A new peer-reviewed, published pilot study shows that daily supplementation with the French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, distributed in North America by New Jersey-based Horphag Research (USA) Inc., may help to significantly decrease the frequency of migraines, reduce frustrating migraine symptoms and diminish the disruption of daily activities caused by migraines. While a pilot study, this research adds to a body of established science on Pycnogenol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Migraine headaches are a common cause of throbbing, pulsing pain, on one or both sides of the head—most often felt around the temples or behind one eye. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), migraines are one of the 10 most disabling medical conditions. Over 37 million Americans suffer from migraines.

“More than just a headache, migraines attack with severe symptoms and accompanied nausea and sensitivity to light and sound that can interfere with daily life,” said  natural health physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore. “More than 90 percent of those affected with migraine report that attacks interfere with their education, career or social activities. Pain relief medications are often prescribed to deal with these symptoms but many cause unwanted side effects.”

“The cause of migraines is not fully understood, and a key contributing factor is oxidative stress. This imbalance of free radicals can cause damage to cells and may contribute to frequent migraines,” he added.

According to the company, Pycnogenol is a powerful natural antioxidant supported by an extensive catalog of clinical research showing its anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to normalize oxidative stress levels. This pilot study, published in the Panminerva Medica journal, tested 67 participants who suffered from migraine and moderate headache for eight weeks. Three groups were tested in the study including a control group following standard management of oral magnesium, riboflavin and lipoic acid, a Pycnogenol test group that supplemented with 150 mg of Pycnogenol daily along with standard management, and another test group prescribed with the generic migraine medication, topiramate.

Participants were asked to rank their migraine symptoms, and results showed that the Pycnogenol test group reported greater improvements of their migraine symptoms, including:

• 61 percent decreased frequency of migraine attacks (vs 8 percent increase in attacks in the control group and 33 percent decrease in the topiramate group)

• 39 percent easing of migraine-induced discomfort (vs 25 percent in the control group and 37 percent in the topiramate group)

• 41 percent reduction in affected daily activities score due to migraine attacks (vs 15 percent in the control group and 33 percent in the topiramate group)

Participants in the Pycnogenol test group also reported significantly reduced need for supplemental pain management medications and a 17 percent reduction of underlying oxidative stress.

For more information, visit https://www.pycnogenol.com/.