Study Finds Pycnogenol® Effective In Improving Inner Ear Circulation With Relief Of Symptoms Of Meniere's Disease Including Tinnitus

HOBOKEN, N.J., July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study published in the June issue of the Minerva Medica found that supplementation with Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all), a natural antioxidant plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, significantly improves inner-ear blood flow, making it a natural option for those seeking relief from symptoms of Meniere's disease such as dizziness, ringing in the ear, hearing loss, inner-ear pressure and unsteady balance. These chronic symptoms can affect quality of life and result in missed work days, falls and lead to depression. Researchers found that nearly 90 percent of patients were free of all inner-ear-related symptoms within six months of supplementing with Pycnogenol^®.

"More than 50 million Americans suffer from Meniere's disease and tinnitus, and because symptoms are often varied and inconsistent, these inner-ear issues are difficult to diagnose and treat," said Dr. Steven Lamm, a physician and nutritional medicine expert. "Building on previous research, this study suggests that Pycnogenol® is a safe and natural option that may bring significant relief to those suffering from these conditions within a relatively short period of time."

In the study conducted at the Italian Chieti-Pescara University, researchers treated and monitored 107 patients between the ages of 35 and 55 who were diagnosed with Meniere's disease and suffering from symptoms like tinnitus. All patients were managed with best available management (BM) which included anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, corticosteroids, low salt diet and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol or other stimulants. In addition to BM treatments, the Pycnogenol^® group supplemented with 150mg/day of the patented pine bark extract. Results were recorded based on observational and reported scales for symptoms such as tinnitus, feeling of pressure and unsteady gait.

Inner-ear blood flow velocity was measured using a high-resolution, linear imaging probe. At baseline, flow velocity at the level of the affected ear was significantly lower in comparison with the other ear showing cochlear hypoperfusion.

There was more significant improvement in all registry items at both three and six months in the Pycnogenol^® group as compared to the control group. After six months of observation, nearly 90 percent (87.3%) of subjects in the Pycnogenol^® group were asymptomatic, as compared to just more than 34 percent (34.6%) in the control group.

Over the course of six months, researchers also found Pycnogenol^® to:

• Significantly improve inner-ear blood flow and reduce pressure as compared to control group (higher flow, higher diastolic component (p<0.05))
• Significantly improve patient-reported tinnitus as compared to control group (p<0.05 at three and six months)
• Reduce the number of missed work days due to inner-ear ailments as compared to control group (p<0.05)

"The important effect of Pycnogenol^® on improving microcirculation makes it a safe and natural option for those seeking relief from the symptoms of Meniere's disease, including tinnitus," said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study. "Because Pycnogenol^® also has proven anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant action, it may also help protect against the onset of tinnitus."

This study confirms previous findings from the catalog of research on tinnitus and inner-ear ailments including a 2010 study that found Pycnogenol^® to be effective to significantly relieve tinnitus symptoms by improving blood flow in the inner ear. To review the clinical research and additional information on Pycnogenol^® visit www.Pycnogenol.com.

About Pycnogenol^®
Pycnogenol^® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits.  The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 340 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient.Today, Pycnogenol^® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide.  For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.

About Horphag Research (USA) Inc.
Horphag Research (USA) Inc., based in Hoboken, New Jersey, is the North American distributor for Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract on behalf of Horphag Research. Pycnogenol^® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. For its patented ingredient, Pycnogenol^®, Horphag Research has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award, Nutraceutical Business & Technology Safety & Quality Award, SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and The American Botanical Council's Tyler Research Award.  Horphag Research (USA) has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol^® in North America and benefits from more than 40 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol^® as a dietary supplement.  For more information about Pycnogenol^® visit www.pycnogenol.com.

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Krissy Zotaley
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SOURCE Pycnogenol