Robuvit® (Quercus robur extract) supplementation in subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome and increased oxidative stress. A pilot registry study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Robuvit® (French Quercus robur extract) capsules in subjects with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) associated with an increased oxidative stress. Robuvit is a wood extract from Quercus robur (Horphag Research) used to improve liver dysfunction and chronic fatigue. After excluding any disease, subjects observed a defined management plan to improve CFS. Signs/symptoms had been present for more than 6 months in association with an increase in oxidative stress (measured as plasma free radicals). Blood tests were within normal values.


METHODS
The registry study included 38 CFS subjects and 42 comparable controls. There were no dropouts in the 4 weeks of follow-up; the subjects were evaluated for a further period of 6 months. The management plan included: improved/increased sleep; reduction/abolition in smoking and alcohol or any other agent that may have affected them; control of diet, increase in dietary proteins; good hydration; rest (1/2-1 h/day) and exercise (at least 30 min/day); planned relaxation time; increased time in open spaces. In the Robuvit® supplementation group 300 mg/day of Robuvit® was used.


RESULTS
Symptoms improved in both groups with a significantly more important improvement in the supplement group (P<0.05). The single items in the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) questionnaire were statistically better improved (P<0.05) in the supplement group. A parallel improvement in oxidative stress was observed in the supplemented subjects. In the follow up, at 6 months no organic disease was discovered or disease markers found.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary registry indicates that supplementation with Robuvit® improves CFS in otherwise healthy subjects with no presence of clinical disease or risk conditions. The effects of Robuvit® in CFS may be partially mediated by a clear reduction of plasma free radicals and oxidative stress.
Irvine3 Circulation/Vascular Labs, Chieti‑Pescara University, Pescara, Italy, Irvine3 Circulaion Sciences Network.
G
G
Belcaro
U
U
Cornelli
R
R
Luzzi
A
A
Ledda
M
M
Cacchio
A
A
Saggino
M R
MR
Cesarone
M
M
Dugall
B
B
Feragalli
S
S
Hu
L
L
Pellegrini
E
E
Ippolito
D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012042:Registries; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins; D010936:Plant Extracts; C588251:Robuvit