Pycnogenol May Relieve Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease and Tinnitus

28 Jul 2014 --- A new study published in the June issue of the Minerva Medica found that supplementation with Pycnogenol, a natural antioxidant plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, significantly improves inner ear blood flow, making it a natural option for those seeking relief from symptoms of Meniere’s disease, such as dizziness, ringing in the ear, hearing loss, inner-ear pressure and unsteady balance.

Researchers found that nearly 90 percent of patients were free of all inner-ear-related symptoms within six months of supplementing with Pycnogenol.

Dr Steve Lamm, physician and nutritional medicine expert said, “Building on previous research, this study suggests that Pycnogenol is a safe and natural option that may bring significant relief to those suffering from these conditions within a relatively short period of time.”

Meniere’s Disease is a disorder affecting the inner eari. It can cause tinnitus, vertigo and even hearing lossi. Those experiencing the disease usually experience the symptoms in a sudden attack which can last around three hours, though symptoms can be felt for days afterwardsi. Meniere’s Disease most commonly affects people aged 20-60 and is more common in women than meni.

In the study conducted at the Italian Chieti-Pescara University, researchers treated and monitored 107 patients between the ages of 35 and 55 who were diagnosed with Meniere’s disease and suffering from symptoms like tinnitus. All patients were managed with best available management which included anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, antihistamines, corticosteroids, low salt diet and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol or other stimulants. In addition, the Pycnogenol group supplemented with 150mg/day of the patented pine bark extract. Results were recorded based on observational and reported scales for symptoms such as tinnitus, feeling of pressure and unsteady gait.

There was more significant improvement in all registry items at both three and six months in the Pycnogenol group as compared to the control group. After six months of observation, nearly 90 percent of subjects in the Pycnogenol group were asymptomatic, as compared to just more than 30 percent (34.6%) in the control group.

Over the course of six months, researchers also found Pycnogenol to:
• Significantly improve inner-ear blood flow and reduce pressure as compared to control group (higher flow, higher diastolic component)
• Significantly improve patient-reported tinnitus as compared to control group
• Reduce the number of missed work days due to inner-ear ailments as compared to control group

“The important effect of Pycnogenol on improving microcirculation makes it a safe and natural option for those seeking relief from the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, including tinnitus,” said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study. “Because Pycnogenol also has proven anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant action, it may also help protect against the onset of tinnitus.”

This study confirms previous findings from the catalogue of research on tinnitus and inner-ear ailments including a 2010 study that found Pycnogenol to be effective to significantly relieve tinnitus symptoms by improving blood flow in the inner ear.