Xerostomia: prevention with Pycnogenol® supplementation: a pilot study.

Background: The aim of this pilot study was the evaluation of primary, idiopathic mucosal dryness (xerostomia or dry mouth) in subjects without cancer.

Methods: A group of non-diabetic subjects and a group of diabetics were managed with standard management (SM) or with SM+Pycnogenol® (150 mg/day) for 2 weeks.

Results: In total, 48 subjects were included in the study; 24 diabetics and 24 non-diabetics. 12 diabetics and 12 non-diabetics took Pycnogenol® and 12 diabetics and 12 non-diabetics were followed up with standard management only and served as controls. No side effects and no tolerability problems were observed with Pycnogenol®. The registry groups were comparable for characteristics and symptoms at baseline. All otherwise healthy subjects had a BMI<26 kg/m2. In 2 weeks, salivary flow and oxidative stress improved significantly in both groups of subjects (non-diabetics and diabetics) with 150 mg/day Pycnogenol® (P<0.05), while minimal improvements in salivary flow were seen with SM. The subjective score and the number of mucosal breaks and ulcerations, all minimal (<1 mm in length or diameter), were significantly decreased with Pycnogenol® supplementation (P<0.05) with minimal variations in the SM controls. Finally, the mean lysozyme level in parotid saliva samples was significantly increased in the Pycnogenol® group (P<0.05) both in diabetics and non-diabetics.

Conclusions: Based on these preliminary results, Pycnogenol® could be a new, valid option for the treatment of xerostomia.