Management of mild, primary Raynaud Syndrome: supplementation with Pycnogenol®

Raynaud syndrome (RS) is associated with vasospasm of the hand and fingers as a response to cold or stress. RS may cause discomfort and color changes (pallor, cyanosis, erythema, as single symptoms, but usually in combination, localized to one or more fingers). The aim of this 4-week registry study was the evaluation of subjects with mild, primary RS and their treatment with a standard management (SM) plan in comparison with SM associated with supplementation with Pycnogenol®.

A group of 67 females with mild, primary RS was included. All subjects were working in shops with refrigerators. No skin lesions were present. The age range was between 30 and 40; the vasospastic changes were symmetrical; no other physical findings were present.

The two groups, receiving standard management (N.=33) or SM+Pycnogenol®, 100 mg/day, (N.=34) were comparable at inclusion. Considering the main symptoms, the decrease in coldness, burning pain, paresthesias and irregular color changes was more significant with Pycnogenol® (P<0.05) at 4 weeks. At thermography, low temperature areas and discrepancies in temperature and color were decreased with Pycnogenol® more than in controls (P<0.05). In the Pycnogenol® group, one subject (2.94%) decided to use drug treatment (PGE1) in 4 weeks in comparison with 5 controls (15.15%). The lowest finger temperature improved from 20.3° C at inclusion to 26.4° C at 4 weeks (+30.04%) with Pycnogenol® in comparison with lower values (from 20.5 to 23.1 [+12.7%] in controls [P<0.05]). The fingertip skin flux increased significantly (+ 1.55 flux units) with Pycnogenol® (P<0.05), in controls just by +0.14 (ns). Supplementation with Pycnogenol® decreased oxidative stress and increased transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) more than in controls. Compliance and tolerability were optimal.

This pilot registry study suggests that Pycnogenol® may be used with significant advantages in primary, mild RS. Subjects using Pycnogenol® may control their symptoms and may avoid the need for more complex and, potentially dangerous or expensive treatments.