A new peer-reviewed study shows that daily supplementation with natural pine bark extract, more commonly known as Pycnogenol, may reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and recurrent thrombosis.
Post-thrombotic syndrome is a long-term condition that occurs as a result of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can affect mobility, and the symptoms include redness, swelling, ulcers, and chronic leg pain.
Recurrent thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by another blood clot forming again in the lower leg.
“PTS and recurrent thrombosis can occur as a result of suffering from a DVT event. About 33% of those who have DVT will have a recurrence within 10 years, and up to half of those individuals can have long-term complications from PTS,” said medical director at NYU Langone medical research centre, Dr. Steven Lamm.
“This research is critical for individuals with high risk of thrombotic events. Driving or flying for long periods of time, heart failure, obesity and family history[can all increase your risk of DVT. This study shows promising results for Pycnogenol to reduce the risk of recurrent thrombosis and PTS.”
The study, published in Minerva Cardioangiologica, tested 815 individuals at-risk of post-thrombosis or recurrent thrombosis for six years following a thrombotic event.
Five groups were tested in the study including a control group, aspirin group, ticlopidine group, sulodexide group and a Pycnogenol group, to determine the efficacy of these treatment options for reducing occurrence of PTS and recurrent thrombosis.
All study participants followed a standard management routine including the use of antithrombotic stockings, a weight control regimen and regular exercise.
Study participants were evaluated every six months for the duration of six years following their thrombotic event, and reports showed that participants who supplemented with Pycnogenol experienced:
- Significantly lower incidence of recurrent thrombosis compared to other test groups (5.8% incidence in Pycnogenol group vs. 17.2% in control group)
- Greatly reduced occurrence of PTS (6.5% in Pycnogenol group vs. 19.8% in control group)
- Overall, the lowest occurrence of thrombotic events compared to other test groups[iv]
“Standard medical instruction for patients who have experienced a thrombotic event often includes taking aspirin, but that is not an option for millions. This research shows that Pycnogenol can significantly reduce the risk of PTS and re-thrombosis more effectively than aspirin, which is particularly good for people who suffer from aspirin intolerance,” said Dr. Lamm.