Lee Swanson Research Update

Pycnogenol Management of Childhood Asthma

May 2005

asthma

Pycnogenol could be used as an adjunct in the management of mild-to-moderate childhood asthma, according to researchers in Loma Linda, CA and Munster, Germany.

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 60 subjects, aged 6-18 years, was conducted over a period of three months to determine the effect of Pycnogenol on mild-to-moderate asthma.

After baseline evaluation, subjects were randomized into two groups to receive either Pycnogenol or placebo. Subjects were instructed to record their peak expiratory flow with an Assess Peak Flow Meter each evening. At the same time, symptoms, daily use of rescue inhalers (albuterol) and any changes in oral medications were also recorded. Urine samples were obtained from the subjects at the end of the run-in period, and at one-, two- and three-month visits.

Compared with subjects taking placebo, the group that took Pycnogenol had significantly more improvement in pulmonary functions and asthma symptoms. The Pycnogenol group was able to reduce or discontinue their use of rescue inhalers more often than the placebo group.

Journal of Asthma 41(8):825-832, 2004

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