01.13.10
A study published in a recent issue of Phytotherapy Research reveals Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract, from Natural Health Sciences, has important anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties that may be beneficial in patients with hemorrhoids, both for acute and chronic treatment, and in preventing new attacks.
The randomized, controlled study conducted by G D’Annunzio University in Italy investigated 84 patients suffering from an acute episode of external hemorrhoids, lasting 24 to 48 hours prior to inclusion in the study. The most frequently observed signs and symptoms, including hemorrhoidal bleedings, severe perineal pain and intravascular thrombus, were evaluated during the study period of two weeks.
The randomized, controlled study conducted by G D’Annunzio University in Italy investigated 84 patients suffering from an acute episode of external hemorrhoids, lasting 24 to 48 hours prior to inclusion in the study. The most frequently observed signs and symptoms, including hemorrhoidal bleedings, severe perineal pain and intravascular thrombus, were evaluated during the study period of two weeks.
Patients were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups, as follows: Treatment of Group 1 consisted of initial 300 mg of Pycnogenol tablets daily for four days, followed by 150 mg per day for the following three days; Group 2 received the same treatment as Group 1, plus 0.5% Pycnogenol topical cream; and Group 3 was a placebo treatment group. Symptoms of hemorrhoidal attacks were assessed and duration of peak pain was observed and recorded, from the initial signs and symptoms to the disappearance of severe, incapacitating pain.
Results were measured by monitoring the following: variation in signs and symptoms (bleeding severity, acute intravascular thrombus, severe perineal pain, tenderness); quality of life parameters (impairment in walking, standing, sitting, embarrassment or social withdrawal); duration of peak pain time, and the costs associated with lost working days.
The complication of hemorrhoidal bleedings was completely absent in the Pycnogenol groups after seven days and thereafter, while it was still observed in the placebo group during two weeks of follow up. Results for quality of life parameters confirmed a significant improvement in social functions by using Pycnogenol orally, with the important added benefit of a topical application of Pycnogenol. Results also confirmed the duration of peak pain was significantly lower in the combined oral plus topical Pycnogenol group. Finally, there was a decrease in the number of lost working days, as well as a decrease in the recurrence of complications and overall treatment costs the month following in both Pycnogenol groups.
Results showed that Pycnogenol significantly lowered acute peri-anal pain using a grading scale ranging from 0 to maximum 4 from an average 3.2 at baseline to 0.8 in Group 1, an average 3.3 at baseline to 0.3 in Group 2, and an average 3.4 at baseline to 1.2 in Group 3. The scores progressively decreased in all groups during the two-week observation period. The decrease in symptoms was significantly higher in the Pycnogenol groups as compared to the control group showing the efficacy of Pycnogenol in relieving the signs and symptoms of acute external hemorrhoids. For further information: www.pycnogenol.com
Results were measured by monitoring the following: variation in signs and symptoms (bleeding severity, acute intravascular thrombus, severe perineal pain, tenderness); quality of life parameters (impairment in walking, standing, sitting, embarrassment or social withdrawal); duration of peak pain time, and the costs associated with lost working days.
The complication of hemorrhoidal bleedings was completely absent in the Pycnogenol groups after seven days and thereafter, while it was still observed in the placebo group during two weeks of follow up. Results for quality of life parameters confirmed a significant improvement in social functions by using Pycnogenol orally, with the important added benefit of a topical application of Pycnogenol. Results also confirmed the duration of peak pain was significantly lower in the combined oral plus topical Pycnogenol group. Finally, there was a decrease in the number of lost working days, as well as a decrease in the recurrence of complications and overall treatment costs the month following in both Pycnogenol groups.
Results showed that Pycnogenol significantly lowered acute peri-anal pain using a grading scale ranging from 0 to maximum 4 from an average 3.2 at baseline to 0.8 in Group 1, an average 3.3 at baseline to 0.3 in Group 2, and an average 3.4 at baseline to 1.2 in Group 3. The scores progressively decreased in all groups during the two-week observation period. The decrease in symptoms was significantly higher in the Pycnogenol groups as compared to the control group showing the efficacy of Pycnogenol in relieving the signs and symptoms of acute external hemorrhoids. For further information: www.pycnogenol.com
