Pycnogenol (pronounced, pic-NOJ-en-ol) is a trademarked name for an extract made by Horphag Research from the bark of Pinus pinaster, a French pine tree. It has been gaining recent attention due to its many scientifically proven benefits. Studies have shown it can effectively treat dozens of health issues, including high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, ADHD, circulatory disorders, diabetes, menstrual pain, and eye problems.
History of Pine Bark Extract
Pinus pinaster is a Maritime Pine tree that grows in southwest France. The positive pharmacological aspects of the tree's bark have been known for centuries, according to Horphag's main site for Pycnogenol. It is claimed that French explorer Jacques Cartier was cured of his scurvy in 1534 by natives who used a tea made from the bark.
In Antioxidant Food Supplements in Human Health, editor Lester Packer, et al, said the first written record of Pinus pinaster was in Roman times, after they conquered Gaul. The proprietary extract called Pycnogenol, by Horphag Research, was developed in the 1960s. The subsequent years have added volumes of peer-reviewed research showing the advantages of the pine bark.
Nature's Most Versatile Supplement
Pycnogenol, which is distributed in the United States by Natural Health Science, is a combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids extracted from the bark of Pinus pinaster, according to an article written by Elaine Watson in 2011. It is included in over 700 supplements, cosmetics, foods and beverages.
Horphag's homepage has an impressive bibliography with hundreds of review articles that show the many uses of Pycnogenol and its proven, scientific efficacy in treating several chronic and acute health problems. It is no wonder that Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., in his 2005 book, described Pycnogenol as "Nature's Most Versatile Supplement."
Pycnogenol’s Proven Benefits
P. Rohdewald summarized the clinical findings about Pycnogenol in a 2002 review in International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. He found data to support Pycnogenol's reputation as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Subsequent studies have shown Pycnogenol improves pain and mobility in osteoarthritis patients. It significantly improves memory in seniors with cognitive deficits and can benefit children with ADHD. Pycnogenol can also reverse aging and wrinkles due to its effects on collagen.
Noted natural supplement expert Dr. Ray Sahelian has a summation on his website of the many professional journal studies that have been performed on Pycnogenol. One article in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found Pycnogenol improved erectile dysfunction (ED) by 92% in men, especially when combined with L-arginine. A 2007 double-blind study in Taiwan found Pycnogenol improved menopause symptoms in peri-menopausal women.
A study from a 2009 edition of the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics concluded the pine bark extract improved circulation and edema in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Another randomized study found that Pycnogenol reduced glucose levels in diabetics compared to placebo. Pycnogenol was also found to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis) for those at risk on long airplane flights. It even treats jet lag.
Side Effects and Safety of Pycnogenol
Drugs.com and WebMD note that some patients experience mild gastrointestinal distress when taking the recommended dose of 50-450 mg per day. As Pycnogenol can slightly boost your immune system, patients who are on immunosuppressants should check with their physician before taking the supplement. Those on blood-thinning regimens should also consult a doctor before taking Pycnogenol.
Pycnogenol has been reported to treat even more conditions than listed above. Although it appears this panacea is almost too good to be true, there is definite, wide-ranging evidence to support Pycnogenol's many health claims. Because Pycnogenol is a patented and proprietary extract, quality and purity is guaranteed. Those looking to explore its many health benefits can find affordable supplements that contain Pycnogenol at Trader Joe's, Costco, Swanson Health Products, or Puritan's Pride.
Sources:
pycnogenol.us (Horphag Research), "About Pycnogenol" (Accessed October 7, 2011).
Packer L, Hiramatsu M, Yoshikawa, T. Antioxidant Food Supplements in Human Health. Academic Press, 1999. (Accessed October 7, 2011).
nutraingredients-usa.com, Watson, E. "Horphag launches bid to make Pycnogenol next big thing in functional foods" (Accessed October 7, 2011).
pycnogenol.com (Horphag Research), "Bibliography" (Accessed October 7, 2011).
Passwater, Ph.D., Richard A. User's Guide to Pycnogenol: Natures Most Versatile Supplement.
Basic Health Publications; Laguna Beach, CA , 2005. (Accessed October 7, 2011).
Rohdewald, P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2002; 40(4):158-68. (Accessed October 7, 2011).
raysahelian.com, "Pycnogenol supplements and side effects, review of research trials" (Accessed October 7, 2011).
drugs.com, "Pycnogenol" (Accessed October 7, 2011).
webmd.com, "Pycnogenol" (Accessed October 7, 2011).
Brian Downing - Graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Mount St Joseph with a Bachelor's Degree in Socio-Psychology. Subsequently co-authored an ...
