Prevention and control of jet lag symptoms and temporary impairment of cognitive function with Pycnogenol® in healthy individuals and in hypertensives.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the efficacy of Pycnogenol® in controlling signs/symptoms and temporary impairment of cognitive function (COFU) associated with jet lag. Previous flight studies have shown a decrease in the level of jet lag symptoms with Pycnogenol®. The control of jet lag signs/symptoms appeared to be correlated with flight-related microangiopathy and peripheral edema. Pycnogenol® - a standardized extract from the bark of French maritime pine - has significant antiedema, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. METHODS: A group of subjects flying east in economy class for 10-12 hours used Pycnogenol® 150 mg/day and a similar group without supplementation served as controls. A subgroup of mild hypertensive subjects using a single ACE inhibitor was also included. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven subjects completed the study. Of the participants, 48 were aviation professionals like pilots, flight attendants or air company staff - 24 of them took Pycnogenol® and 24 served as controls. Forty-seven study participants were frequent flyers and non-staff professionals, 25 of which took Pycnogenol® and 22 served as controls. In addition, a group of 32 subjects with mild hypertension was included, 16 took Pycnogenol® and 16 served as controls. No side effects and a good tolerability were observed. The registry groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. Eastbound flights' duration was 11.22±0.4 hours in supplemented subjects and 11.14±0.32 in controls. Dropouts were due to logistical problems. Post flight Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in all Pycnogenol® groups, including hypertensives for all signs and symptoms of jet lag compared to controls, showing prevention and improvement of jet lag symptoms. The duration of any sign/symptom of jet lag with Pycnogenol® intake was significantly shorter (P<0.05) post-flight compared to controls (P<0.05). The number of nights of altered/disturbed sleep was also lower in the Pycnogenol® groups compared to controls. Leg edema was present in almost all subjects with different degrees especially in the hypertensive group. The increase in ankle circumference before and after flight was significantly lower with Pycnogenol® compared to controls (P<0.05). After the flight, average scores of the single COFU tasks were significantly higher in the Pycnogenol® groups compared to controls, showing preserved cognitive function. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in this registry study Pycnogenol® was effective in preventing jet lag-related symptoms and preserving cognitive functions without tolerability problems. These observations should be tested in a larger group of subjects including complex individuals prone to edema (i.e. diabetics, hypertensive or older patients).