Pycnogenol naturally reduces symptoms, severity and duration of common cold, finds study
Natural pine bark extract found to help relieve sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, cough, temperature and headache
New research shows that pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, significantly shortens the duration of the common cold and reduces the severity of sore throat, congestion, headache, coughing and sneezing.
The study, published in the December issue of Panminerva Medica, builds on previous research showing that Pycnogenol 'offers measurable symptom-relief naturally, reduces the need for over-the-counter remedies, and shortens the duration of the common cold,' said Steven Lamm, a doctor and nutritional medicine expert.
The peer-reviewed study, conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy, included 146 participants between ages 25–65, all of whom were generally fit and in good health, and none of whom suffered from respiratory illnesses or had received a flu vaccination within three months prior to the study.
The significant effect of pycnogenol to treat cold symptoms can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and antioxidant qualities
At the first symptoms of a cold, 70 participants took pycnogenol 50mg twice daily in addition to their preferred best management, such as a nasal decongestant or washing hands; 76 participants in the control group relied on best management alone.
On average, symptoms of the common cold last five to ten days, said Lamm, with the first four days being the most severe. In the study, within four days of the first symptom, supplementation with pycnogenol was shown to:
- Reduce the number of affected days (3.1 days pycnogenol/4.2 days control)
- Significantly reduce number of lost work days (0.55 days pycnogenol/0.67 days control)
- Significantly reduce demand for additional treatments including nasal drops, aspirin + Vitamin C, antihistamines and aerosols
- Significantly prevent complications and extensions beyond four days
- Significantly shorten the duration of all pillar symptoms including scratchy or sore throat, sneezing, running nose, cough, temperature and more.
'This study finds pycnogenol to be a safe and effective natural remedy to treat symptoms of the common cold, reduce the number of affected days and decrease complications from the cold without side effects,' said Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study.
'The significant effect of pycnogenol to treat nasal congestion and runny nose can be attributed to the extract’s natural anti-inflammatory, anti-edema and antioxidant qualities and for its ability to improve blood circulation.'
While there is no standard treatment for the common cold, popular over-the-counter treatments include aspirin, pain relievers, fever reducers, nose drops and sprays, antihistamines and cough syrups.
