Pycnogenol Improves Menopause Symptoms

HOBOKEN, NJSupplementation with French maritime pine bark extract (as Pycnogenol®, from Horphag Research) improved several signs and symptoms of menopause in a recent clinical trial published in Panminerva Medica.

The study was conducted  at Pescara University and examined 70 women, aged 40 to 50 years who were experiencing perimenopause, menopause transition years typically before and after the final menstrual period. Participants were assigned to either 100 mg of Pycnogenol® per day (50 mg taken twice daily), or a placebo over a period of eight weeks. Researchers assessed participants menopausal symptoms utilizing a scoring system based on a total of 33 common signs and symptoms and using values ranging from zero (absent) to a maximum of four (very serious). Oxidative stress levels were evaluated by measuring capillary blood plasma free radicals from a drop of capillary blood from the finger tips.

Results showed Pycnogenol supplementation substantially improved perimenopausal signs and symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, loss of libido and vaginal dryness after eight weeks of treatment; patients scores decreased from an average of 2.67/4 to 1.45/4. Supplementation also effectively decreased the severity of hot flashes, decreased bloating and improved irregular heart beat and improved digestive problems. Researchers noted in those taking the supplement, menopausal symptoms categorized under pain improved significantly and oxidative stress levels decreased significantly, improving quality of life and helping to control signs and symptoms of menopause.

As evidenced by this study, Pycnogenol® may arguably represent a very effective basic, daily dietary supplement for menopausal women due to its extended range of health benefits, including cardiovascular benefits and Pycnogenol®s proven ability to lower blood pressure, said lead researcher Gianni Belcaro, MD.