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Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles
> Pycnogenol |
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Supplement Articles |
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PYCNOGENOL
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Pycnogenol is Pine Bark
Extract, and Pine Bark
Extract is a powerful
antioxidant ... |
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PYCNOGENOL
(pINE BARK EXTRACT) |
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Pine Bark Extract
combats free radical
damage |
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An
abundant amount of
bioflavonoid and
flavonols are found
in the bark of these
Pine trees grown on
the coast of
Southern France.
Bioflavonoids are
also found in
colorful fruits and
vegetables and
contain a high
amount of
antioxidants, which
protect the cells of
our body from free
radical damage. Free
radicals are the
waste products of
metabolism. These
free radicals can
circulate in our
bodies and cause
death of the cell,
leading to aging,
cancer and heart
disease. |
The specific
group of antioxidants found
in pine bark extract are
called oligomeric
proanthocyanidins (OPC’s for
short). They have been
demonstrated to help
strengthen and repair
tissues made of collagen, a
protein that builds blood
vessels, skin, and
connective tissue. For this
reason, OPC’s have been
shown to reduce the risk of
heart disease, stroke and
circulatory problems, such
as those leading to varicose
veins and edema. Macular
degeneration and diabetic
retinopathy, which are eye
conditions also caused by
blood vessel damage, may be
prevented with OPC’s from
Pycnogenol. Many individuals
use it improve the healthy
and smooth appearance of
skin, which declines as we
age and with excessive sun
exposure. They have also
been shown to reduce
swelling and inflammation in
the body, thus making them
useful in conditions like
arthritis.
Pine bark Extract is safe
and non-toxic with no side
effects. It is recommended
at a dose of 50 mg/day
although your healthcare
practitioner may safely
recommend higher doses
depending on the condition.
It is prepared in either
powder or capsule form. The
effectiveness of pine bark
extract may be increased
with the use of other
antioxidants, such as
vitamin A, C, E and
selenium, as well as fruits
and vegetables rich in
bioflavonoids. |
Pycnogenol –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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The Bark |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Combats free
radical
damage -
used in the
prevention
of heart
disease, to
treat
inflammatory
conditions,
and for the
skin as an
anti-aging
aid. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
50 mg/day or
higher |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Taken with
other
anti-oxidants,
effectiveness
may be
improved. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
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Pine bark is
non-toxic
and there
are no known
side effects
or
contraindications
for its use. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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