Study
Pycnogenol Reduces Risk of Blood Clots During Long Flights for At-Risk Seniors
Taking Pycnogenol before and during long flights significantly reduced the risk of blood clots in seniors at moderate to high risk of thrombosis.
Summary
In plain language
This study explored the effects of Pycnogenol, a natural supplement, on preventing blood clots in seniors at risk during long flights. Researchers found that those who took Pycnogenol had fewer incidents of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) compared to those who took a placebo. Specifically, none of the participants taking Pycnogenol experienced thrombosis, while the placebo group had several cases. This is important for seniors who travel long distances by air, as prolonged immobility can increase the risk of clots, which can lead to serious health issues. Pycnogenol may offer a natural option to help reduce this risk.
Details
Use the full description to understand the study design, methods, and the limits of the findings.
This study examined the effect of Pycnogenol, a natural pine bark extract, during long-haul flights in seniors at risk of blood clots. Participants took Pycnogenol capsules before and during their flights.
The study included 211 participants, with 106 receiving Pycnogenol and 105 receiving a placebo. Flights averaged over 8 hours.
Results showed zero thrombotic events in the Pycnogenol group, while the placebo group had five events.
No side effects were reported, indicating that Pycnogenol is well-tolerated.
Seniors who frequently travel might consider discussing Pycnogenol with their healthcare providers as a preventative measure against flight-related blood clots.
Full Study
Open the original publication for the complete methods, outcomes, and source material.
Pycnogenol Reduces Risk of Blood Clots During Long Flights for At-Risk Seniors
Published October 2004 · DOI 10.1177/107602960401000410
Opens at the publisher · external site · may require institutional access
Research Quality Score
Scored June 16, 2026 using rubric v9_2026-04-08.
Assessment
The study is a well-conducted prospective cohort with randomization and control, targeting a relevant senior population. However, it lacks blinding and detailed statistical analysis, which limits its robustness. The journal is reputable, and conflicts of interest are well disclosed.
Category Breakdown
| Category | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Study design | 6.7/10 | |
| Bias control | 6.7/10 | |
| Statistical methods | 5.0/10 | |
| Reporting completeness | 5.0/10 | |
| Conflicts & funding | 10.0/10 | |
| Replication | 0.0/10 | |
| Relevance to chosen population | 10.0/10 | |
| Journal Reliability | 5.0/10 |
Additional Notes
The study's focus on seniors and its methodological strengths make it relevant, but the lack of blinding and detailed statistical reporting are notable limitations.
Assessed on the study's full text across 8 quality dimensions; conflict-of-interest disclosures were checked.
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