Introduction
Mesoglycan is a compound found in the intestines and blood vessels. It is taken from pigs or cows and made into a supplement. It has been used to increase blood flow. Mesoglycan can be applied to the skin, taken as a pill or injected into the muscle or bloodstream by a healthcare provider.
Dosages
100 milligrams once daily
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Diabetic retinopathy —may improve blood flow and reduce hemorrhaging A1
- Intermittent claudication —may improve walking capacity C1, C2
- Venous ulcers —may improve healing time E1
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Edema B1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It may be safe to take mesoglycan by mouth for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA has also issued a warning against using supplements that contain animal products. D1
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Diabetic Retinopathy
REFA1 Pacella E, Pacella F, et al. A pilot clinical study on the effectiveness of mesoglycan against diabetic retinopathy. Clin Ter. 2012;163(1):19-22.
REFB Edema
REFB1 Viliani T, Scarselli M, et al. Pharmacological treatment of mechanical edema: a randomized controlled trial about the effects of mesoglycan. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2009 Mar;45(1):21-29.
REFC Intermittent Claudication
REFC1 Laurora G, Ambrosoli L, et al. Treatment of intermittent claudication with defibrotide or mesoglycan. A double blind study. Panminerva Med. 1994 Jun;36(2):83-86.
REFC2 Nenci GG, Gresele P, et al. Treatment of intermittent claudication with mesoglycan—a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Thromb Haemost. 2001 Nov;86(5):1181-1187.
REFD Safety
REFD1 Important alert 17-04. Federal Drug Administration website. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms%5Fia/importalert%5F53.html. Accessed May 29, 2019.
REFE Venous Ulcers
REFE1 Arosio E, Ferrari G, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study of mesoglycan in the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2001 Oct;22(4):365-372.