Suffer no more from haemorrhoids with grape seed extract
Added 25.01.2010
Fifty percent of UK population suffer from haemorrhoids
If you suffer from haemorrhoids you know what a painful ordeal it is and how it can affect your daily activities. But you are not alone; according to the National Health Service (NHS), about 50% of people will experience haemorrhoids at some point in their lives.What if you didn't have to suffer from haemorrhoids? Sounds too good to be true? Well, according to a new study, it is very possible with anthocyanidins and flavonoids found in plants and fruits including grape seed extract and pine bark.
The Scientific Study
Background information
This controlled, randomised, comparative study recruited 84 people suffering from external haemorrhoids. The participants were divided into three groups:
- Oral dose of 300 mg a day of grape seed extract for four days followed by 150 mg a day for three days.
- Same oral dose as first group in addition to a topical cream of 0.5% grape seed extract.
- Placebo.
Results
Acute peri-anal pain was significantly reduced in both the first and second group: from 3.2 at baseline to 0.8 in group 1 and from 3.3 at baseline to 0.3 in group 2. The placebo group saw pain decrease from 3.4 at baseline to 1.2. At the end of seven days, haemorrhoidal bleeding was reported in the placebo group but not in the groups receiving supplements.
Conclusion
Supplementation with grape seed extract reduces intensity and duration of haemorrhoid pain and bleeding. Researchers believe that the flavonoid - like resveratrol and many others - content of grape seed extract improves the function of blood vessel linings. This in turn decreases ischaemia (restriction of blood supply) and blood clots.
References:
Belcaro, G. & all. "Pycnogenol treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes." Pytotherapy Research. August, 2009.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
Suffering from haemorrhoids is very unpleasant and may be painful. A team of Italian and German researchers decided to evaluate the effect of plant derived anthocyanidins on haemorrhoids. The results of their findings are quite astonishing. By taking a simple, natural, totally side effect-free supplement in moderate dosages, they saw a significant reduction within a few weeks. This is absolutely a treatment I would recommend to anyone who suffers from haemorrhoids - so simple and without any side effects.
