Supplementary management of chronic Lyme disease with Pycnogenol®

The aim of this pilot supplement registry study was to investigate the efficacy of the anti-inflammatory supplement Pycnogenol^® in subjects with history of Lyme disease and persistent symptoms with no active bacteria present (Stage 2 and 3 of Lyme disease), on the reduction of inflammation and the relieve of the main symptoms. There is currently no specific treatment for this condition.

The subjects were divided into two groups: one group received 150 mg/day of Pycnogenol^® alongside standard management, while the control group received only standard management. The observation period lasted for six months.

Forty subjects with history of Lyme Disease and persistent symptoms completed the study: 20 in the Pycnogenol^® group, 20 in the control group. No side effects from the supplementation were observed. The tolerability was optimal as no supplemented subject had to stop management and compliance was optimal with 97% of the Pycnogenol^® capsules correctly used. The two groups were comparable for sex, age distribution and for their main clinical findings and signs/symptoms at inclusion. During the study, corticosteroids at low dose were used on demand in 10% of subjects using Pycnogenol^® and significantly more, in 45% of the control patients (P<0.05). After 6 months, the number of patients experiencing symptoms was significantly lower in the Pycnogenol^® group compared to the control group across all symptoms (P<0.05). After 6 months, the intensity of all symptoms in the Pycnogenol^® group, was significantly lower, according to the scores in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). Plasma oxidative stress was significantly reduced in subjects of the Pycnogenol^® group (P<0.05) in comparison with controls. The improvement in plasma oxidative stress was seen in all subjects using Pycnogenol^®. Knee effusion on ultrasound was seen in 12 subjects of the supplement group at inclusion and in 3 Pycnogenol^® subjects at the end of the study in comparison with 12/20 subjects in the control group at inclusion and 8/20 at the end of the study. (P<0.05). Finally, ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a global marker of inflammation) was significantly more reduced in the Pycnogenol^® group by the end of the study compared to controls (P<0.05).

In conclusion, the present registry study showed that Pycnogenol^® intake for 6 months in patients with persistent symptoms of Lyme disease can help relieve the main symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Pycnogenol's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant double activity may help safely and effectively controlling the chronic inflammatory process.