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Objective: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, gastrointestinal disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with defecation or changes in bowel habits. Its multifactorial pathophysiology leads to a variety of available treatments, mainly aimed at controlling symptoms. The management of IBS patients could be optimized by individualized strategies, including non-pharmaceutical approaches. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel delivery form of Boswellia serrata extracts (BSE) (Casperome®) in patients with IBS., Patients and Methods: 71 otherwise healthy subjects with idiopathic IBS were recruited. Participants were assigned to the following management strategies: hyoscine butylbromide; papaverine hydrochloride + A. belladonna extract; supplementation with Casperome®. Predominant IBS symptoms were evaluated at inclusion and at the end of the observational period (4 weeks). The numbers of subjects who needed rescue medication or medical attention/hospital admission were recorded. Adverse events were also evaluated., Results: In all groups, the IBS symptoms investigated, namely abdominal pain, altered bowel movements, meteorism and cramps improved during the observational period. Of note, the number of subjects who needed medical attention significantly decreased only in Casperome®-supplemented group. In addition, Casperome® supplementation was related to a lower incidence of side effects (mainly stypsis)., Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that Casperome® supplementation could represent a promising alternative approach to manage symptoms associated with IBS in otherwise healthy subjects.

Objective: Several experimental studies and clinical trials support the potential of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L) extracts in promoting eye health and circulation. Many active ingredients have been isolated from the berries and leaves of the bilberry plant. However, anthocyanins represent the most widely studied bioactive compounds in this plant., Patients and Methods: The aim of this registry, supplement study was to evaluate the effects of Mirtoselect® (standardized in 36% anthocyanins and obtained by an industrial extraction process that preserves the full range of the non-anthocyanin components, mainly natural sugars and polyphenols) in different types of retinal vasculopathies. In total, 140 patients with different types of retinopathy spontaneously decided to join one of the following groups: standard management (SM) only (n=38); SM associated with Mirtoselect® supplementation (n=47); SM associated with a generic bilberry extract supplementation (n=55). Retinal circulatory parameters and flow measurements of the retinal vessels were evaluated at the inclusion and after 6-months supplementation., Results: Overall, significant improvements in several retinal circulatory parameters such as retinal blood flow velocity, with respect to the values at inclusion, were observed in both supplementation groups, especially in Mirtoselect® supplementation group. However, at 6 months, inter-group comparison revealed a statistical advantage in all tested parameters for Mirtoselect® supplementation groups. No side effects or tolerability concerns were reported., Conclusions: Our registry study suggests that Mirtoselect® supplementation could represent an effective and safe integrated approach for the treatment of different retinopathies.

Objective: Cranberry extracts have been tested as a nutritional supplementation in the prevention of recurrent lower-urinary tract infections (R-UTIs), with mixed results. This pilot, registry study evaluates the prophylactic effects of oral supplementation with a new well-standardized cranberry extract in patients with R-UTI, over a 2-month follow-up., Patients and Methods: All subjects were suggested to take one capsule containing a cranberry extract (Anthocran™) for 60 days and were also given lifestyle advice. Clinical outcomes were compared between patients on cranberry extracts and those who don't take this supplementation., Results: In total, 22 subjects completed the study in each of the two groups. In the cranberry group, the reduction in the frequency of UTI episodes during the study period compared with the two months before the inclusion was 73.3% (p < 0.05). This figure was 15.4% in the control group (p < 0.05; p = 0.012 vs cranberry group). Seven (31.8%) subjects in the cranberry group were symptom-free; no patient was symptom-free in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean duration of UTI episodes was 2.5 ± 1.3 days in the cranberry group, compared with 3.6 ± 1.7 days in subjects not on cranberry (p < 0.05). Three subjects (13.6%) in the cranberry group and 8 (36.3%) in the control group required medical consultation for UTI symptoms (p < 0.05). Urine evaluation was completely negative in 20/22 subjects in the Cranberry group (90.9%) and in 11 control subjects (50.0%; p < 0.005). No adverse events were observed., Conclusions: These preliminary results, obtained in a field-practice setting, indicates the effectiveness and safety of a well-standardized cranberry extract in the prevention of R-UTI.

Objective: This study evaluates the efficacy of Beanblock®, a standardized extract of Phaseolus vulgaris L., on weight control in healthy overweight subjects on a weight management plan that combined lifestyle and dietary advice., Patients and Methods: Sixty overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) healthy subjects were enroled. All subjects were instructed to follow a weight management plan, accompanied by dietary advice. Thirty subjects used Beanblock® for at least 12 weeks (50 mg tablets, two times daily). The remaining 30 subjects did not receive any supplementation (management-only). The main endpoints were changes in body weight and waist circumference, with plasmatic oxidative stress, satiey and appetite being also evaluated., Results: At week 12, the supplementation with Beanblock® was associated with a reduction in body weight (from 82.8 ± 9.1 kg to 78.8 ± 8.9 kg; p < 0.0001) and a decrease of waist circumference from 94.4 ± 10.3 cm to 88.2 ± 10.0 cm (p < 0.0001). Conversely, only marginal changes were observed in the control group. Oxidative stress was also significantly decreased with Beanblock® (from 380.4 ± 14.8 to 340.7 ± 14.8 Carr Units; p < 0.0001). Satiety and appetite improved in the supplement group. No side effects were observed and compliance was optimal., Conclusions: Beanblock®, in association with a health management plan, was useful for weight control in mildly overweight healthy subjects.