GENEVA, – November 22, 2004 –A new clinical study found participants who supplemented with French maritime pine tree bark known as Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) while on long-haul airline flights (7-12 hrs.) were significantly protected from thrombotic events or complications from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), conditions associated with prolonged air travel.
The double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the October issue of Clinical Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis found that 198 subjects who supplemented with 200mg of Pycnogenol® 2-3 hours prior to the flight, 200mg six hours later in mid-flight and 100mg the day after flying concluded that Pycnogenol® treatment was effective in protecting against thrombotic events (DVT and SVT) in moderate to high risk subjects during long haul flights as compared to the placebo group that produced five thrombotic events.
“This research is encouraging news for moderate to high-risk travelers. Travel-related DVT and SVT are preventable conditions. Pycnogenol® is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants available today and has the ability to control the permeability of capillary walls, preventing edema, inhibiting platelet aggregation and ultimately reducing thrombotic events,” said Peter Rohdewald, Ph.D. Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Muenster and one of the authors of the study. “The effectiveness of Pycnogenol® as a preventative measure as demonstrated by this study makes it a key factor in promoting safe and healthy travel,” said Rohdewald.
Deep vein thrombosis is caused by a blood clot that partially or completely blocks blood flow in the vein. This condition is frequently caused by a pooling of blood in the area, often due to immobility. Long, cramped flights create an optimal environment for DVT and SVT to take place. Observational studies have suggested that on long haul flights up to ten percent of passengers may be affected.
The majority of thromboses occurring during travel remain symptomless as the developed clot spontaneously dissolves before it may affect blood flow. Thus, many travelers don’t realize they developed a thrombosis and were lucky. People who are affected by thrombosis typically experience that one of their calves get warm, swell and show a blue-red discoloration after some time. Thrombosis may be fatal when the blood clot is dislodged and travels with the blood stream to finally block the branches of arteries in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
According to Dr. Rohdewald, problems such as large varicose veins and edema also contribute to the development of DVT and SVT. Varicose veins may cause superficial thrombosis or phlebitis, a condition in which the vein becomes inflamed due to a blood clot. Controlling edema, or swelling, could also be a key factor in preventing thrombotic events.
Dr. Surr’s® Zinopin® is a new natural dietary supplement formula made specifically for travelers to support vein and circulatory health and combat motion sickness. Zinopin® combines 100mg of Pycnogenol® and 150mg of standardized ginger root extract. Zinopin® is endorsed by Dr. John Scurr, Consultant Vascular Surgeon of London Lister Hospital and is considered one of the leading experts of travel related deep vein thrombosis.
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the Maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France. Its unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, offers extensive natural health benefits to individuals suffering from thrombotic events, varicose veins, inflammation and enhances overall circulation. The extract has been widely studied for the past thirty-five years and has more than 130 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Pycnogenol® brand products are available in over 140 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health formulas nationwide.