Pycnogenol: Vascular Support for
the Heart, Skin and Retina
Pycnogenol® is the standardized extract of the bark of
the French maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster). It contains
a rich mix of water-soluble antioxidants, bioflavonoids, particularly
proanthocyanidins, and organic acids. It has also been associated
with enhancing nitric oxide production, providing wide-range
vascular support properties.*
By stimulating nitric oxide production, pycnogenol may help
to relax blood vessels and enhance cardiovascular circulation.
One study involving 51 subjects indicated that pycnogenol
supplementation supported healthy blood flow. In an 8-week
trial, pycnogenol promoted healthy blood vessel and endothelial
function as well as blood flow characteristics. Another clinical
study with 19 smokers revealed that pycnogenol has the potential
to maintain healthy platelet function.*
Exciting new findings are also supporting the use of pycnogenol
for skin health. As a result of enhanced microcirculation,
the texture and complexion of skin can benefit from enhanced
oxygen and nutrient delivery. Furthermore, pycnogenol selectively
binds to proteins rich in hydroxyproline, such as collagen
and elastin, defending them from free radicals. In addition,
it protects collagen and elastin from enzymatic degradation.
These actions suggest that pycnogenol may help keep skin firm
and tight.*
Interestingly, pycnogenol may also help diminish the effects
of photoaging. One study involving 21 volunteers suggested
that pine bark extract helped reduce the free radical burst
associated with sunlight and minimized temporary redness.
Another study involving 30 women indicated that pycnogenol
supplementation lessened the intensity of age spots.*
Recent advances in pycnogenol research have also attracted
attention to visual health. By encouraging circulation to the eye and promoting vascular
integrity of the retina, pycnogenol demonstrates promising
protective properties. One 6 month study involving over a
thousand subjects indicated that pycnogenol supported visual
acuity. Another study found that pycnogenol supplementation
helped to support retinal integrity, as indicated by healthy
retinal capillary blood flow.*
Pure Encapsulations offers Pycnogenol®
100 mg, which contains a minimum of 65-75% proanthocyanidins
by weight.
Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research
Ltd. U.S. Patents 4,698,360; 5,720,956; 6,372,266.
References:
1. Saliou C et al. Solar ultraviolet-induced erythema in human
skin and nuclear factor-kappa-B-dependent gene expression
in keratinocytes are modulated by a French maritime pine bark
extract. Free Radic Biol Med. 2001 Jan 15;30(2):154-60.
2. Ni Z, Mu Y, Gulati O. Treatment of melasma with Pycnogenol.
Phytother Res. 2002 Sep;16(6):567-71.
3. Fitzpatrick DF et al. Endothelium dependent cascular effects
of Pycnogenol. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol., 1998. 32: 509-515
4. Wang et al., The effect of Pycnogenol on the microcirculation,
platelet function and ischemic myocardium in patients with
coronary artery disease. European Bulletin of Drug Research.
1999. 7(2):19-25.
5. Spadea L, Balestrazzi E. Treatment of vascular retinopathy
with Pycnogenol. Phytother Res. 2001. 15: 219-23
6. Schonlau F, Rohdewald R. Pycnogenol for diabetic retinopathy:
A Review. International Ophthalmmology. 2002. 24: 161-171.
7. Putter M et al. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet
aggregation by aspirin and Pycnogenol. Thromb Res. 1999. 95:
155-162.
8. Hosseini S et al. a randomized, double lind, placebo controlled,
prospective, 16 week crossover study to determine the role
of Pycnogenol in modifying blood pressure in mildly hypertensive
patients. Nutrition Research. 1998. 21: 1251-1260.
9. Liu X et al. Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract,
improves endothelial function of hypertensive patients. Life
Sci. 2004 Jan 2;74(7):855-62.
For educational purposes only. Consult your physician for any health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
|
