Pycnogenol® supplementation improves the control of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this registry was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® on the main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in otherwise healthy individuals.

METHODS: This study included 77 healthy individuals with symptoms of IBS. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 was treated with Buscopan (10 mg when needed), group 2 (Antispasmina col forte; 50 mg papaverine hydrochloride+10 mg belladonna extract when needed) and 3 (Pycnogenol® 150 mg/day) for 3 weeks.

RESULTS: The number of painful attacks was comparable in all groups after four weeks. Mild pain on manual abdomen pressure was decreased in all groups, with the improvement in the Pycnogenol® group significantly more pronounced that in both control groups (P<0.05). Perceived abdominal bowel movements/distension were significantly relieved in group 2 (Antispasmina Col Forte) and 3 (Pycnogenol®) (P<0.05) in comparison with Buscopan (group 1).

CONCLUSIONS: Pycnogenol® has shown a significant, protective and preventive activity on IBS symptoms, and thus it may represent a potential "soft" approach to IBS.