A new peer-reviewed study shows that daily supplementation with the natural antioxidant Pycnogenol (by New Jersey-based distributor Horphag Research (USA) Inc.) may reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and recurrent thrombosis.

PTS is a long-term condition that occurs as a result of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and may affect mobility, and the symptoms include redness, swelling, ulcers, and chronic leg pain, according to Heathline.

Recurrent thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by another blood clot forming again in the lower leg. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that up to 100,000 Americans die of DVT-related complications each year, and up to 30 percent of those fatalities occur within one month of diagnosis.

“PTS and recurrent thrombosis can occur as a result of suffering from a DVT event. About 33 percent of those who have DVT will have a recurrence within 10 years, and up to half of those individuals can have long-term complications from PTS,” said Medical Director at NYU Langone, Dr. Steven Lamm. “This research is critical for individuals with high risk of thrombotic events. Driving or flying for long periods of time, heart failure, obesity and family history can all increase your risk of DVT. This study shows promising results for Pycnogenol to reduce the risk of recurrent thrombosis and PTS.”

The expansive study, published in Minerva Cardioangiologica, tested 815 individuals at-risk of post-thrombosis or recurrent thrombosis for six years following a thrombotic event. Five groups were tested in the study including a control group, aspirin group, ticlopidine group, sulodexide group and a Pycnogenol group, to determine the efficacy of these treatment options for reducing occurrence of PTS and recurrent thrombosis.

All study participants followed a standard management routine including the use of antithrombotic stockings, a weight control regimen and regular exercise. Study participants were evaluated every six months for the duration of six years following their thrombotic event, and reports showed that participants who supplemented with Pycnogenol experienced:

• Significantly lowered incidence of recurrent thrombosis compared to other test groups (5.8 percent incidence in Pycnogenol group vs. 17.2 percent in control group)
• Greatly reduced occurrence of PTS (6.5 percent in Pycnogenol group vs. 19.8 percent in control group)
• Overall, the lowest occurrence of thrombotic events compared to other test groups

For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.