Pycnogenol is a trademarked name for proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid complex extracted from the bark of the European coastal pine, Pinus Maritima. It is a powerful antioxidant and is being extensively studied as a significantly potent treatment for many free-radical-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and senility.
Pycnogenol-based products should not be confused with products containing Grape Seed Extract (GSE). Although both Pycnogenol and GSE both contain the antioxidant proanthocyanidin (also called Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC) and Procyanidolic Oligomers (PCO), be aware that they are two distinct, chemically different substances. Pycnogenol refers only to those products containing extracts of Maritime Pine bark.
Pycnogenol has been shown to be a more rapidly effective antioxidant than even vitamin C and E, because it is so rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream (absorption takes approximately 20 minutes) and remains effective for up to 72 hours. It also works in partnership with vitamin C to help the body recycle vitamin E, and it’s one the very few antioxidants that can also cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect brain tissue. Because Pycnogenol is such a powerfully effective free-radical neutralizer, it is now increasingly becoming more and more regarded as a ‘heavyweight’ ally in the business of regenerating systems that generally break down with age; and its benefits include improving immune resistance, vision, brain function, and skin elasticity. It is also emerging as a protection factor, defending cellular DNA from the oxidative damage and cell mutation processes that can lead to carcinogenic activity.
There is evidence to suggest that Pycnogenol can also improve the circulatory system by helping to strengthen capillaries and veins. Improved circulation helps fight both Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory disorder characterized by itching skin, swelling, ulcers, edema, varicose veins and cardiovascular problems. In addition, Pycnogenol keeps blood platelets from sticking together and forming hazardous blood clots.
US studies have also shown that Pycnogenol eases allergic or inflammatory symptoms by inhibiting the release and synthesis of certain compounds that promote inflammation, such as histamine, serine protease, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. It may also help heal stress-related ulcers by reducing histamine secretion and by binding to and protecting connective tissue in mucous membranes.
The antioxidant complex contained in Pycnogenol (proanthocyanidin, or OPC/PCO) is found in extremely small amounts in the peels and skins of seeds of grapes, blueberries, cherries, and plums, in addition to the bark of the lemon and Landis pine tree, whilst also present in hazelnut tree leaves. Unfortunately though, it is extremely difficult if not well nigh impossible, to get the amount of PCO needed for credibly significant antioxidant protection from our diets alone.
Therefore, if you want to try Pycnogenol supplements, they are available at most health food stores in 30 and 60 milligram tablets. There is no ‘official’ Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Pycnogenol, but very varied supplementation levels high and low, has shown no toxic effects whatsoever to date. In one study, even when daily doses of up to 35,000 milligram were given for six months, no adverse effects were recorded. Nevertheless, taking such a large daily dose is not guaranteed to be more effective than the dosage suggested in the next paragraph. 35,000 milligrams a day would however, certainly prove to be a very expensive proposition! Pycnogenol supplements are also not recommended for pregnant women or children, as it has not yet been classified as totally safe for these particular groups.
In order to efficiently saturate the tissues, take one 30-milligram tablet for each twenty five pounds of body weight daily for three days. After that, Pycnogenol levels in the body can be healthily maintained with a daily dose of two 30-milligram tablets.
Pycnogenol certainly seems to work best when used in conjunction with other antioxidants and minerals. When combined with vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A (Beta-Carotene) along with zinc, selenium and manganese. With the addition of Coenzyme Q10, the pine bark extract in Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce the effects of free radical damage associated with acute and chronic inflammations, senility, poor circulation, nervous disorders, and immune system suppression.
Some recent research indicates that Pycnogenol is certainly an effective assistance in helping to treat or aid in preventing, a host of illnesses and disorders. These include ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, asthma, fibromyalgia, cellulite, diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, lung cancer, premenstrual syndrome, macular degeneration, myocardial ischemia, skin disorders, phlebitis, poor night vision, pelvic pain, prostate disease, cellulite, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, strokes, and high blood pressure. Consequently, a supplement is probably well worth trying.
