Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Pycnogenol on the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other vascular retinal disorders. The study consisted of a double-blind phase in which 20 patients were recruited and randomly treated with placebo or Pycnogenol (50 mg x 3/day for 2 months) and an open phase in which another 20 patients were treated with Pycnogenol at the same dose schedule. In total, 40 patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases involving the retina were enrolled; 30 of them were treated with Pycnogenol and 10 with placebo. The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of Pycnogenol on the progression of retinopathy. Without any treatment (placebo) the retinopathy progressively worsened during the trial and the visual acuity significantly decreased; on the contrary, the Pycnogenol-treated patients showed no deterioration of retinal function and a significant recovery of visual acuity was also obtained. The fluorangiography showed an improvement of retinal vascularization and a reduced endothelial permeability and leakage in the Pycnogenol, but not in the placebo-treated, patients. The ophthalmoscopy and the electroretinogram (ERG) also confirmed the beneficial effects of Pycnogenol. The mechanism of action of Pycnogenol may be related to its free radical (FR) scavenging, anti-inflammatory and capillary protective activities. It has been suggested that Pycnogenol may bind to the blood vessel wall proteins and mucopolysaccharides and produce a capillary 'sealing' effect, leading to a reduced capillary permeability and oedema formation.     

Pycnogenol accelerates wound healing and reduces scar formation

Pycnogenol was applied topically to experimental wounds inflicted on healthy rats by means of a branding iron. The wound-healing time was taken as the number of days required for 50% of the scabs to separate spontaneously from the animals. Application of a gel formulation containing 1% Pycnogenol significantly shortened the wound healing time, by 1.6 days compared with the group treated with gel only (15.4 days). The application of 2% Pycnogenol decreased the healing time by almost 3 days, while 5% Pycnogenol further accelerated the wound-healing process. In parallel, Pycnogenol gels reduced the diameter of the scars remaining following complete scab loss in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, Pycnogenol is a potent active ingredient for the treatment of minor injuries.     

Treatment of melasma with Pycnogenol

Melasma (or chloasma) is a common disorder of cutaneous hyperpigmentation predominantly affecting sun-exposed areas in women. The pathogenesis of melasma is not fully understood and treatments are frequently disappointing and often associated with side effects.Pycnogenol is a standardized extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), a well-known, potent antioxidant. Studies in vitro show that Pycnogenol is several times more powerful than vitamin E and vitamin C. In addition, it recycles vitamin C, regenerates vitamin E and increases the endogenous antioxidant enzyme system. Pycnogenol protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Therefore its efficacy in the treatment of melasma was investigated.Thirty women with melasma completed a 30-day clinical trial in which they took one 25 mg tablet of Pycnogenol with meals three times daily, i.e. 75 mg Pycnogenol per day. These patients were evaluated clinically by parameters such as the melasma area index, pigmentary intensity index and by routine blood and urine tests.After a 30-day treatment, the average melasma area of the patients decreased by 25.86 +/- 20.39 mm(2) (p < 0.001) and the average pigmentary intensity decreased by 0.47 +/- 0.51 unit (p < 0.001). The general effective rate was 80%. No side effect was observed. The results of the blood and urine test parameters at baseline and at day 30 were within the normal range. Moreover, several other associated symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, pains in the body and anxiety were also improved.To conclude, Pycnogenol was shown to be therapeutically effective and safe in patients suffering from melasma.     

Comparative study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Venostasin (horse chestnut seed extract) and Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In an open, controlled comparative study 40 patients with diagnosed CVI were treated either with 600 mg chestnut seed extract per day or 360 mg Pycnogenol per day over a period of 4 weeks. The following parameters were investigated before the start of treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment: circumference of the lower legs and rating of subjective symptoms (scores) of pain, cramps, night-time swelling, feeling of "heaviness", and reddening of the skin. In addition, blood levels of cholesterol LDL and HDL were determined before and at the end of treatment. Pycnogenol significantly reduced the circumference of the lower limbs and significantly improved subjective symptoms. Furthermore, Pycnogenol significantly decreased cholesterol and LDL values in the blood, whereas HDL remained unaffected. Venostasin only moderately but not significantly, reduced the circumference of the lower limbs and marginally improved symptoms. Venostasin had no influence on the determined lipid values. Both medications were equally well tolerated. In conclusion, Pycnogenol was found to be more efficacious than Venostasin for the treatment of CVI.     

Pycnogenol reduces talc-induced neoplastic transformation in human ovarian cell cultures

Talc and poor diet have been suggested to increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer; which can be reduced by a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. Talc is ubiquitous despite concern about its safety, role as a possible carcinogen and known ability to cause irritation and inflammation. It was recently shown that Pycnogenol (Pyc; a proprietary mixture of water-soluble bioflavonoids extracted from French maritime pine bark) was selectively toxic to established malignant ovarian germ cells. This study investigated talc-induced carcinogenesis and Pyc-induced chemoprevention. Normal human epithelial and granulosa ovarian cell lines and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were treated with talc, or pretreated with Pyc then talc. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and neoplastic transformation by soft agar assay were measured. Talc increased proliferation, induced neoplastic transformation and increased ROS generation time-dependently in the ovarian cells and dose-dependently in the PMN. Pretreatment with Pyc inhibited the talc-induced increase in proliferation, decreased the number of transformed colonies and decreased the ROS generation in the ovarian cells. The data suggest that talc may contribute to ovarian neoplastic transformation and Pyc reduced the talc-induced transformation. Taken together, Pyc may prove to be a potent chemopreventative agent against ovarian carcinogenesis.     

Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Objective. The safe and efficacious use of Pycnogenol^® (French maritime pine bark extract) in other inflammatory diseases prompted this study of its antiinflammatory effects in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Pycnogenol^® reduces the symptoms of OA in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomly allocated trial with patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis stages I and II. Methods. 100 patients were treated for 3 months either by 150 mg Pycnogenol^® per day at meals or by placebo. Patients had to report any change of use of previously prescribed antiinflammatory medication during the study period. Patients filled the Western Ontario and Mc Masters University (WOMAC) questionnaire for osteoarthritis every 2 weeks and evaluated weekly pain symptoms using a visual analogue scale for pain intensity. Results. Following treatment with Pycnogenol^® patients reported an improvement of WOMAC index (p < 0.05), and a significant alleviation of pain by visual analogue scale (p < 0.04), the placebo had no effect. The use of analgesics diminished in the verum group but increased under the placebo. Treatment with Pycnogenol^® was well tolerated. Conclusion. Results show that Pycnogenol^® in patients with mild to moderate OA improves symptoms and is able to spare NSAIDs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

In vitro inhibition of Helicobacter pylori growth and adherence to gastric mucosal cells by Pycnogenol

The emergence of antibiotic resistant H. pylori strains has necessitated the identification of alternative additive therapies for the treatment of this infection. The study tested whether a specific pine bark extract (Pycnogenol is effective in inhibiting the growth and adherence of H. pylori in vitro. Inhibition of H. pylori growth by Pycnogenol was tested in liquid medium as well as in an in vitro model by using sessile bacteria attached to AGS cells. Adherence was determined by co-incubation of gastric cells with Pycnogenol and H. pylori in vitro. Pycnogenol inhibited H. pylori growth in suspension with an MIC(50) of 12.5 microg/mL. Growth of H. pylori in infected cells was reduced to 10% of the control value by 125 microg/mL Pycnogenol. Adherence of H. pylori to gastric cells was reduced by 70% after 3 h incubation with 125 microg/mL Pycnogenol. The results show a significant, yet limited inhibition of growth and adherence of H. pylori to gastric cells by Pycnogenol. In vivo studies have to demonstrate the clinical relevance of these findings.     

Pycnogenol inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells

Oxygen derived free radicals are now increasingly regarded as a primary force of tissue destruction and also have the ability to release histamine from mast cells. Pycnogenol is an extract of the bark of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) containing bioflavonoids with a potent ability to scavenge free radicals. Therefore Pycnogenol was investigated for inhibition of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. In addition, its effects were compared with sodium cromoglycate, a known inhibitor of histamine release from the mast cell. Rat peritoneal mast cells were isolated and purified by differential centrifugation and cells pooled from 3-4 animals were suspended at approximately 10(6) cells/mL buffered salt solution. Histamine release was induced by compound 48/80 or the calcium ionophore A-23187 and estimated from supernatant following extraction and by fluorimetric methods. Pycnogenol produced a concentration dependent inhibition of histamine release induced by the two secretagogues. Its inhibitory effect on mast cell histamine release was favourably comparable to sodium cromoglycate.     

Pycnogenol prevents haemolytic injury in G6PD deficient human erythrocytes

Glucose6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common X-linked disorder of human erythrocytes where cells have inadequate capacity to destroy peroxides and high susceptibility towards haemolytic changes. Pycnogenol is a proprietary dry extract of the French Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark with high ability to scavenge free radicals. In the present study we have investigated if Pycnogenol can protect G6PD deficient erythrocytes against haemolytic cell damage. Venous blood samples were obtained from six subject of Mediterranean origin with known G6PD deficiency which was also confirmed with standard techniques. Erythrocyte haemolysis in the presence and absence of Pycnogenol was induced either with tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP) or quinine and the haemoglobin release in the supernatant was determined by recording the optical density at 540 nm in a Shimadzu spectrophotometer. Our results have shown that Pycnogenol has protective action against a Xenobiotic chemical induced haemolysis in G6PD deficient human erythrocytes.     

Antimutagenic in vitro activity of plant polyphenols: Pycnogenol and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761)

Ofloxacin (15 microg/mL) and acridine orange (5 microg/mL) induce mutagenicity by different mechanisms in the photosynthetic flagellate Euglena gracilis. The present study examined whether Pycnogenol (PYC; 5-100 microg/mL) or Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761; 5-100 microg/mL) could protect against the mutagenic effects of each of the mutagens and the potential mechanisms underlying such protection. The highest concentration of PYC and EGb 761 effectively reduced the mutagenic activity of both ofloxacin and acridine orange by more than 99% (p < 0.001). Using luminol-dependent photochemical methodology it was demonstrated that EGb 761 and PYC were effective antioxidants. In addition, as determined by spectrophotometry, PYC and EGb 761 bound acridine orange. Both PYC and EGb 761 have been shown to produce dual antimutagenic effects, as evidenced by both antioxidant and physicochemical properties. The findings suggest that EGb 761 and PYC would thus be suitable for future study, not only as antioxidants, but also as antimutagenic agents.     

Treatment of osteoarthritis with Pycnogenol. The SVOS (San Valentino Osteo-arthrosis Study). Evaluation of signs, symptoms, physical performance and vascular aspects

The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of 100 mg Pycnogenol daily (oral capsules) in a 3 month study in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). OA symptoms were evaluated by WOMAC scores, mobility by recording their walking performance (treadmill). Treatment (77 patients) and placebo group (79) were comparable for age, sex distribution, WOMAC scores, walking distances and use of antiinflammatory drugs. The global WOMAC score decreased by 56% (p < 0.05) in the treatment group versus 9.6% in the placebo group. Walking distance in the treadmill test was prolonged from 68 m at the start to 198 m after 3 months treatment (p < 0.05), under placebo, from 65 m to 88 m (NS). The use of drugs decreased by 58% in the treatment group (p < 0.05) versus 1% under placebo. Gastrointestinal complications decreased by 63% in the treatment group, but only 3% under placebo. Overall, treatment costs were reduced significantly compared with placebo. Foot edema was present in 76% of the patients of the treatment group at inclusion and in 79% of the controls. After 3 months edema decreased in 79% of Pycnogenol patients (p < 0.05) vs 1% in controls. In conclusion, Pycnogenol offers an option for reduction of treatment costs and side effects by sparing antiinflammatory drugs.     

Intrathecal eugenol administration alleviates neuropathic pain in male Sprague-Dawley rats

The main objective of this study was to determine the central effect of eugenol on neuropathic pain when injected intrathecally at the level of the lumbar spinal cord. In a preliminary study the penetrability of eugenol was evaluated in the CNS of rats. Blood, brain and spinal cord samples were collected at selected time points following eugenol administration and concentrations were determined by tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Brain-to-plasma and spinal cord-to-plasma ratios (3.3 and 6.7, respectively) suggest that eugenol penetrates relatively well the CNS of rats, with a preferential distribution in the spinal cord. Following the induction of neuropathic pain in rats using the sciatic nerve ligation model, intrathecal injections of eugenol were done to evaluate the central effect of eugenol. Treatment with 50 μg of eugenol significantly decreased secondary mechanical allodynia after 15 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05; <0.005; <0.05, respectively) and improved thermal hyperalgesia after 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). The results support the hypothesis that eugenol may alleviate neuropathic pain, both allodynia and hyperalgesia, by acting centrally most probably at the level of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where vanilloid receptors can be found.     

以痛为腧中药外涂治疗癌性疼痛的研究

目的探讨以痛为腧中药外涂治疗癌性疼痛的疗效和作用机制。方法将60例癌症患者随机分为2组,治疗组30例采用以痛为腧中药外涂治疗,对照组30例根据WHO三阶梯给药原则口服给药。治疗7 d,观察2组患者的镇痛有效率、平均止痛起效时间、持续时间、生活质量以及血液流变学指标。结果治疗组和对照组的总有效率分别为93%和90%,起效时间分别为(24.22±5.61)m in和(27.36±7.52)min,镇痛持续时间分别为(5.68±1.04)min和(5.89±1.76)min,2组比较均无显著性差异(P均0.05);治疗组在改善生活质量、改善血液流变学指标及不良反应发生等方面均明显优于对照组(P均0.05)。结论以痛为腧中药外涂治疗癌性疼痛是有效且安全的,其镇痛作用可能与改善血液流变学指标有关。     

慢性疼痛治疗研究

收集近5年中国知网、万方数据库、Springer数据库、SCI等数据库中疼痛机制、治疗等相关文献。文献分析表明:疼痛的中枢及外周机制中发现了许多新的与疼痛相关的神经内分泌免疫因子,形成了多元化的治疗方法。中药、针灸、推拿等方法在疼痛治疗中也有了较广泛的应用。     

肝病胁痛的辨治经验

根据肝病胁痛的性质,阐述肝病胁胀痛、隐痛、窜痛、热痛和坠痛的病因病机及辨治方药。     

药物保守治疗未破裂型异位妊娠47例临床观察

目的 :探讨未破裂型异位妊娠药物保守治疗效果。方法 :1994年 5月～ 1999年 12月未破裂型异位妊娠共 47例 ,2 4例采用中医治疗 ,2 3例采用中西医结合治疗。结果 :阴道流血消失时间、H CG转阴时间中西医结合组比中医治疗组短 ,两者比较 P<0 .0 2 ,有非常显著性差异。住院天数、腹痛消失时间、 B超监测包块大小变化等两组无显著性差异。结论 :活血化瘀中药治疗异位妊娠有一定效果 ,副作用少 ,但加上西药 MTX效果更显著 ,能最大限度保留患者生育功能。     

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and antiproliferative effect of fruit juices enriched with Pycnogenol® in colon carcinoma cells. The effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant and antiproliferative effect of fruit juices enriched with Pycnogenol® (0.5 g/L) on a colon carcinoma cell line (Caco‐2). The total phenolic concentration (TPC), antioxidant activity and inhibition cell growth were studied in fresh and digested pineapple juice and red fruits juice (both enriched with pine bark extract and not). After in vitro digestion the level of detectable phenolic compounds (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) was higher in both pineapple and red fruits juices enriched with Pycnogenol® than in non‐enriched commercial juices (155.6 mg/100 mL vs 94.6 mg/100 mL and 478.5 mg/100 mL vs 406.9 mg/100 mL, respectively). Increased antioxidant activity (measured by 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC) methods) was observed in digested enriched juices with respect to the same samples before digestion. Pycnogenol® enrichment led to a high antiproliferative effect between 24 and 72 h of incubation with undigested pineapple juice compared with the non‐enriched juice. It can be concluded that enrichment of fruit juices with Pycnogenol® provides a source of phenolic compounds with high stability to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions; however, the antioxidant properties of fruit juices were affected to a different extent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

温阳灸法结合针刺治疗癌症疼痛30例

目的:观察温阳灸法结合针刺治疗癌性疼痛的临床疗效.方法:将30例恶性肿瘤并伴有中度、重度癌性疼痛的患者,采用温阳灸法结合针刺治疗.取中脘、关元、神阙施以温和灸,针刺取合谷、内关、太冲、三阴交,并配合辨证取穴,每天1次,10次为一疗程.采用视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)评价疼痛程度,以疼痛缓解度评价疗效.结果:显效10例(33.3％),有效11例(36.7％),部分有效8例(26.7％),无效1例(3.3％),总有效率96.7％.患者治疗前VAS为6.07±1.26,治疗后为2.53±1.48,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论:温阳灸法结合针刺治疗癌痛疗效较好.     

甲氨蝶呤配伍中药保守治疗异位妊娠28例临床分析

目的：探讨甲氨蝶呤（MTX）配伍中药保守治疗异位妊娠中的效果。方法：对赤峰市医院2006年8月-2009年4月收治的异位妊娠69例,进行甲氨蝶呤（MTX）配伍中药保守治疗30例,利用快速灵敏的B．HcG检测技术、盆腔B超尤其是阴道彩超技术,使得异位妊娠早期得以诊断,为临床保守治疗创造了条件、赢得了时间。结果：保守治疗30例,占同期异位妊娠的43．48％,效果较好。     

米非司酮用于异位妊娠保守治疗的临床观察

目的：探讨米非司酮治疗异位妊娠的临床效果。方法：对28例异位妊娠患者采用米非司酮25mg,bid口服,连用5天。可重复使用1疗程,有出血者配伍止血药。结果：采用米非司酮治疗的28例中成功22例（78．57％）,失败6例（21．43％）。米非司酮治疗成功与否与年龄、孕次、产次及治疗前阴道流血情况无显著差别,而与停经天数、治疗后血-HCG下降率、治疗后包块直径有显著差别。结论：米非司酮治疗停经天数短、血-HCG值不太高的非破裂型异位妊娠疗效显著。