Pine bark extract may help with post-thrombotic syndrome and recurrent thrombosis, finds new study

Photo courtesy of Horphag Research

Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol by Horphag Research; Hoboken, NJ) may reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome following deep vein thrombosis, and recurrent deep vein thrombosis, according to a recently published study. Symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome include limb swelling, pain, heaviness, itching, and eventually permanent skin changes with ulcerations that can cause chronic incapacity. The retrospective registry study evaluated different types of management against the development of post-thrombotic syndrome and recurrent deep vein thrombosis, including standard management, aspirin, pine bark extract, ticlopidine, and sulodexide.

Results showed that 137 patients took pine bark extract with no tolerability issues and had a significantly lower incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome and recurrent deep vein thrombosis compared to the standard management and aspirin groups. Subjects who took pine bark extract also experienced subjective improvement in distal edema, skin discoloration, and all signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

“About 33% of those who have deep vein thrombosis will have a recurrence within 10 years, and up to half of those individuals can have long-term complications from post-thrombotic syndrome,” said Steven Lamm, MD, medical director at NYU Langone, in a Horphag press release. “This research is critical for individuals with high risk of thrombotic events. Driving or flying for long periods of time, heart failure, obesity, and family history can all increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis. This study shows promising results for Pycnogenol to reduce the risk of recurrent thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome.”

References:

1. Belcaro G et al. “Prevention of recurrent venous thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome.” Minerva Cardioangiologica, vol. 66, no. 3 (2018): 236-245.