PycnoRacer®, a fitness drink including Pycnogenol®, improves recovery and training in the Cooper test.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the effects of training (on running distance measured with a Cooper test) in 3 weeks in non-professional athletes using PycnoRacer®, a fitness drink (FD) including Pycnogenol® during the training period. METHODS: Pycnogenol® has been used in preclinical conditions and prevention. PycnoRacer® is a liquid combination of Pycnogenol® (15 mg), L-leucine (0.6 g), L-arginine (0.3 g), L-isoleucine (0.3 g), and L-valine (0.3 g). Two comparable groups (one using the FD) were formed: 60 training athletes were requested to drink one bottle 4 times/day, while 65 controls did not use PycnoRacer® or other comparable sports drinks. All subjects had a strong athletic background and advanced knowledge of the procedures of the tests. Two daily training sessions were completed. The sessions consisted in warming up and running a Cooper test. RESULTS: 125 subjects completed the three weeks according to plans. There were nine dropouts due to logistical or working problems. Subjects using the FD improved on average by 18.83% (range 12-23%) in their running distance with training. The difference with controls was significant (P<0.05) at 3 weeks (controls improved on average by 8.9%; range 3-17.4%). The difference between the two groups was on average 9.93% (P<0.05). A comparable increase in VO2max was observed in the groups. In the FD group the increase was on average by 10.05 mL/kg/min compared to 4.95 mL/kg/min in controls, with a difference of 5.1 mL/kg/min (P<0.05). A VAS score showed comparable values. Lower values (concerning muscular pain and cramps) were observed in FD subjects (P<0.05) at the end of the 3 weeks of training. The level of plasma free radicals (PFR) values after the last Cooper test was significantly lower at 3 weeks in the FD group (P<0.05). No intolerance problem was observed by subjects using the FD. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the use of PycnoRacer® improved training, running distance, VO2max and PFR decreasing muscular pain and cramps.

Interaction study between antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, diabetic therapy and a novel delivery form of quercetin.

BACKGROUND: In this pilot non-interference clinical study we evaluated possible interactions between Quercetin Phytosome® (Quercefit™), an innovative delivery form of quercetin, and antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and anti-diabetic therapy in otherwise healthy subjects. METHODS: Interaction with antiplatelet therapy was assessed through the bleeding time (BT) test in 30 patients treated with acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine or clopidogrel before and after 10 days of supplementation with Quercetin Phytosome®. Interaction with anticoagulants was evaluated by measuring the International Normalized Ratio (INR) in 20 patients using warfarin or dabigatran before and after 20 days of supplementation with Quercetin Phytosome®. Lastly, glycaemia and glycated hemoglobin were measured in 12 diabetic patients treated with metformin and restricted diet before and after 20 days of supplementation with Quercetin Phytosome®. RESULTS: After 10 days of supplementation no significant difference was observed in mean BT in patients treated with acetylsalicylic acid, ticlopidine or clopidogrel at standard dosages. Similarly, after 20 days of supplementation, the INR level among patients assuming warfarin or dabigatran was not statistically different from baseline. Lastly, no statistically significant difference in mean levels of glycaemia and glycated hemoglobin was reported before and after 20 days of complementary administration of Quercetin Phytosome® in diabetic patients treated with metformin and restricted diet. CONCLUSIONS: Quercetin Phytosome® does not alter the antiplatelet activity of the most common antiplatelet agents, has no impact on the INR values in stable patients treated with warfarin or dabigatran, and does not influence the metabolic control of diabetic patient treated with metformin.

G3 sports supplement in short triathlon: improvements in training, performance, recovery and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: This registry study evaluated the effects of G3 Sports supplement drink (G3) on performance and endurance in triathlon in amateur athletes in a period of 2 weeks of training. G3 is composed of a proprietary fruit juice blend high in carotenoid compounds as well as 100 mg of standardized French oak (Quercus robur) wood extract, Robuvit®, per 50 mL bottle. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of the compounds in G3 may improve training efficiency (decreasing post-triathlon muscular pain, cramps and improve recovery time) and decrease post-training plasma free radicals (PFR). METHODS: We selected 50 healthy subjects available to follow the registry plan (age 30-40). No clinical or risk condition were present; no medications were used. Subjects followed a free diet. None used sport supplements (aminoacids or anabolic products). The use of rehydrating drink (Polase) was suggested to all subjects. The only other admitted beverage was Gatorade for use by the control group only. Triathlon total time as well as objective markers of oxidative stress, measured as plasma concentration of free radicals (PFR), and intravascular hemolysis (hemoglobin, serum ferritin, unconjugated bilirubin (UBR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. RESULTS: Fifty subjects were included: 25 using the supplement; 25 subjects did not use the supplement and acted as controls. Routine blood tests were normal at inclusion and after the final triathlon. The two groups were comparable considering men and women performances at inclusion and age distribution. Drinking and training regimens were comparable between the groups. No side effects or tolerance problems were reported; all G3 drinks were used as indicated. The final "measurement" run was not competitive but chronometric. All subjects completed the test. All subjects performances improved with training. The improvements were seen in parallel both in men and women. The improvement was significantly greater with G3 (P<0.05). The final variation in time was superior with G3 vs. controls (P<0.05). Oxidative stress (PFR), assessed 1 h after the final run, was higher in controls (P<0.05). The higher level of PFR may be associated to a slower recovery time after training and after the test run. After the final test run triathlon, there were no significant changes in hemoglobin or serum ferritin in both groups. Athletes using G3 had a lower variation in UBR and LDH; however, both were significantly increased in controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: G3 supplementation significantly improved exercise performance in two weeks training time and appeared to significantly decrease oxidative stress and hemolysis resulting from exercise.

Quercetin phytosome® in triathlon athletes: a pilot registry study.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is associated with delayed recovery and higher risk of post-training pain in triathlon athletes. Therefore, supplementation with antioxidant compounds may have a role in enhancing recovery. Quercetin presents marked antioxidant activity. In this pilot registry study, we evaluated the effects of the supplementation with a novel proprietary delivery form (phytosome®) of quercetin in amateur triathlon athletes. METHODS: We employed a specific study model of triathlon according to the "Sprint" distance. The individual triathlon training included repetition of the run 8 times in 14 days. A group of athletes used quercetin phytosome® supplementation (one tablet of 250 mg quercetin phytosome® twice daily). A control group did not use supplementation. All subjects attended a baseline measurement run and a second final measurement run at day 14. At the end of the study, subjective performance, post-training pain, cramps, time to full recovery and oxidative stress were measured. RESULTS: In total, 23 subjects used the supplement and 25 did not. No side effects were reported. The improvement of time to complete the run was greater in subjects on quercetin supplementation compared with the control group (-11.3% vs. -3.9%; P<0.05). Training was considered more valuable in the quercetin group compared with controls (P<0.05). Similarly, post-run muscular pain, cramps, localized pain and the post-exercise recovery time were all considered better with the supplementation (P<0.05). Oxidative stress was also reduced (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that the oral supplementation with quercetin phytosome® may result in improved training and performance in amateur triathlon athletes.

Improvement of microcirculation and healing of venous hypertension and ulcers with Crystacide: evaluation with a microcirculatory model, including free radicals, laser doppler flux, and PO2/PCO2 measurements.

In 32 patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous hypertension associated with ulcerations, the effects of the local application of a hydrogen peroxide cream (Crystacide) applied onto the skin was evaluated using a complex, proportional, microcirculatory model to assess and quantify venous microangiopathy after local treatment. A comparative group treated without Crystacide was included. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to assess skin perfusion (flux and venoarteriolar response) in association with transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 measurements. Local plasma free radicals were evaluated in the area surrounding the venous ulcer using the D-Roms test. Crystacide was applied around and on the ulcer for 10 days. Crystacide was more effective than the control treatments. PO2 was increased (improved, P < .05), and plasma free radicals, PCO2, and laser Doppler flowmetry were decreased (improving toward normal values, P < .05). Also, the ulcerated area was significantly smaller at 10 days in the Crystacide group in comparison with controls (P < .05). In the proportional microcirculatory model, all parameters indicated an important level of improvement significantly larger than in controls. In conclusion, in chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcerations, local treatment with Crystacide (10 days) improves the microcirculation and decreases skin free radicals, thus improving healing.

Microcirculatory effects of Viatromb spray gel heparin in chronic venous insufficiency: evaluation of TcPO2 and PCO2--a product evaluation study.

The evolution of microcirculatory methods and the definition of the concept of venous microangiopathy allow the study in a quantitative way of microcirculatory changes produced by pharmacologic treatments at the areas most frequently and severely affected by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), venous hypertensive microangiopathy, and venous ulcerations. This pilot study compares subjects with CVI, in the area most affected by venous hypertension in a 2-week registry. Elastic compression, compression plus Viatromb (lyposomal spray gel heparin), Lioton (gel including heparin), and Viatromb alone were compared. Subjects were evaluated for laser Doppler flux, transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (TcPO2), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) and CVI analogic symptom scale. In the Viatromb groups (B and D), significant decreases in laser Doppler flux, PCO2, and CVI score were observed. The decrease was proportionally more important in the elastic compression plus Viatromb group. Partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) was significantly increased. No significant changes were observed in the Lioton group. There was a good effect for compression only. These differences are significant, as they can be observed even in small groups (10-15 patients). No treatment side effects were observed, and compliance and tolerability were very good.

Prevention of influenza episodes with colostrum compared with vaccination in healthy and high-risk cardiovascular subjects: the epidemiologic study in San Valentino.

The efficacy of a 2-month treatment with oral colostrum in the prevention of flu episodes compared with antiinfluenza vaccination was evaluated. Groups included healthy subjects without prophylaxis and those receiving both vaccination and colostrum. After 3 months of follow-up, the number of days with flu was 3 times higher in the non-colostrum subjects. The colostrum group had 13 episodes versus 14 in the colostrum + vaccination group, 41 in the group without prophylaxis, and 57 in nontreated subjects. Part 2 of the study had a similar protocol with 65 very high-risk cardiovascular subjects, all of whom had prophylaxis. The incidence of complications and hospital admission was higher in the group that received only a vaccination compared with the colostrum groups. Colostrum, both in healthy subjects and high-risk cardiovascular patients, is at least 3 times more effective than vaccination to prevent flu and is very cost-effective.

Control of edema in hypertensive subjects treated with calcium antagonist (nifedipine) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with Pycnogenol.

The presence of edema in different phases and stages of essential hypertension may be due to antihypertensive treatment. Some drugs may cause edema by inducing vasodilatation, increasing the capillary exchange surface and capillary filtration. Pycnogenol has an important anti-edema effect in diabetic microangiopathy and chronic venous insufficiency. This 8-week study evaluated capillary filtration in 2 comparable treatment groups with hypertension treated with a calcium antagonist (nifedipine) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor to define its efficacy in preventing edema caused by antihypertensives. A significant decrease in filtration was observed in the Pycnogenol groups. Pycnogenol controls this type of edema, it helps to prevent and limit long-term damage in the microcirculation in hypertensive patients, and allows the dose of anti-hypertensive drugs to be reduced in most patients.

Circulating endothelial cells in venous blood as a marker of endothelial damage in chronic venous insufficiency: improvement with venoruton.

Damage to endothelial cells is common in vascular disorders and in reactions associated with transplantation. An elevated number of circulating endothelial cells indicates the extent of endothelial damage in a variety of disorders. In chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), the number of endothelial cells is abnormally increased, and this can be considered an important indication of endothelial damage. A group of 23 subjects with two levels of CVI (severe and very severe with previous ulcerations) with an increased endothelial cell count (seen by microscopy) was studied and treated for 4 weeks with oral Venoruton (0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) (1 g/day) to evaluate the effects of treatment on the circulating endothelial cells in blood taken from a peripheral leg vein. The controls comprised two groups with comparable age and sex distribution, one of healthy individuals and one of CVI subjects. After 4 weeks, a significant decrease was noted in endothelial cells both in subjects with CVI and in those with very severe CVI with previous ulcerations. This study suggests that endothelial cells may play a significant role in venous disease, being both an indication of severe disease and a further problem in itself. The use of Venoruton appears to decrease the number of circulating endothelial cells. This suggests an important role of this compound in protecting the endothelium and offers new potentially important therapeutic options that are not limited only to venous disease.