Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is made by extracting the outer bark of the French maritime pine and is then standardized to a 65% content of the active plant substances known as procyanidins.
Why do we need to supplement?
Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract's offers four basic properties:
Antioxidant,
Anti-inflammatory,
Generate collagen and hyaluronic acid
Aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels.
Hay-fever and other allergens
When a person who is allergic comes in to contact with one allergen, immune cells known as mast cells release the tissue-hormone histamine. The histamine in turn triggers sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, itching and bronchial swellings. According to studies, Pycnogenol was found to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells that were aggravated by an irritant.
Circulatory support
Research has found that Pycnogenol helps individuals maintain healthy circulation by counteracting blood vessel constriction, thus improving blood flow and helping maintain normal blood pressure. In clinical trials, supplementing with Pycnogenol was found to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) and raise ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL).
Enlarged prostate
In one study, Pycnogenol was shown to be statistically superior to both placebo and medication (dutasteride and finasteride) after 8 weeks in improving urine flow, decreasing urine frequency and improving the ability to fully empty the bladder.
Sports
In various studies, athletes have shown an increase in endurance while supplementing with Pycnogenol compared to placebo. In these studies Pycnogenol has shown to improve blood flow and oxygenation of muscle, allowing athletes to work harder and resist fatigue.
Healthy blood vessels
Pycnogenol can help prevent leg swelling (edema) and prevent thrombosis during long flights according to research.
Skin health
Pycnogenol binds with skin proteins collagen and elastin to help support skin elasticity and structure. In research, those taking Pycnogenol supplements daily over 12 weeks experienced significantly increased collagen (type 1) production by 41%. This in turn can contribute to reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Pycnogenol supplementation also improves production of hyaluronic acid, the compound responsible for skin hydration, with one study showing a boost of up to 44% after 12 weeks. This benefit was particularly noticeable in the skin of subjects who had dry skin prior to the study. Other mechanisms of Pycnogenol which can support healthy-looking skin include improved microcirculation and increased antioxidant protection from environmental factors.
Joint care
Pycnogenol is shown to inhibit the activation of the main inflammatory complex in the body, Nf-KB. This action reduces the activity of compounds in the body which trigger inflammation and negatively impact joint conditions, such as arthritis. Pycnogenol use in clinical trials has also demonstrated reduced inflammation and joint pain in arthritis sufferers. Those taking Pycnogenol supplements also produce fewer MMP enzymes, compounds responsible for degrading joint cartilage.
Eye health
Lifestyle, diet and hereditary factors all impact our vision, with age causing vision to naturally decline over time. The retina specifically is exposed to high levels of oxidative stress when the eyes are exposed to UV rays from the sun which can damage the delicate tissue. This oxidative stress can be counteracted by effective antioxidants and numerous studies show Pycnogenol demonstrating this beneficial action. Pycnogenol also helps protect delicate retinal capillaries which play a role in healthy vision by ensuring good optic blood flow.