OBJECTIVE

This was the open-label study to evaluate the potential benefit of Pinus radiata bark extract and vitamin C as a treatment for migraine.

METHODS

Fifty outpatients with chronic migraine refractory to at least two prophylactic medications were treated with an antioxidant formulation of 1200 mg Pinus radiata bark extract and 150 mg vitamin C daily for 3 months. Patients completed migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study to assess migraine impact on work, school, domestic and social activities over the three months prior to enrollment and the three month treatment period. Patients continued existing pharmacologic medications during the study. Patients who were responders were assessed for migraine impact using MIDAS questionnaires every 3 months for 12 months.

RESULTS

Twenty nine patients (58%) showed improvement in MIDAS score, number of headache days and headache severity score over the 3 months of treatment. Mean MIDAS score significantly improved from 30.3 days at baseline to 14.4 days; mean number of headache days significantly reduced from 47.9 days at baseline to 25.9 days, and mean headache severity reduced from 8.1 out of 10 to 5.6 after 3 months therapy. The responders who continuously took Pinus radiata bark extract and vitamin C combination for 12 months experienced ongoing migraine relief with more than 50% reduction of frequency and severity of headaches.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the antioxidant therapy used in this study may be beneficial in the treatment of migraine possibly reducing headache frequency and severity.