The Oak–Wood Extract Robuvit® Improves Recovery and Oxidative Stress after Hysterectomy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Hysterectomy has a variety of medical indications and improves pre-operative symptoms but might compromise the quality of life during recovery due to symptoms such as fatigue, headache, nausea, depression, or pain. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a standardized extract from French oak wood (Quercus robur) containing at least 40% polyphenols of the ellagitannins class, Robuvit®, on convalescence and oxidative stress of women after hysterectomy. Recovery status was monitored with the SF-36 questionnaire. The supplementation with Robuvit® (300 mg/day) during 4 weeks significantly improved general and mental health, while under placebo some items significantly deteriorated. Oxidative stress and enhancement of MMP–9 activity was significantly reduced by Robuvit® versus placebo. After 8 weeks of intervention, the patients’ condition improved independently of the intervention. Our results suggest that the use of Robuvit® as a natural supplement relieves post-operative symptoms of patients after hysterectomy and reduces oxidative stress. The study was registered with ID ISRCTN 11457040 (13/09/2019).

The Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Human Diseases

“…In DFU treatment, there is a decrease in the concentration of local IL-6, followed by a fall in MMP-9 and an increase in TIMP-1, resulting in better healing and a reduction in wound size [ 64 ]. For example, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study, the extract of Quercus robur (Robuvit ® ) considerably reduced oxidative stress and MMP-9 activity in patients after hysterectomy, improving the condition of the patients [ 130 ].…”

Review of Clinical Effects and Presumed Mechanism of Action of the French Oak Wood Extract Robuvit

“…The reported improved mitochondria regeneration, enhanced ribosomal biogenesis, increased muscle mass, and the elevated antioxidant capacity caused by urolithins give a rational basis for the results of clinical trials with Robuvit, which was shown to accelerate overall energy. 8,[22][23][24] Decreased fatigue symptoms 22,23 and better sleep, 16,23,27 faster recovery after disease 7,[10][11][12]17,19,26 or surgery, 5,14 improved mood, 8,16,27 enhanced erectile function, 22,24 reinforced antioxidant defense mechanisms in periods of stress, 18 or enhanced muscle mass gain after intense exercise 6 are the effects that have been described in diverse clinical studies (Fig. 5).…”

“…Improvements were statistically significant in the supplement group compared to the placebo group. 14 Supplementation with Robuvit relieves fatigue and accelerates recovery from temporary hepatic dysfunction. In an early registry study, the possible virtues of Robuvit for liver health contributions were investigated in individuals presenting with moderate functional alcoholic hepatic failure, characterized by decreased albumin plasma levels.…”

“…After 4 weeks, a health status was given, including general health, social functioning, mental health (all statistically significant compared to baseline [as marked with *] and placebo [as marked with #]), physical component summary, mental component summary, and whole physical and mental health [all statistically significant compared to baseline (as marked with *)]. Data from Ferianec et al 14 ROBUVIT supplementation with 200-300 mg (*3 mg/[kg$day]) Robuvit per day for 4 weeks, the average total bilirubin values decreased significantly. 19 After 12 weeks of supplementation with Robuvit, a significant improvement and normal values were reached.…”

“… Clinical effects of Robuvit. In several clinical studies, Robuvit supplementation was shown to induce better sleep, 16 , 23 , 27 improve sport performance, 6 lower symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, 22 , 23 enhance burnout symptoms, 18 improve mood 8 , 16 , 27 and erectile function, 22 , 24 enhance postsurgery 5 , 14 and disease recovery, 7 , 10–12 , 17 , 19 , 26 and increase overall energy. 8 , 22–24 …”