Improvements in edema and microcirculation in chronic venous insufficiency with Pycnogenol® or elastic compression

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the consequence of venous valve reflux and/or venous flow obstruction and resulting venous hypertension in the lower extremities. The aim of this prospective supplement registry study was to evaluate the efficacy of compression stockings or Pycnogenol^® in controlling symptoms and edema in CVI and their efficacy on microcirculatory parameters.

Two comparable groups of 30 subjects with CVI were observed for 4 months.

Elastic compression was less tolerated than Pycnogenol^® with 12 subjects being unable to follow the compression routine. No side effects due to supplementation were observed; tolerability of the supplementation was optimal. Ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and refilling time (RT) at inclusion indicated a significant increase in venous pressure and reflux (refilling time <16 seconds). AVP and RT did not change after 4 months. Microcirculatory and clinical measurements were comparable at inclusion between the 2 groups. After 4 months, skin resting flux (RF) and skin PO2-PCO2 were significantly improved with Pycnogenol^® compared to compression (P<0.05). The significant increase in skin PO2 and the decrease in PCO2 after Pycnogenol^® intake were ascribed to the decrease in the abnormally high skin resting flux, a sign of better perfusion and skin nutritional supply. Pycnogenol^® reduced leg volume, on average by 18.3% in the evening compared to 4.4% of reduction with compression (P<0.05) showing an important effect on edema. The venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and the composite symptom score (CSS) decreased significantly in the Pycnogenol^® group compared to compression, indicating a better improvement in microcirculatory perfusion and nutritional supply produced by the supplementation of Pycnogenol^® in comparison with compression. Pycnogenol^® significantly improved microcirculation and clinical symptoms in comparison with compression. The decrease in local oxidative stress (OS) at the distal perimalleolar region with Pycnogenol^® was significant in comparison with compression (P<0.05). A lower local OS is an important metabolic indication of a better capillary perfusion with better nutritional exchanges. At the end of the registry study, four small ulcerations and skin breaks in four limbs (between 3 and 5 mm of maximum diameters) were observed in the compression group. No ulcerations or skin breaks were observed in the Pycnogenol^® group.

Pycnogenol^® relieved edema, improved microcirculation in CVI patients and reduced stationary, interstitial fluid in comparison with compression. Most symptoms of CVI are associated with interstitial water retention; the presence of extra fluid in limb tissues alters perfusion and nutrient supply. Pycnogenol^® supplementation reduced water and fluid accumulation in CVI limbs and improved microcirculation and local oxidative stress thus showing important anti-edema effects.