Open AccessA randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol® on the climacteric syndrome in peri‐menopausal women
Author(s) -
YANG HANMING,
LIAO MEIFEN,
ZHU SHUYUAN,
LIAO MEINAN,
ROHDEWALD PETER
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340701446108
Subject(s) - climacteric , medicine , placebo , clinical trial , menopause , traditional medicine , physical therapy , alternative medicine , pathology
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 155women 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.