Mesoglycan

Supplement Forms / Alternate Names

Aortic GAGsAortic Glycosaminoglycans

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

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

A. Diabetic Retinopathy

A1. 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.

B. Edema

B1. 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.

C. Intermittent Claudication

C1. 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.

C2. 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.

D. Safety

D1. Important alert 17-04. Federal Drug Administration website. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_53.html. Accessed May 29, 2019.

E. Venous Ulcers

E1. 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.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC