However, in another double-blind study, hydroxyethylrutosides did not have a beneficial effect. One uncontrolled study reported Daflon produced symptom relief in about two-thirds of 50 women with internal hemorrhoids of pregnancy. A double-blind trial found Daflon significantly more effective than placebo in relieving symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, another double-blind study found no added benefit of Daflon compared to placebo in 100 patients who were taking a fiber supplement. Daflon is not currently available in the United States, but some doctors would suggest substituting citrus bioflavonoids or rutin, which resemble its chemical structure.
Doctors frequently recommend flavonoid supplements for people with hemorrhoids.
However, many different flavonoids occur in food and supplements, and additional research is needed to determine which flavonoids are most effective against hemorrhoids. Double-blind research suggests that horse chestnut extracts are helpful for people with hemorrhoids. 15 Poor venous circulation, which may accompany hemorrhoids, can be helped by the internal use of horse chestnut or butcher's broom extracts. Butcher's broom products can also be used in the amount of 1,000 mg two or three times per day. Witch hazel, butcher's broom, and psyllium are approved by the German government for people with hemorrhoids.