A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of Pycnogenol(R) for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms

Frank Schonlau (1)

1 Horphag Research UK

We explored the potential of Pycnogenol® for relieving allergic rhinitis (birch pollen) symptoms in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. In 2008 19 subjects started treatment three weeks prior to the onset of birch pollen season in Ontario Canada. While there was an improvement of eye and nasal symptoms with Pycnogenol, there was no significance versus placebo. It was postulated that Pycnogenol may require a lag-time between start of therapy and the onset of action. Therefore 39 subjects were treated five to eight weeks prior the 2009 birch allergy season. The evaluation of subjects in 2009 showed much lower scores for eye (-35%) and nasal (-20.5%) symptoms with Pycnogenol compared to placebo. In succession of the allergy season birch specific IgE increased by 31.9% in the placebo group compared to only 19.4% in the Pycnogenol group. Detailed analysis suggested that symptom-relief was better the longer subjects were on Pycnogenol prior to allergen exposure. The best results were found with subjects who took Pycnogenol 7-8 weeks ahead of the allergy season. With the limited number of 39 patients statistical predications were unattainable. In conclusion, Pycnogenol improved allergic rhinitis symptoms when supplementation was started at least five weeks before onset of the allergy season.

Mots clés: Life Sciences

Frank Schonlau. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of Pycnogenol(R) for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phytotherapy Research, 2010, ⟨10.1002/ptr.3232⟩. ⟨hal-00552433⟩