A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol on the climacteric syndrome in peri-menopausal women.
BACKGROUND
French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) was found to alleviate menstrual pain and reduce hyperactivity in clinical studies. These results suggest the possibility to observe positive effects in treating climacteric syndrome.


OBJECTIVE
Clinical investigation of the effect of Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, on the climacteric syndrome.


METHODS
Some 200 peri-menopausal women were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, and treated with Pycnogenol (200mg) daily. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated by the Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ), patients were checked for antioxidative status and routine chemistry. A total of 155 women completed the study.


RESULTS
All climacteric symptoms improved, antioxidative status increased and LDL/HDL ratio was favourably altered by Pycnogenol. No side effects were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Pycnogenol may offer an alternative method to reducing climacteric symptoms without unwanted effects.
Yang
Han-Ming
HM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ham-Ming Hospital, Taiwan.
Liao
Mei-Fen
MF
Zhu
Shu-Yuan
SY
Liao
Mei-Nan
MN
Rohdewald
Peter
P
D000284:Administration, Oral; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D047648:Perimenopause; D008517:Phytotherapy; D024301:Plant Bark; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014197:Trees
D005419:Flavonoids; D010936:Plant Extracts; C024070:pycnogenols