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news.It was found that natural supplement Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree significantly improves signs and symptoms of menopause, according to a recent clinical trial published in Panminerva Medica.
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In the study conducted at Pescara University, 70 perimenopausal women aged 40-50 years were assigned to a placebo or test group, which was given 100mg of Pycnogenol per day (50 mg taken twice daily), over a period of eight weeks.
The study found that Pycnogenol improved perimenopausal signs and symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, loss of libido and vaginal dryness after eight weeks of treatment, as judged by patients’ scores, showing a decrease from an average of 2.67/4 to 1.45/4.
It also indicated Pycnogenol effectively decreased the severity of hot flashes, decreased bloating and improved irregular heart beat and improved digestive problems, while improved menopausal symptoms categorized under pain.
Oxidative stress levels decreased significantly after Pycnogenol supplementation, improving quality of life and helping to control signs and symptoms of menopause, the study also found.
Pescara University lead researcher Gianni Belcaro said, "As evidenced by this study, Pycnogenol may arguably represent a very effective basic, daily dietary supplement for menopausal women due to its extended range of health benefits, including cardiovascular benefits and Pycnogenol’s proven ability to lower blood pressure."