Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Daily supplementation of 150mg pycnogenol resulted in 87.3% of individuals being free from symptoms related to Meniere’s disease.
Meniere’s Disease is an inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus or ringing of the ear (1). Meniere’s Disease often results in sudden attacks of nausea, vomiting, inability to walk straight and severe ringing in the ear that lasts 24 hours or more (2). As the disease progresses, hearing loss can worsen and ringing in the ears can become constant (1,2). It is thought that Meniere’s Disease may be due to microcirculation problems in the inner ear (3). Recent research has found Pycnogenol, a supplement that aids microcirculation, can help those suffering with Meniere’s Disease and ringing in the ear (1).
The research included 120 participants with a diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease over a 6-month period. The participants were equally divided, with 60 in the control group and 60 in the Pycnogenol group (1). Both groups were followed by specialists and treated with the best available management of their disease. The Pycnogenol group also received 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol (50mg three times daily).
The following symptoms were measured: spontaneous episodes of vertigo, vertigo when changing positions, fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear(s) (tinnitus), feeling of fullness/pressure in the affected ear, unsteady gait, the presence of associated clinical problems, alterations in daily life (including working, social and personal life) and an auditory test indicating decrease in hearing. The symptoms were rated on a scale from 0-3 (0-absent, 1-weakly present, 2-severely present requiring treatment, 3-unbearable) (1).
There was significant improvement in all symptoms measured at 3 and 6 months in the Pycnogenol group (P<0.05) (1). The participants in the Pycnogenol group also had fewer lost days of work (1 +/-0.3 vs 2.8+/-0.4 days; P<0.05) (1).
At 3 months, 45.4% of participants in the Pycnogenol group and 23.07% in the control group were symptom free (1). At 6 months, 87.3% of participants in the Pycnogenol group and 34.6% in the control group were symptom free (P<0.05)(1).
At 6 months, there was significant improvement in blood flow and edema in the inner ear (Cochlear flow velocity measured via Doppler). The improvement was seen in both systolic and diastolic blood flow (P<0.05), with a more significant improvement in the Pycnogenol group (P<0.05) (1).
In conclusion, Pycnogenol was more effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of Meniere’s Disease and ringing in the ears than the current best management practices (1). These results could be explained by the increase in blood flow (Cochlear flow velocity) in the inner ear with Pycnogenol supplementation (1). Overall, Meniere’s Disease and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can be difficult to treat and supplementing with Pycnogenol is a hopeful alternative option. Future research should include a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to confirm results (1).
Source: Luzzi, R., G. Belcaro, S. Hu, M. Dugall, M. Hosoi, M. Cacchio, E. Ippolito, and M. Corsi. “Improvement in symptoms and cochlear flow with pycnogenol in patients with Meniere’s disease and tinnitus.” Minerva medica 105, no. 3 (2014): 245-254.
Copyright © 2014 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA
Posted August 5, 2014.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Luzzi R, et al. Improvement in symptoms and cochlear flow with Pycnogenol in patients with Meniere’s Disease and tinnitus. 2014 Minerva Medica 105 (3):245-254.
- Beers MH, et al. The Merck manual. 18th ed. Whitehouse, NJ: Meck Res Laboratories;2006.
- Rohdewald P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;40:158-68.
