International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology
-
Observational Study
Pycnogenol® and Centella asiatica in the management of asymptomatic atherosclerosis progression.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the nutritional supplements Pycnogenol® and total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA) on atherosclerosis progression in low-risk asymptomatic subjects with carotid or femoral stenosing plaques. ⋯ Pycnogenol® and the combination of Pycnogenol® +TTFCA appear to reduce the progression of subclinical arterial plaques and the progression to clinical stages. The reduction in plaque and clinical progression was associated with a reduction in oxidative stress. The results justify a large, randomized, controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy of the combined Pycnogenol® and TTFCA prophylactic therapy in preclinical atherosclerosis.
-
Homocysteine (Hcy) has been identified as a potential risk factor for vascular disease. This study investigates the role of serum Hcy as clinical risk factor for restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). ⋯ Hcy levels were found to be statistically significantly correlated with both the presence of complicated atheromatous plaque and the degree of internal carotid artery restenosis after CEA.