What is Pycnogenol and What are the Benefits?

          Many people have heard of this special extract and its amazing antioxidant bioflavanoids components yet, few know exactly what pycnogenol is.  Pycnogenol is a patented extract of pine bark, but not just any pine bark, it is an extract of the bark of the French maritime pine tree which grows in the South of France.  Clinical research shows its effectiveness as an alternative therapy for many modern diseases including heart disease.  It has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and it has also been found to help regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.  Pine bark extract contains a high level of antioxidant bioflavanoids called proanthocyanidins which can be given credit for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Pycnogenol and Type 2 Diabetes

Researchers at the University of Arizona saw a 17% drop in blood glucose levels in people with non-insulin dependant type 2 diabetes who took pycnogenol for 3 months.  This study also found that pine bark extract may even protect kidney function in people with diabetes.

Pycnogenol and Cardiovascular Health

The University of Arizona researcher found that pycnogenol improves circulation by strengthening the walls of the blood vessels, reducing artery constriction, improving blood cholesterol, and reducing platelet stickiness and clotting which can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.  In the trial, those who took pycnogenol were able to reduce their hypertension medication by as much as 50%.

Pycnogenol Reduces Leg & Ankle Swelling

A study published in Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis in 2005 demonstrated that pine bark extract reduced the risk of deep vein thrombosis and leg and ankle swelling (edema) on long flights of seven to twelve hours. Blood clots in the legs are especially dangerous since there is potential for the clot to break loose and travel to the lungs where it can cause pulmonary embolism.

Pycnogenol Reduces Joint Pain

A study at the Chieti-Pescara University in Italy demonstrated that people who took 100mg daily of pine bark extract for 3 months experienced a 50% reduction in osteoarthritis symptoms and were able to reduce their dosage of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Asprin) by an average of 58%.

Pycnogenol Reduces Menopausal Symptoms

Researchers in Taiwan found that perimenopausal women experienced a reduction of symptoms such as headaches, vaginal dryness, and fatigue.  It may also reduce menstrual pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

 Recommended Products: Grapine High Potency 

            Grapine’s proanthocyanidins readily cross the blood brain barrier to help protect vital brain and nerve tissue from oxidative damage and are among the most power-ful antioxidants found in nature. Antioxidants help to neutralize “free radicals,” highly effective molecules that cause cell damage.