The coated tablets Princi-B® contained three vitamins: B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cyanocobalamin). They are three neurotropic vitamins known to act as modulators of inflammation and pain. Their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory roles are well-known. In addition they display an analgesic action; they serve as neural mediators in nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
The drug Princi-B® was essentially prescribed to combat asthenia in general, and in particular asthenia after a flu, to limit neuromuscular pain (low back pain, sciatica) and rheumatism. Interestingly, the product was also prescribed to treat neuropsychic disorders associated with acute alcoholism.
This combination of vitamins B1-B6-B12 can be used also to attenuate the side effects of platinum-base anticancer therapy. The peripheral neuropathy induced by cisplatin can be reduced with these vitamins, to avoid or reduce nerve degeneration and pain. They can be useful also in patients with burn wounds. The serum level of these vitamins is frequently decreased in patients Alzheimer’s disease compared to a normal population. An inverse correlation has been noted between depression and the intake of the dietary vitamins B2 (not B1), B6, and B12. These vitamins can be found usually in meat, together with essential microelements.
The illustrations for Princi-B showed a two-part image. A dark side (top) probably reflecting the pain, anemia or the weaknesses. A lifestyle side (bottom) to illustrate the normal life. A sort of “before-after” illustration with the mention “whatever the time of insomnia, at 8am he/she has all his/her reflexes”.
