This pilot, controlled study evaluated in 40 stable, mild, heart failure patients the effects of standard management with or without 8 weeks supplementation with oak wood extract (Robuvit®) on fatigue.

Results showed that after 8 weeks, systolic-diastolic pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate were minimally, but non-significantly, lowered with the supplement without differences in controls. Ultrasound-derived ejection fraction was significantly increased in the supplement group (p < 0.05) while there were minimal, non-significant differences in controls. Walking distance on treadmill was also significantly increased in the supplement group (p < 0.05) and significantly less in controls. The microcirculation improved significantly in the oak wood extract group (p < 0.05) in comparison with the non-supplemented controls. Oxidative stress was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with the supplement while there were minimal, non-significant changes in controls.

In conclusion in this pilot, a supplementation with oak wood extract seems to help and improve patients with mild heart failure.

Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Scipione V, et al. Fatigue due to mild heart failure: effects of Robuvit® in a concept, pilot registry study. Minerva Cardioangiol. 2020;68(3):216-223.

Photo by Simon Wilkes on Unsplash