07.24.14
A study published in the June issue of the Minerva Medica found that supplementation with Pycnogenol, a natural antioxidant plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, significantly improves inner-ear blood flow, making it a natural option for those seeking relief from symptoms of Meniere's disease such as dizziness, ringing in the ear, hearing loss, inner-ear pressure and unsteady balance.
These chronic symptoms can affect quality of life and result in missed work days, falls and lead to depression. Researchers found that nearly 90% of patients were free of all inner-ear-related symptoms within six months of supplementing with Pycnogenol.
"More than 50 million Americans suffer from Meniere's disease and tinnitus, and because symptoms are often varied and inconsistent, these inner-ear issues are difficult to diagnose and treat," said Dr. Steven Lamm, a physician and nutritional medicine expert. "Building on previous research, this study suggests that Pycnogenol is a safe and natural option that may bring significant relief to those suffering from these conditions within a relatively short period of time."
In the study conducted at the Italian Chieti-Pescara University, researchers treated and monitored 107 patients between the ages of 35 and 55 who were diagnosed with Meniere's disease and suffering from symptoms like tinnitus. All patients were managed with best available management (BM), which included anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, corticosteroids, low salt diet and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol or other stimulants. In addition to BM treatments, the Pycnogenol group supplemented with 150mg/day of the patented pine bark extract. Results were recorded based on observational and reported scales for symptoms such as tinnitus, feeling of pressure and unsteady gait.
Inner-ear blood flow velocity was measured using a high-resolution, linear imaging probe. At baseline, flow velocity at the level of the affected ear was significantly lower in comparison with the other ear showing cochlear hypoperfusion.
There was more significant improvement in all registry items at both three and six months in the Pycnogenol group as compared to the control group. After six months of observation, nearly 90% (87.3%) of subjects in the Pycnogenol group were asymptomatic, as compared to just more than 34% (34.6%) in the control group.
Over the course of six months, researchers also found Pycnogenol to:
For more information: www.pycnogenol.com
These chronic symptoms can affect quality of life and result in missed work days, falls and lead to depression. Researchers found that nearly 90% of patients were free of all inner-ear-related symptoms within six months of supplementing with Pycnogenol.
"More than 50 million Americans suffer from Meniere's disease and tinnitus, and because symptoms are often varied and inconsistent, these inner-ear issues are difficult to diagnose and treat," said Dr. Steven Lamm, a physician and nutritional medicine expert. "Building on previous research, this study suggests that Pycnogenol is a safe and natural option that may bring significant relief to those suffering from these conditions within a relatively short period of time."
In the study conducted at the Italian Chieti-Pescara University, researchers treated and monitored 107 patients between the ages of 35 and 55 who were diagnosed with Meniere's disease and suffering from symptoms like tinnitus. All patients were managed with best available management (BM), which included anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, corticosteroids, low salt diet and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol or other stimulants. In addition to BM treatments, the Pycnogenol group supplemented with 150mg/day of the patented pine bark extract. Results were recorded based on observational and reported scales for symptoms such as tinnitus, feeling of pressure and unsteady gait.
Inner-ear blood flow velocity was measured using a high-resolution, linear imaging probe. At baseline, flow velocity at the level of the affected ear was significantly lower in comparison with the other ear showing cochlear hypoperfusion.
There was more significant improvement in all registry items at both three and six months in the Pycnogenol group as compared to the control group. After six months of observation, nearly 90% (87.3%) of subjects in the Pycnogenol group were asymptomatic, as compared to just more than 34% (34.6%) in the control group.
Over the course of six months, researchers also found Pycnogenol to:
- Significantly improve inner-ear blood flow and reduce pressure as compared to control group (higher flow, higher diastolic component (p<0.05))
- Significantly improve patient-reported tinnitus as compared to control group (p<0.05 at three and six months)
- Reduce the number of missed work days due to inner-ear ailments as compared to control group (p<0.05)
For more information: www.pycnogenol.com