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01.08.07
Indication:
Edema
Source:
Clin Appl Thromb Hemost, October 2006;12(4):440-4.
Research:
This study sampled 53 hypertensive patients at the G D'annunzio University in Italy. All patients suffered from edema of their ankles and feet as a result of antihypertensive medications and were taking medications at the same dosage for at least four months. Twenty-three patients were being treated with ACE inhibitors and 30 patients were being treated with nifedipine. The eight-week study sampled 27 patients with 150 mg Pycnogenol treatment per day versus an equivalent dosage of placebo for the remaining 26 patients. Blood vessels causing edema of the lower legs were measured using a strain gauge plethysmography (a general instrument for determining and registering variations in the size of an organ or limb). Patients were first measured in supine position and then while standing up.
Results:
After eight weeks of Pycnogenol treatment, patients treated with ACE inhibitors experienced a 35% decrease of ankle swelling. Researchers believe the Pycnogenol helped defy a major side effect of antihypertensive medication. Furthermore, they said Pycnogenol has a blood pressure-lowering effect itself, which is why it can also be used to achieve a healthy cardiovascular system.