Pycnogenol alleviates perimenopause in trial

A study to be published in an upcoming edition of the Scandinavian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology shows that Pycnogenol, pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, reduces climacteric symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, panic attacks, cholesterol and other common problems associated with women entering menopause transition. The results suggest pycnogenol may serve as an alternative treatment to estrogen replacement therapy, which is the most common remedy for perimenopausal symptoms, according to the manufacturer of Pycnogenol, USA-based Natural Health Science.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 155 perimenopausal women, each received either 200mg Pycnogenol or placebo daily, and recorded their symptoms using the Women's Health Questionnaire. After six months, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol dropped 10% with Pycnogenol versus placebo.

Patients who supplemented with the agent also had increased antioxidant levels compared to the placebo group. During treatment, rapid improvement of symptoms was reported from the Pycnogenol group after one month. All symptoms of the WHQ improved significantly compared to the start of treatment, and patients did not report unwanted side effects. In the placebo group, no significant changes of symptoms were recorded, noted Natural Health Sciences.