Diabetic ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with pycnogenol

Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2006 Jul;12(3):318-23. doi: 10.1177/1076029606290133.

Abstract

Diabetic microangiopathy leads to lower limb ulcers that are very slow to heal. Pycnogenol was evaluated on diabetic ulcers in a controlled trial. Ulcer medications were used in 4 groups (30 patients): (1) systemic Pycnogenol and local application; (2) local Pycnogenol only; (3) oral Pycnogenol; and (4) medications only (control group). Ulcerated areas and symptom scores were more reduced with the combined oral and local treatment (P < .05). Oral and local treatment were less effective, but still improved compared with the controls. Combined treatment produced 89% complete healing at 6 weeks versus 84% with local treatment and 85% with oral treatment; healing in controls was 61%. The combined treatment group and oral only group had better microcirculation after the combined treatment. Combined local and systemic application of Pycnogenol may offer a new treatment of diabetic ulcers. Local treatment also speeds ulcer healing.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Complications / drug therapy*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / complications
  • Diabetic Foot / drug therapy
  • Drug Administration Routes
  • Female
  • Flavonoids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microcirculation
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Extracts
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulcer / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Flavonoids
  • Plant Extracts
  • pycnogenols