Kidney function in metabolic syndrome may be improved with Pycnogenol®

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Nutraceuticals

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome patients with micro-albuminuria often require adjunct therapies to manage hypertension and protect kidney function.
• Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit cardiovascular and renal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the benefits of Pycnogenol as an adjunct to Ramipril medication in patients with metabolic syndrome and micro-albuminuria.
• To assess the impact of Pycnogenol on blood pressure, kidney function markers, renal blood flow, and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 58 patients with metabolic syndrome and micro-albuminuria.
• Patients received Ramipril, with a subgroup additionally treated with Pycnogenol for six months.
• Cortical blood flow was measured using Colour Doppler duplex ultrasound, alongside assessments of urinary albumin, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, blood glucose, HbA1c, and BMI.

Main Results:

• Combination therapy with Pycnogenol and Ramipril led to significant reductions in blood pressure and 24-hour urinary albumin compared to Ramipril alone.
• Pycnogenol addition significantly improved renal cortical flow velocities and decreased serum creatinine levels more effectively than Ramipril alone.
• Pycnogenol supplementation also resulted in significant reductions in C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c, with a trend towards reduced BMI.

Conclusions:

• Pycnogenol demonstrates significant benefits as an adjunct therapy in managing metabolic syndrome patients with micro-albuminuria.
• Further investigation into Pycnogenol's role in improving kidney function and associated metabolic parameters is warranted.