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Pycnogenol® (pronounced pic-noj-en-all) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the Maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France. Pycnogenol® consists of particularly bioactive flavonoid species and its purity is in strict accordance with the United States Pharmacopoeia. Pycnogenol® was initially developed 35 years ago in Europe. During the past years it evolved as one of the most thoroughly researched nutritional supplements, with over 200 studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Seventy of these studies were clinical with in total more than 4,000 patients. Pycnogenol taken in dosages from 25 mg to 300 mg is well tolerated and Pycnogenol was attributed "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) by the FDA.
Pycnogenol® Supports
Healthy Capillaries
The "career" of Pycnogenol began in Europe, where it was first
used to maintain vein and capillary health. Pycnogenol® has been
shown to strengthen blood vessel walls, with 15 clinical trials showing
fast relief from ankle and foot discomfort. A recent study with 200
passengers on long-haul flights showed that Pycnogenol® taken before
departure and again during the flight supports foot comfort and healthy
circulation. Travelers typically comment that with Pycnogenol® it
is much easier to put shoes on again upon arrival.
Clinicians in Germany discovered that Pycnogenol® also supports healthy capillaries in the eyes. Retinal capillaries may be affected by imbalanced blood sugar levels. In a multi center field study with 1,169 subjects Pycnogenol® supported healthy capillaries in the retina and improved visual acuity to some extent.
Pycnogenol® Benefits
the Cardiovascular System
More detailed investigation of the interaction of Pycnogenol® with
blood vessel walls at the University of Florida, Tampa led to an amazing
discovery. Pycnogenol® stimulates an enzyme in blood vessel walls
that is responsible for generating the most important vascular mediator,
known as "nitric oxide" (NO). Nitric oxide triggers relaxation
ot the arteries and supports clear blood flow. Hence, nitric oxide is
the body's mediator for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and
circulation. Nitric oxide plays such an important function for cardiovascular
health that Dr. Louis Ignarro (UCLA) and his co-workers received the
Nobel Prize for its discovery in 1987.
A number of factors, including aging, can interfere with the body's efficient production of nitric oxide. Supplementation with Pycnogenol® for four weeks was shown to restore nitric oxide production and improve blood supply to the fingertips of elderly people in a Japanese study. Microscopic evaluation of blood vessel diameter at the root of fingernails showed an increased diameter of capillaries allowing better blood perfusion. Specific sensors applied to the legs showed increased oxygen and decreased carbon dioxide presence. Better blood, nutrient and oxygen supply with Pycnogenol® benefits everybody. Italian researchers were able to show that regular intake of Pycnogenol® helps defy muscle cramps and minor pain in athletes.
The relaxation of arteries has a favorable effect on blood pressure. In two clinical studies Pycnogenol® taken for at least eight weeks was found to significantly support normal blood pressure. Pycnogenol®-stimulated nitric oxide generation directly translates into clear blood flow. This was first demonstrated at the University of Arizona, Tucson in smokers. Pycnogenol® dose-dependently, starting at a single dose of 25 mg, countered the typical effects of cigarette smoking on the blood. Also, Italian vascular specialists found that Pycnogenol® supported the circulation of individuals on flights between New York and London.
Pycnogenol® Supports
Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Pycnogenol can support normal glucose levels when taken as part of a
healthy diet and lifestyle plan. A clinical investigation has confirmed
the significant glucose-lowering effect of Pycnogenol®. It was noted
that Pycnogenol® did not affect insulin levels. Pycnogenol®
appears to facilitate previously insulin-resistant cells to uptake sugar
from the blood stream by yet unknown mechanisms.
Pycnogenol® Limits
Cellular Irritation
Two clinical studies carried out in Germany this year with student volunteers
demonstrated that Pycnogenol® has a potent effect in preventing
cellular irritation. Pycnogenol® inhibits a molecular "main-switch"
in immune cells that triggers the onset of cellular irritation in any
part of the body. Moreover, Pycnogenol® was found to inhibit so-called
COX enzymes, which are involved with
minor pain-sensation related to cellular irritation.
Pycnogenol® Soothes
Menstrual Pain
Japanese gynecologists discovered in 1999 that regular supplementation
with Pycnogenol® soothes the normal discomfort of menstrual pain,
particularly during cramping. Another clinical investigation of 47 women
in year 2004 confirmed the effect of Pycnogenol® in addressing menstrual
pain. This year a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center field
study with 116 women again confirmed these results. Pycnogenol®
is not suitable for on-demand relief during menstruation. The studies
show that Pycnogenol® reached highest efficacy when taken regularly
for months.
Pycnogenol® Helps
to Support Respiratory Health
Challenges to normal respiratory function may result from incidents
the immune system perceives as harmful. Pycnogenol® offers valuable
help in supporting respiration due to its immune-modulating effect and
its ability to limit cellular irritation. A study at the University
of Arizona found that Pycnogenol® supports clear breathing and lowers
mediators of cellular irritation in the blood stream. More recently,
a placebo-controlled clinical study at the University of California,
Loma Linda described how Pycnogenol® supported healthy respiration
in 60 children aged 6-18 years. Pycnogenol® needs to be taken continuously
for prolonged periods of time for maximum benefit to the respiratory
system.
Pycnogenol® is investigated in clinical trials all over the world. New findings are posted on the website www.Pycnogenol.com.
Frank Schdnlau Ph.D. is a biochemist who has spent nine years in medical research at the University Clinic of Milnster Germany. His area of expertise covers vascular disorders, inflammation and dermatology. He has published more than 20 studies and review articles in the medical literature. Since entering the dietary field in 1999 he was involved in numerous studies on Pycnogenol® and communication of new health discoveries.
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