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.

CONCLUSION

Pycnogenol may offer an alternative method to reducing climacteric symptoms without unwanted effects.