The active principle of the drug Intercyton® is a flavone derivative designated disodium flavodate (DF), a sodium salt of flavodic acid which is a synthetic hydrosoluble derivative of natural flavonoids. The drug is used to reduce capiliary fragility and permeability. It is a well-established veinotonic and vasculoptotective agent, largely used to treat venous insufficiency since the 1970s. It remains well prescribed today.
At the biochemical level, disodium flavodate can abrogate the pro-inflammatory effects of cytokines on neutrophil toxic radical production. As such, the drug helped to reduce neutrophil-mediated tissue damages, notably in cases of venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency is a common condition caused by valvular dysfunction with or without associated obstruction, usually in the lower limbs, causing pain, itchiness and tiredness in the legs. A phlebotonic agent like DF may have beneficial effects on oedema and on reduction of cramps, restless legs, and swelling.
The drug was also used to treat other types of circulatory insufficiencies, notably vascular fragility of the endometrium under estrogen-progestin treatment, hemorrhoids affecting pregnant women, and some cerebral vascular affections. The drug may induce gastrointestinal disorders (the most frequently reported adverse events) but it uses generally well tolerated. Very nice illustrations of the drug action on different types of vasculatures (brain and hypophysis and retinal vasculature) and on capillary permeability.
