Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol Antioxidant Benefits

Pycnogenol, also known as Pine Bark Extract, is a registered trademark name for a product derived from the pine bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, or French maritime pine, and offers robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredients in Pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources such as peanut skin, grape seed and witch hazel bark, and is also extracted from other sources in different countries around the world, such as Pinus radiata, Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, and Pinus massoniana. Most of these extracts have very similar compositions and health benefits; however, some slight variations do exist.

What’s especially interesting about pycnogenol is that the proanthocyanidins present in the bark have been shown to have not only antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but also antibacterial, antiviral, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-allergic properties. Just as interestingly, research has compared the medicinal properties of pycnogenol to those of aspirin because both can effectively relieve pain throughout the body. Further, it's been demonstrated that pine bark extract may be supportive in helping smoking-induced clotting, without the risk of bleeding. This is why pycnogenol is the perfect addition to most people's daily regimen to help manage pain and inflammation, enhance blood flow, support optimal heart health, and prevent the onset of many age-related degenerative conditions.

Health Benefits of Pycnogenol

• Enhances Circulation
• Improves the Absorption of Vitamin C
• Powerful Whole-Body Antioxidant
• Support Optimal Vein health

Who Benefits From Pycnogenol?

A Pycnogenol supplement may be suggested to you if you present an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, and blood pressure; if you have poor circulation including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, allergies, asthma, musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, if you suffer from menopausal symptoms, painful menstrual periods, erectile dysfunction (ED), or for those hoping to improve their athletic performance and speed-up post-exercise recovery. Some may also recommend pycnogenol in topical application to help maintain supple, youthful-looking skin.

Pycnogenol Supplements

Potencies

Pycnogenol supplements are available in 35 to 100 mg potency and the usual recommended daily dose is usually in the 100-200 mg range.

Formats

You can purchase a pycnogenol supplement in capsules, tablets, tinctures, as well as in serums and oils for topical use. Pycnogenol is also available in sustained-release oral formulations, but the bioavailability of these complexes is still unknown.

Final Thoughts

Look for a pycnogenol that is standardized to contain 65-75% procyanidins (a powerful class of polyphenols and flavonoids like those found in blueberries, wine, grape skin, citrus, and cocoa). This will be your guarantee of potency and efficacy.