Xerostomia: prevention with Pycnogenol® supplementation: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this pilot study was the evaluation of primary, idiopathic mucosal dryness (xerostomia or dry mouth) in subjects without cancer. METHODS: A group of non-diabetic subjects and a group of diabetics were managed with standard management (SM) or with SM+Pycnogenol(R) (150 mg/day) for 2 weeks. RESULTS: In total, 48 subjects were included in the study; 24 diabetics and 24 non-diabetics. 12 diabetics and 12 non-diabetics took Pycnogenol(R) and 12 diabetics and 12 non-diabetics were followed up with standard management only and served as controls. No side effects and no tolerability problems were observed with Pycnogenol(R). The registry groups were comparable for characteristics and symptoms at baseline. All otherwise healthy subjects had a BMI<26 kg/m2. In 2 weeks, salivary flow and oxidative stress improved significantly in both groups of subjects (non-diabetics and diabetics) with 150 mg/day Pycnogenol(R) (P<0.05), while minimal improvements in salivary flow were seen with SM. The subjective score and the number of mucosal breaks and ulcerations, all minimal (<1 mm in length or diameter), were significantly decreased with Pycnogenol(R) supplementation (P<0.05) with minimal variations in the SM controls. Finally, the mean lysozyme level in parotid saliva samples was significantly increased in the Pycnogenol(R) group (P<0.05) both in diabetics and non-diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these preliminary results, Pycnogenol(R) could be a new, valid option for the treatment of xerostomia.