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The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the preventive efficacy of PycnogenolTwo management groups were formed: one using the standard management (SM) and one using SM and PycnogenolForty-five subjects were included in the study, 21 took PycnogenolPycnogenol

Back pain (BP) is one of the most common problems seen by general practitioners. The aim of this pilot registry study was to evaluate the effects of PycnogenolThe registry follow-up lasted 3 weeks. Subjects used either SM (standard management), including mild exercise and 3 days of resting or immobilization - or SM+PycnogenolEighty-two subjects were included in the study, 23 took PycnogenolPycnogenol

BACKGROUND The aim of this pilot, registry study was to evaluate the prophylactic effects of oral supplementation with Pycnogenol® (150 mg/day) in subjects with previous history of recurrent (urinary tract infections (UTI) in a 2-month open follow-up. METHODS subjects with recurrent-UTIs, defined by: 1) at least three symptomatic UTIs over the past year; 2) two episodes of UTI's in the past six months; 3) symptoms of UTIs with urinalysis without bacterial presence, were included in the study. Pycnogenol® was supplemented at the dose of 150 mg/day for 2 months. RESULTS The two groups of subjects (supplement and controls, each including 25 subjects) were demographically and clinically comparable at baseline. No side effects or tolerability problems were observed. The registry evaluated the number of recurrent UTIs in two months; there was a limited decrease in the rate of recurrent UTIs, in comparison with the period before inclusion of 9.93% in the standard management group in comparison with a more important decrease in the Pycnogenol® group (-50.1%; P

BACKGROUND The aim of this registry study was the prospective evaluation of the efficacy of Pycnogenol® in idiopathic fibromyalgia (FM), over 4 weeks in comparison with the standard management (SM). METHODS A SM and a Pycnogenol®+SM group were formed. Pycnogenol® supplementation was used at the dose of 150 mg/day (4 weeks). The study considered the most important/frequent symptoms of FM. RESULTS Fifty patients with idiopathic fibromyalgia were included: 26 in the Pycnogenol® group and 24 served as controls. The two groups were comparable at inclusion. No other disease or condition was present. All subjects were otherwise healthy women (BMI

BACKGROUND The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the effects of Robuvit® (extract from oak wood), in otherwise healthy subjects (aged 50 to 65 years) who complained of decreased general vigor. Robuvit® has been shown to be effective in convalescence, chronic fatigue syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. METHODS The standard management (SM) for this condition included diet, regular daily routines and regular exercise. All subjects had increased oxidative stress (>350 Carr Units) at inclusion. Two groups, SM and SM+Robuvit® supplementation, were formed. Robuvit® was supplemented at a dose of 300 mg/day for 4 weeks. A visual analogue scale line or vigor visual analogue line score of the most common problems associated with a decrease in vigor was used by all included subjects. RESULTS Forty subjects were included in the study. 20 in the SM group and 20 in the SM + Robuvit® supplement group. All subjects completed the 4-week study; both groups improved with the health program and under SM. No drop-outs and no side effects were recorded; a very good tolerability for the supplement was reported. At 4 weeks, the scores in Robuvit®-supplemented subjects, were significantly higher for all vigor-related items in comparison with the scores of subjects managed with the SM only (P

BACKGROUND The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® and CA (Centellicum®) on penile fibrosis and on associated signs and symptoms. METHODS A group of 82 subjects with penile nodules and plaques was included in this registry study and followed up for 3 months; 32 were managed with standard management (SM) only. Twenty-four were managed with CA (Centellicum®: 3 capsules/day: 675 mg/day) in association with SM, and 26 subjects were managed with Pycnogenol® (150 mg/day) + CA (Centellicum® at the same dosage as in group 2) and SM. RESULTS Subjects in the 3 groups were comparable, including the distribution of plaques. The occurrence of any previous catheterizations was also comparable. Safety and tolerability were optimal, no subjects had to stop supplementation. The percentage of subjects with improved symptoms evaluated with a Visual Analogue Scale line was significantly higher with both supplements in comparison with SM (P

BACKGROUND This study evaluates the effects of training (on running distance measured with a Cooper test) in 3 weeks in non-professional athletes using PycnoRacer®, a fitness drink (FD) including Pycnogenol® during the training period. METHODS Pycnogenol® has been used in preclinical conditions and prevention. PycnoRacer® is a liquid combination of Pycnogenol® (15 mg), L-leucine (0.6 g), L-arginine (0.3 g), L-isoleucine (0.3 g), and L-valine (0.3 g). Two comparable groups (one using the FD) were formed: 60 training athletes were requested to drink one bottle 4 times/day, while 65 controls did not use PycnoRacer® or other comparable sports drinks. All subjects had a strong athletic background and advanced knowledge of the procedures of the tests. Two daily training sessions were completed. The sessions consisted in warming up and running a Cooper test. RESULTS 125 subjects completed the three weeks according to plans. There were nine dropouts due to logistical or working problems. Subjects using the FD improved on average by 18.83% (range 12-23%) in their running distance with training. The difference with controls was significant (P

BACKGROUND The aim of this registry was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® on the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in otherwise healthy individuals. METHODS This study included 77 healthy individuals with symptoms of IBS. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 was treated with Buscopan (10 mg when needed), group 2 (Antispasmina col forte; 50 mg papaverine hydrochloride+10 mg belladonna extract when needed) and 3 (Pycnogenol® 150 mg/day) for 3 weeks. RESULTS The number of painful attacks was comparable in all groups after four weeks. Mild pain on manual abdomen pressure was decreased in all groups, with the improvement in the Pycnogenol® group significantly more pronounced that in both control groups (P

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Robuvit® (French oak extract, Horphag Research) in improving kidney function in subjects with temporary kidney dysfunction (TKD) and increased oxidative stress levels. METHODS Fifty-seven subjects with TKD were included in the registry. Subjects were divided into two goups according to albumin levels in the urine. Plasma free radicals were measured in order to evaluate a possible connection with alterations in kidney function. Robuvit® was used at the dose of three capsules/day (300 mg/day) for 4 weeks. RESULTS Subjects with micro-albuminuria treated with Robuvit® improved significantly more than controls treated with standard management, achieving a full normalization of albumin levels in the urine (P