Pycnogenol Group Research Articles

Effect of pycnogenol on ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage in the ovaries of rats

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of pycnogenol (PYC) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) ovarian damage induced by experimental ovarian torsion in rats using biochemical and histopathological methods.
 Methods: Four groups of rats (n = 6) were randomly assigned and designated as follows – SG: sham group, PCG: pycnogenol (40 mg/kg) group, IRG: ovarian ischemia-reperfusion group, and PIR: pycnogenol (40 mg/kg) + ovarian ischemia-reperfusion group. In IRG and PYC treatment groups, ischemia was induced in the right ovary for two hours with vascular clips. The ovary was reperfused for two hours after ischemia was induced. Then, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the ovarian tissues of rats were examined. Ovarian tissues were also examined histopathologically and follicle counts were performed.
 Results: Histopathological examination revealed that the developing follicles in ovary of I/R-induced group showed both morphological and cellular degeneration and vascular pathology. The PYC treatment group showed less ovarian damage, edema and vascular pathology than I/R-induced group (p < 0.05). The MDA, NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β levels in I/R-induced group were significantly higher than in SG and tGSH levels were significantly reduced by I/R damage (p < 0.05). Pycnogenol treatment reversed these biochemical indices as well as I/R-induced histopathological changes.
 Conclusion: Pycnogenol has a protective effect in rat ovaries by alleviating I/R-induced changes in biochemical parameters and histological disruptions. Further studies, including those in humans, to determine the effect of PYC on ovarian injuries would be required.

Exploring the impacts of Pycnogenol on pentraxin-3 levels in the heart tissue of rats administered with gentamicin

Aims: The present study explored if pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) levels, which would be boosted due to cardiac damage by gentamicin, can be regressed thanks to Pycnogenol, which was also previously shown to have desirable impacts on cardiovascular diseases.
 Methods: In the study, we recruited 28 8-10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats into four groups: control, gentamicin, gentamycin+Pycnogenol, and Pycnogenol. We stained the tissue samples with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichome dye for histopathological analysis. Then, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using the spectrophotometric technique. In addition, we measured PTX-3 levels in the heart tissues by an immunohistochemical method.
 Results: We discovered the heart tissue samples of the rats in the control and Pycnogenol groups were histologically normal. As well as mononuclear cell increase and degeneration of cardiac muscle cells, we observed mild congestion in the gentamicin group compared to the control group. Despite more significant damage to the heart tissue in the gentamicin+Pycnogenol group compared to the control group, we found that the histopathological damage regressed in this group compared to the gentamicin group. While PTX-3 immunoreactivity was similar between the control and Pycnogenol groups, it was significantly elevated in the gentamicin group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Moreover, the gentamicin+Pycnogenol group had decreased PTX-3 immunoreactivity than the gentamicin group. While MDA values followed a similar pattern between the control and Pycnogenol groups, these values were found to be significantly increased in the gentamicin group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). These values, however, were decreased in the gentamicin+Pycnogenol group compared to the gentamicin group.
 Conclusion: In a nutshell, the present study was able to demonstrate that gentamicin may lead to cardiac damage by boosting PTX-3 levels and that the damage can be regressed thanks to the Pycnogenol treatment.

French maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol) in association with triple combination cream for the treatment of facial melasma in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Melasma can be recalcitrant to treatment, and relapses are common. Pycnogenol has been reported to be effective in treating melasma. To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 75mg pycnogenol taken orally twice a day vs. a placebo, in association with the triple combination and broad-spectrum sunscreen for the treatment of facial melasma. A randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 44 women with facial melasma in a single centre from May 2019 through November 2019. Patients with melasma were randomly assigned to orally take 75mg pycnogenol (PYC) or a placebo (PLAC) twice a day for 60days. Both groups also received tinted sunscreen [Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50; Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) 17] for daytime use and a topical triple combination at bedtime. The primary outcome was a change from the baseline Modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) score. Secondary outcomes were improvements in the patients' quality of life (MELASQoL), colorimetric indices and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). All participants completed the trial. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39 (7) years, and 91% were phototypes III-IV. Both groups exhibited a reduction in mMASI scores, MELASQoL scores and colour contrast (P<0.01). The mean (CI 95%) reductions of the mMASI scores were 49% (36-61%) for PYC and 34% (16-47%) for PLAC. The reductions in mMASI scores and colorimetric contrast were superior for the PYC group (P<0.05). The analysis of GAIS resulted in an improvement of 86% (CI 95%: 68-96%) for the participants in the PYC group and 55% (CI 95%: 32-73%) for those in the PLAC group. There were no adverse effects related to oral treatment. Pycnogenol is well-tolerated and increases the effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreen and the triple combination in the treatment of facial melasma in women.

Pycnogenol achieves neuroprotective effects in rats with spinal cord injury by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential

ABSTRACT Objectives In this study, we aimed to verify the neuroprotective effects of pycnogenol (PYC) on spinal cord injury (SCI) and to determine the underlying mechanisms. Methods Male Wistar rats were selected to establish a model of SCI in accordance with the Allen’s protocol. The rats in the PYC group were treated with 100 mg/kg PYC by intraperitoneal injection 15 minutes after SCI. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) scale was used to evaluate locomotor activity. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) production were detected by ELISA. The expression of Cleaved-caspase 3, Bcl-2, Bax and the levels of Cytochrome c (Cyt-c) were analysed by Western blot or Immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we used the JC-1 fluorescent probe to analyse the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Results The rats that received PYC had significantly higher BBB scores than the control lesion rats. PYC treatment resulted in reduced bleeding in spinal cord tissue and proliferation of glial cells, greater numbers of anterior horn neurons, more complete structures of residual neurons, and significant improvement in Nissl body morphology. In addition, PYC reduced MDA production and increased SOD activity. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was significantly increased in the PYC treatment group compared with the SCI group. In addition, PYC decreased the expression of Cleaved-caspase 3 and Bax and the release of Cyt-c and increased the expression of Bcl-2 in the SCI rats. Conclusions The above findings suggested that PYC can improve motor function and reduce neuronal apoptosis after SCI by stabilizing the MMP through the inhibition of oxidative stress. Abbreviations DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; IHC: immunological histological chemistry; MDA: malondialdehyde; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; PMSF: phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride; PYC: Pycnogenol; RIPA: radio immunoprecipitation assay; SCI: spinal cord injury; SOD: superoxide dismutase

Effects of pycnogenol on ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammatory and oxidative brain injury in rats

BackgroundIschemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury results from the onset of re-circulation following a perfusion deterioration period in the tissues, resulting in more damage than that caused by perfusion deterioration. This study aimed to determine the effects of pycnogenol on I/R injury in rat brain tissues. MethodsEighteen albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups: I/R injury (IR, n = 6) group; I/R injury + pycnogenol (IR + P, n = 6) group; and sham group (SG, n = 6). After 30 min of transient ischemia, 24 h of reperfusion was achieved in the IR and IR + P groups. Surgical dissection, except for transient ischemia, was performed in SG. Next, histopathological and biochemical investigations were performed on brain tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPO) were analyzed as oxidative stress markers; IL-1β and TNF-α were analyzed as inflammatory stress markers in biochemical tests. ResultsHistopathological examination revealed normal morphology in SG and diffuse cortex damage with edema, vasopathology, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the IR group. The IR + P group showed less cortex damage, edema, and vasopathology than the IR group. The MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the IR group than those in the SG group. The values of same markers for the IR + P group were significantly lower than the IR group. The GSH and GPO levels were significantly decreased with IR damage, but PYC treatment showed significant improvement in the levels. ConclusionThis study showed that the administration of pycnogenol ameliorated brain damage after I/R injury by reducing oxidative and inflammatory damage in the rat brain.

Pycnogenol supplementation as an adjunct treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.

Major depressive disorder is a serious mental disorder in which treatment with antidepressant medication is associated with incidence of adverse events, such as constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction (SDys). Escitalopram (ESC), an effective and safe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with good tolerability, was used in this study. In this study, we investigated the prospective effect of Pycnogenol (PYC), an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilator agent, on ESC-induced SDys. This was a randomized, parallel, open-label study. Seventy-two outpatients of both genders with depression were randomized into two groups as follows: 37 patients from the ESC + PYC group took 50mg of PYC per day for 4 months in ESC co-treatment, and 35 subjects from the ESC group took ESC only. Five patients dropped out and were excluded from the analysis. The participants were examined every month (visits 1-4). ESC use led to improvement of depressive symptoms and severity scored by standardized psychiatric tests. PYC co-treatment resulted in attenuation of SDys beginning at 1 month of treatment and continuing for two consecutive months. Furthermore, an increase in heart rate in the PYC group was registered. We propose that PYC-mediated SDys attenuation is based on its ability to improve endothelial functions by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and anticoagulant action. We assume that the action of PYC on heart rate is in accordance with the aforementioned vasodilatory action of PYC and consequent baroreflex-mediated heart rate response. PYC co-treatment reduced ESC-induced SDys and elevated heart rate.

A Clinical Comparison of Pycnogenol, Antistax, and Stocking in Chronic Venous Insufficiency.

This 8-week registry study was a comparative evaluation of Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark extract; Horphag Research, Geneva) and Antistax (grape leaf extract [GLE, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany]) in controlling symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). "Standard management" for CVI is compression; a group of comparable subjects was monitored to evaluate the effects of stockings. The registry included 183 patients (166 completing). Supplementation with Antistax (two tablets of 360 mg/d) or Pycnogenol (100 mg/d) was used. The groups were comparable for age, symptoms, venous incompetence, and microcirculation (with increased capillary filtration and skin flux) at inclusion. At 8 weeks, the rate of swelling (p < 0.05) and skin flux decreased toward normal values; changes were more important with Pycnogenol (p < 0.05). Transcutaneous Po 2 was increased more with Pycnogenol (p < 0.05). Ankle circumference was decreased more (p < 0.05) with Pycnogenol. An analog scale quantified symptoms. At 8 weeks, pain and edema were decreased with Pycnogenol and elastic compression (p < 0.05) with prevalence for Pycnogenol (p < 0.05). Edema with Pycnogenol was decreased by 40%. Induration was reduced only in the Pycnogenol group (p < 0.05) with minimal variations in the other groups. Tolerability and compliance were optimal. Elastic compression was correctly used by 80% of the patients indicating that it may be more difficult to use, particularly in warmer days. Costs for Pycnogenol were lower (96; 3.3 Euros) in comparison with the other groups (132;1.4 Euros for GLE and 149; 2.2 Euros for compression).

Postpartum Varicose Veins: Supplementation with Pycnogenol or Elastic Compression-A 12-Month Follow-Up.

This open registry aimed to evaluate the clinical evolution of postpartum varicose veins (VVs), in healthy women after the second pregnancy, how these veins regain shape and competence, and possible treatments. The registry included two groups of women: (1) those who used elastic compression stockings, and (2) who used an oral venotonic agent (Pycnogenol, 100 mg/d). A total of 12 evaluation targets were established. Minor symptoms were scored in an analogue scale line. A visual analogue scale line evaluated the overall satisfaction relative to elastic compression or Pycnogenol. Overall 133 women completed the registry evaluation with at least 3 months of follow-up. The resulting two registry groups were comparable. At 3 and 6 months in the Pycnogenol group the number of veins and incompetent sites were lower. At 6 months there were 13.3% of patients with edema in controls versus 3.2% in the Pycnogenol group. Spider veins decreased in Pycnogenol patients. Cramps and other minor symptoms were less common in the Pycnogenol group. In both groups there was a significant improvement at 6 months with better results in the Pycnogenol group. The need for treatment was limited with a decreased need for sclerotherapy, surgery, and conservative treatments in the Pycnogenol group. The overall satisfaction was higher among Pycnogenol patients, and compliance was optimal. Re-evaluation at 12 months indicated that the variations in VVs and spider vein clusters and the associated symptoms did not change. Most remodeling appeared to happen within 6 months after the pregnancy. It was concluded that the use of Pycnogenol improves signs/symptoms of postpartum VVs, and venous function and shape seem to return faster to prepartum, physiological pattern with its use.

Pycnogenol® Supplementation Improves Health Risk Factors in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

This open, controlled study evaluated the effects of 6 month supplementation with Pycnogenol® maritime pine bark extract on health risk factors in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Pycnogenol® was used with the aim of improving risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, central obesity, elevated triglycerides (TG), low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. Sixty-four subjects (range 45-55 years) presenting with all five risk factors of metabolic syndrome were included, and Pycnogenol® was administered for 6 months. A group of 66 equivalent subjects were followed up as controls. In the 6-month study Pycnogenol® supplementation 150 mg/day decreased waist circumference, TG levels, blood pressure and increased the HDL cholesterol levels in subjects. Pycnogenol lowered fasting glucose from baseline 123 ± 8.6 mg/dl to 106.4 ± 5.3 after 3 months and to 105.3 ± 2.5 at the end of the study (p < 0.05 vs controls). Men's waist circumference decreased with Pycnogenol from 106.2 ± 2.2 cm to 98.8 ± 2.3 cm and to 98.3 ± 2.1 after 3 and 6 months. Women's waist decreased from 90.9 ± 1.6 cm to 84.6 ± 2.1 cm and to 83.6 ± 2.2 cm after 3 and 6 months. Both genders waist circumference reduction was significant as compared to controls at both time points. In addition, plasma free radicals decrease in the Pycnogenol group was more effective than in the control group (-34.6%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study indicates a role for Pycnogenol® for improving health risk factors in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Modulatory effects of Pycnogenol® in a rat model of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical evidences

A number of experimental and clinical findings have consistently demonstrated the protective effects of Pycnogenol (PYC) in the management of diabetes. However, the protective mechanism by which PYC provides protection in a model type I diabetes has not been studied. This study examines the beneficial effect of PYC on hyperglycemia, inflammatory markers, and oxidative damage in diabetic rats. We also evaluated the possible mechanism of action of PYC which might be that it stimulates beta islet expression, which has been implicated in the process of insulin secretion and diabetes management. Diabetes was induced in rats by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg body weight) followed by free access to 5 % glucose for the next 24 h. Four days after STZ injection, rats were supplemented with PYC (10 mg/kg body weight) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood was drawn, and rats were then sacrificed, and their livers and pancreases were dissected for biochemical and histological assays. The level of fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin significantly increased but amylase, insulin, and hepatic glycogen level decreased in the STZ group. PYC significantly augmented these effects in STZ + PYC group. The STZ group showed elevated level of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1beta in serum which were decreased by PYC treatment. Moreover, PYC significantly ameliorated increased thiobarbituric reactive substances, protein carbonyl, and decreased levels of glutathione, glutathione-s-transferase, and catalase activity in the liver and pancreas of the STZ rats. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination also revealed a remarkable protective effect of PYC. The study suggests that PYC is effective in reducing diabetic-related complications in a type I model of diabetes and might be beneficial for the treatment of diabetic patients.

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol® for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms

The potential of Pycnogenol for relieving allergic rhinitis (birch pollen) symptoms was explored in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. In 2008 19 subjects started treatment 3 weeks prior to the onset of birch pollen season in Ontario, Canada. While there was an improvement of eye and nasal symptoms with Pycnogenol, there was no significance versus placebo. It was postulated that Pycnogenol may require a lag-time between the start of therapy and the onset of action. Therefore 39 subjects were treated 5-8 weeks prior to the 2009 birch allergy season. The evaluation of subjects in 2009 showed much lower scores for eye (-35%) and nasal (-20.5%) symptoms with Pycnogenol compared with placebo. In succession of the allergy season birch specific IgE increased by 31.9% in the placebo group compared with only 19.4% in the Pycnogenol group. Detailed analysis suggested that symptom-relief was better the longer subjects were on Pycnogenol prior to the allergen exposure. The best results were found with subjects who took Pycnogenol 7-8 weeks ahead of the allergy season. With the limited number of 39 patients statistical predications were unattainable. In conclusion, Pycnogenol improved allergic rhinitis symptoms when supplementation was started at least 5 weeks before the onset of the allergy season.

Pycnogenol® Improves Microcirculation, Retinal Edema, and Visual Acuity in Early Diabetic Retinopathy

The growing numbers of diabetes cases in the developed world are followed by increasing numbers of people diagnosed with diabetic complications. Diabetic microangiopathies in the eye lead to the development of retinopathy involving gradual loss of vision. Previous studies with Pycnogenol showed effectiveness for stopping progression of preproliferative stages of retinopathy. The aim of our study was to show protective effects of Pycnogenol in early stages of retinopathy, characterized by mild to moderate retinal edema in the absence of hemorrhages or hard exudates in the macula center. Following treatment with Pycnogenol (24 patients) for 3 months, retinal edema score (dilated ophthalmology) and retinal thickness (high resolution ultrasound) showed statistically significant improvement as compared to the placebo group (22 patients), which showed negligible changes to baseline. Laser Doppler flow velocity measurements at the central retinal artery showed a statistically significant increase from 34 to 44 cm/s in the Pycnogenol group as compared to marginal effects in the control group. The major positive observation of this study is the visual improvement, which was subjectively perceived by 18 out of 24 patients in the Pycnogenol group. Testing of visual acuity using the Snellen chart showed a significant improvement from baseline 14/20 to 17/20 already, after 2 months treatment, whereas no change was found in the control group. Pycnogenol taken at this early stage of retinopathy may enhance retinal blood circulation accompanied by regression of edema, which favorably improves vision of patients.

An examination of the effects of the antioxidant Pycnogenol® on cognitive performance, serum lipid profile, endocrinological and oxidative stress biomarkers in an elderly population

The study examines the effects of the antioxidant flavonoid Pycnogenol on a range of cognitive and biochemical measures in healthy elderly individuals. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, matched-pair design, with 101 elderly participants (60-85 years) consuming a daily dose of 150 mg of Pycnogenol for a three-month treatment period. Participants were assessed at baseline, then at 1, 2, and 3 months of the treatment. The control (placebo) and Pycnogenol groups were matched by age, sex, body mass index, micronutrient intake, and intelligence. The cognitive tasks comprised measures of attention, working memory, episodic memory, and psychomotor performance. The biological measures comprised levels of clinical hepatic enzymes, serum lipid profile, human growth hormone, and lipid peroxidation products. Statistically significant interactions were found for memory-based cognitive variables and lipid peroxidation products, with the Pycnogenol group displaying improved working memory and decreased concentrations of F2-isoprostanes relative to the control group.

Pycnogenol supplementation reduces pain and stiffness and improves physical function in adults with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disorder and a major cause of pain and disability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential effect of Pycnogenol (Horphag Research, Ltd, Geneva, Switzerland), a flavonoid-rich dietary supplement, on the symptoms of knee OA. Thirty-seven osteoarthritic patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with parallel-group design. Patients received either placebo or Pycnogenol pills (50 mg, three times daily) in a blinded fashion for 3 months. Osteoarthritis clinical symptoms were evaluated monthly with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors usage was also assessed. In the Pycnogenol group, there was a significant improvement in total WOMAC score and WOMAC subscale score of pain and physical function at 60 and 90 days of treatment. At 90 days, significant reduction of 43%, 35%, 52%, and 49% in self-reported pain, stiffness, physical function, and composite WOMAC score, respectively, were reported in Pycnogenol group, whereas the placebo group showed no significant changes. The dosage and frequency of NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors usage were increased in placebo group, which were significantly less in Pycnogenol group. The results of this study indicate the efficacy of Pycnogenol in alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms and reducing the need for NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors administration. This beneficial effect of Pycnogenol might be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is warranted to determine the underlying mechanism associated with this apparent effect.

Control of Edema in Hypertensive Subjects Treated With Calcium Antagonist (Nifedipine) or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors With Pycnogenol

The presence of edema in different phases and stages of essential hypertension may be due to antihypertensive treatment. Some drugs may cause edema by inducing vasodilatation, increasing the capillary exchange surface and capillary filtration. Pycnogenol has an important anti-edema effect in diabetic microangiopathy and chronic venous insufficiency. This 8-week study evaluated capillary filtration in 2 comparable treatment groups with hypertension treated with a calcium antagonist (nifedipine) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor to define its efficacy in preventing edema caused by antihypertensives. A significant decrease in filtration was observed in the Pycnogenol groups. Pycnogenol controls this type of edema, it helps to prevent and limit long-term damage in the microcirculation in hypertensive patients, and allows the dose of anti-hypertensive drugs to be reduced in most patients.

Comparison of Pycnogenol® and Daflon® in Treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Prospective, Controlled Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of oral Pycnogenol (Horphag Research Ltd., UK) in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in comparison to the combination of diosmin and hesperidin (Daflon, Servier, France). A group of 86 patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), venous hypertension, ankle swelling) and previous history of venous ulcerations received either oral Pycnogenol (capsules) 150 mg or 300 mg daily for 8 weeks or Daflon, 1,000 mg/day. All patients completed the study without dropouts. At the end of the study, microcirculatory results indicated: a progressive decrease of skin flux at rest (RF); a significant decrease in capillary filtration (RAS); an improvement in the symptomatic venous score (ASLS); a reduction in edema; a significant improvement (increase) in pO(2) and a decrease in pCO(2) in the Pycnogenol group. A significant level of improvement was reached after 4 weeks of treatment in most patients (p < .05) of the Pycnogenol group while clinical improvement was significant only in 6 subjects in the Daflon group. The positive effects of treatment with Pycnogenol after 8 weeks were significantly larger in comparison with the Daflon group. In conclusion, this study confirms the fast clinical efficacy of Pycnogenol in patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous microangiopathy and its superiority-considering the evaluated parameters-to the combination of diosmin and hesperidin.

Pycnogenol® alleviates pain associated with pregnancy

The effect of Pycnogenol was studied in women in the third trimester of pregnancy, complaining of lower back pain, hip joint pain, pelvic pain (pain in the inguinal region), pain due to varices or calf cramps. The women were supplemented with Pycnogenol at a dose of 30 mg/day without any other therapy. Alleviation of pain was evaluated by pain scores until delivery. A significant reduction of pain could be obtained compared with the control group, where no decrease in pain scores in any symptoms was reported. No unwanted effects were observed in the Pycnogenol group. These results indicate the potential of Pycnogenol to reduce pain associated with pregnancy.

Prevention of Venous Thrombosis and Thrombophlebitis in Long-Haul Flights with Pycnogenol®

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) and its prophylaxis with an oral anti-edema and antithrombotic agent (Pycnogenol, Horphag, Research Management SA, Geneva, Switzerland) in long-haul flights, in subjects at moderate to high-risk of DVT and SVT. The study pre-included 244 pre-selected subjects; 211 were included (33 were excluded for several reasons due to logistic problems) and 198 completed the study; 13 subjects were lost for follow-up at the end of the flight, all for non-medical problems (i.e., for difficult connections). All subjects were scanned within 90 minutes before the flight and within 2 hours after disembarking. Subjects were supplemented with 100 mg Pycnogenol per capsule. Treatment subjects received two capsules between 2 and 3 hours before flights with 250 mL of water; two capsules were taken 6 hours later with 250 mL of water and one capsule the next day. The control group received comparable placebo at the same intervals. The flight duration was on average 8 hours and 15 minutes (SD 55 min) (range, 7.45-12.33). In the control group there were five thrombotic events (one DVT and four superficial thromboses) while only nonthrombotic, localized phlebitis was observed in the Pycnogenol group (5.15% vs. no events; p<0.025). The ITT (intention to treat) analysis detects 13 failures in the control group (eight lost to follow up + five thrombotic events) of 105 subjects (12.4%) vs. five failures (4.7%; all lost, no thrombotic events) in the treatment group (p<0.025). No unwanted effects were observed. In conclusion, this study indicates that Pycnogenol treatment was effective in decreasing the number of thrombotic events (DVT and SVT) in moderate-to-high risk subjects, during long-haul flights.