Beneficial effects of a novel IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.
Oxygen-derived free radicals mediate tissue damage in acute and chronic pancreatitis. Low levels of natural antioxidants in pancreatitis indicate their increased utilization as scavengers of free radicals. Combination therapy with selenium, beta-carotene, methionine, and vitamins C and E are known to improve symptoms of chronic and recurrent pancreatitis. This, however, requires many tablets to be taken daily, which is impractical and may reduce compliance. Three patients with chronic pancreatitis (two with a history of alcohol excess and one idiopathic) are reported. Treatment with narcotic analgesics and pancreatic enzyme supplements had failed to control their symptoms. The addition of a commercially available IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (commercially known as ActiVin) to their treatment regimen led to a reduction in the frequency and intensity of abdominal pain as well as resolution of vomiting in 1 patient.
Banerjee
B
B
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63106, USA. bbanerje@im.wustl.edu
Bagchi
D
D
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000872:Anthocyanins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D056604:Grape Seed Extract; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D044945:Proanthocyanidins; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000872:Anthocyanins; D056604:Grape Seed Extract; C511402:Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins; D010936:Plant Extracts; D044945:Proanthocyanidins; C013221:proanthocyanidin