Pycnogenol Improves Kidney Function

Pycnogenol Improves Kidney Function in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

A study published in the June 2010 issue of Panminerva Medica revealed Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract, from Natural Health Science, offered kidney health benefits to metabolic syndrome patients, reduced blood sugar and lowered Body Mass Index (BMI) due to weight loss.

The controlled study carried out at the Nephrology Unit at the L’Aquila Hospital in Italy investigated 58 hypertensive patients who presented all of the criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, as defined by the World Health Organization: hypertension, high blood lipids, high fasting blood glucose and obesity. All patients showed early signs of kidney problems as judged by elevated amounts of proteins (albumin) present in their urine.

Patients were divided into two groups and instructed to follow a healthier lifestyle with dietary improvements, moderate exercise and effective management of health risk factors. Both groups were treated with anti-hypertensive medication Ramipril, taking a standard dosage of 5 mg twice a day, with one group of 31 patients taking Pycnogenol in addition to the medication. In the group taking Pycnogenol, 50 mg Pycnogenol tablets were taken three times a day. Urine was collected during a 24-hour period for quantification of the protein albumin in the urine at baseline and again after six months of treatment.

Results indicate Pycnogenol not only controlled hypertension, but also restored kidney function in those impacted by metabolic syndrome. People taking Pycnogenol had lower blood glucose levels and experienced weight loss during the six months. Kidney function improved in both groups. With Ramipril alone, urinary protein decreased by 22% and with the addition of Pycnogenol it decreased by 52.7%. Pycnogenol also led to improvement of blood flow velocity of the kidney arteries. For further information:

www.pycnogenol.com

http://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view/31704

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/