Supplementary management of chronic Lyme disease with Pycnogenol®.

Abstract

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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).

Conclusions: 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.