GENEVA, Switzerland— A new peer-reviewed, published pilot study shows that daily supplementation with the French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol®, may help to significantly decrease the frequency of migraines, reduce frustrating migraine symptoms, and diminish the disruption of daily activities caused by migraines. While a pilot study, this research adds to a body of established science on Pycnogenol®’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Migraine headaches are a common cause of throbbing, pulsing pain, on one or both sides of the head—most often felt around the temples or behind one eye.[1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), migraines are one of the 10 most disabling medical conditions. Over 37 million Americans suffer from migraines1.
“More than just a headache, migraines attack with severe symptoms and accompanied nausea and sensitivity to light and sound that can interfere with daily life,” says renowned natural health physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore. “More than 90 percent of those affected with migraine report that attacks interfere with their education, career or social activities.[2] Pain relief medications are often prescribed to deal with these symptoms but many cause unwanted side effects.”
“The cause of migraines is not fully understood, and a key contributing factor is oxidative stress. This imbalance of free radicals can cause damage to cells and may contribute to frequent migraines,” says Dr. Pescatore.
Pycnogenol® is a powerful natural antioxidant supported by an extensive catalog of clinical research showing its anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to normalize oxidative stress levels. This pilot study, published in the Panminerva Medica journal, tested 67 participants who suffered from migraine and moderate headache for eight weeks. Three groups were tested in the study including a control group following standard management of oral magnesium, riboflavin and lipoic acid, a Pycnogenol® test group that supplemented with 150 mg of Pycnogenol® daily along with standard management, and another test group prescribed with the generic migraine medication, topiramate.
Participants were asked to rank their migraine symptoms, and results showed that the Pycnogenol® test group reported greater improvements of their migraine symptoms, including:
- 61 percent decreased frequency of migraine attacks (vs 8 percent increase in attacks in the control group and 33 percent decrease in the topiramate group)
- 39 percent easing of migraine-induced discomfort (vs 25 percent in the control group and 37 percent in the topiramate group)
- 41 percent reduction in affected daily activities score due to migraine attacks (vs 15 percent in the control group and 33 percent in the topiramate group)
Participants in the Pycnogenol® test group also reported significantly reduced need for supplemental pain management medications and a 17 percent reduction of underlying oxidative stress.
“This new research shows encouraging findings for migraine sufferers looking to manage their symptoms and address underlying factors that contribute to this condition. These pilot findings warrant further exploration,” said Dr. Pescatore. “Pycnogenol® works as a powerful antioxidant to counteract free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.”
Previous studies show Pycnogenol®’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. To review 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 phenolic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 450 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements and health products worldwide. For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.
About Horphag Research
Horphag Research is the exclusive worldwide distributor for Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract. 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 has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol® worldwide and benefits from more than 40 years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement.
[1]https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine-from-stress#:~:text=But%20there%20are%20known%20triggers,report%20stress%20as%20a%20trigger.
[2]https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-facts/