Quality of life and safety of a dietary intervention with French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) in women with osteoporotic bone loss: a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study-Part II.

What was studied

This trial tested pine bark extract, called Pycnogenol, in women with bone loss. They had osteopenia or stable osteoporosis. The aim was to check quality of life and safety. 67 women got the extract or placebo for 3 months. Then all took the extract for 3 more months. Quality of life was scored with questionnaires. Blood tests tracked safety markers.

What they found

Bodily pain scores improved with the extract but not with placebo. A similar gain was seen for vitality. The overall QUALEFFO-41 score was alike across groups. In the pain part, scores fell by month 6 with steady use. Liver enzymes stayed stable. Blood count and kidney markers showed no significant change. Serum phosphate fell within the reference range.

What it means for patients

The authors say the extract kept blood and organ markers normal. They say this supports its favorable safety. They say pain-related and vitality-related quality of life improved with it in the placebo-controlled phase.

Why it is not certain yet

The trial had 67 women. The placebo-controlled phase lasted 3 months. The total QUALEFFO-41 score did not differ. The abstract names no other limits.

Source

Quality of life and safety of a dietary intervention with French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) in women with osteoporotic bone loss: a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study-Part II.

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