maximum, and at 3cm above and 5cm below the maximum with a tape measure at 0, 2, 4 and 6h and with a 3D digitizer at 0 and 6h. In addition, calf volume was measured with the 3D digitizer and self-reported symptom score of leg swelling was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 0 and 6h. The incremental calf circumference at 5cm below the maximum circumference, the incremental calf volume and the symptom score were lower at 6h after ingestion of the test drink compared to the control. Therefore, PJT may have an anti-edema effect in healthy women. Hesperidin and diosmin, which were identified as components of PJT powder, may partly contribute to this activity.
