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French maritime pine bark extract inhibits viral replication and prevents development of viral myocarditis

Akira Matsumori1, Hirokazu Higuchi, Miho Shimada

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Journal of Cardiac Failure
|November 13, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) reduced viral myocarditis in mice by decreasing virus replication and suppressing inflammatory gene expression. This suggests Pycnogenol may be a beneficial treatment for viral myocarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression.
  • Viral myocarditis is a significant cardiac condition with limited therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of Pycnogenol in a mouse model of viral myocarditis.
  • To determine if Pycnogenol can mitigate cardiac damage and viral load.

Main Methods:

  • DBA/2 mice were infected with encephalomyocarditis virus (EMC).
  • Pycnogenol was administered orally at varying doses (1-100 mg/kg) starting on the day of inoculation.
  • Histological analysis and gene expression studies were performed on day 7 post-infection.

Main Results:

  • Pycnogenol (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced myocardial infiltration and necrosis.
  • A significant decrease in viral concentration was observed in mice treated with Pycnogenol (1 mg/kg).
  • Pycnogenol (100 mg/kg) suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, cardiac remodeling genes, and mast cell-related genes.

Conclusions:

  • Pycnogenol demonstrates beneficial effects in viral myocarditis by reducing viral replication.
  • Pycnogenol suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory and cardiac remodeling-associated genes.
  • These findings suggest Pycnogenol as a potential therapeutic agent for viral myocarditis.

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