Keloidal penile fibrosis: improvements with Centellicum® (Centella asiatica) and Pycnogenol® supplementation: a pilot registry

BACKGROUND: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® and CA (Centellicum®) on penile fibrosis and on associated signs and symptoms. METHODS: A group of 82 subjects with penile nodules and plaques was included in this registry study and followed up for 3 months; 32 were managed with standard management (SM) only. Twenty-four were managed with CA (Centellicum®: 3 capsules/day: 675 mg/day) in association with SM, and 26 subjects were managed with Pycnogenol® (150 mg/day) + CA (Centellicum® at the same dosage as in group 2) and SM. RESULTS: Subjects in the 3 groups were comparable, including the distribution of plaques. The occurrence of any previous catheterizations was also comparable. Safety and tolerability were optimal, no subjects had to stop supplementation. The percentage of subjects with improved symptoms evaluated with a Visual Analogue Scale line was significantly higher with both supplements in comparison with SM (P<0.05). The combined management with Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® was superior to the other 2 managements (P<0.05). Erectile function assessed by the Index of Erectile Fuction questionnaire (IIEF) was significantly higher with the combination Pycnogenol®+Centellicum (P<0.05). The number of plaques and microplaques, the average total sectional area of the plaques in each subject and the grey scale median were all better improved with the combination. Both supplementations were superior to SM at 12 weeks (P<0.05). Oxidative stress resulted significantly better (P<0.05) with the combination. All blood tests were normal at inclusion and at 12 weeks. The minimal, penile curvature at baseline was reduced in both the supplement groups at 12 weeks more than in the SM group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion Centellicum and Pycnogenol® appear to improve penile fibrosis reducing the keloidal aspects of penile plaques.