WHAT IS PYCNOGENOL?

Pycnogenol is a French maritime pine bark extract produced from the outer bark of Pinus pinaster Ait. subsp. atlantica.

Pycnogenol belongs to the largest class of plant polyphenols, the flavonoids. They are phytonutrients, plant pigments found in fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that can also have beneficial antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.

That is why the application range of Pycnogenol is incredibly wide. It is taken to improve heart functioning, restore joint mobility and better skin condition.

What are the beauty and health benefits of Pycnogenol?

In the course of clinical trials, it was found that pycnogenol can increase the level of nitric oxide in blood plasma, whilst preventing it from converting into toxic forms. This leads to blood circulation improvement not only in tissues but also in organs.

The studies also have shown that pycnogenol is able to increase cells’ insulin sensitivity. Increased consumption of glucose within the muscles’  therefore, reduces the level of "sugar" in blood. Thus, it is possible to stabilize insulin levels in blood.

Pycnogenol provides additional nutrition to the brain and spinal cord cells. Pycnogenol is able to regulate the endothelial function. The active metabolites of Pycnogenol build up inside the endothelial blood cells and have been proven to pass the blood-brain barrier. Pycnogenol helps endothelial cells to produce more nitric oxide (NO) which has multiple effects on brain function. As a result, concentration of attention increases, memory improves, it becomes easier for the brain to absorb and systematize information during training and other rigorous intellectual functions.

Pycnogenol has a positive effect on the immune system due to its antioxidant base. As scientific studies have shown, it is the antioxidants that effectively fight inflammation, allergies and autoimmune diseases.

The dermis represents the largest body organ, burdened with shielding the organism from environmental impact. Pycnogenol is widely used in oral as well as topical applications for improved skin health and appearance. Pycnogenol stimulates the synthesis of new collagen in the skin, increases skin elasticity and reduces skin dullness, elevates hyaluronic acid generation in skin, and contributes to photo-aging reversal, in addition to sun-protective measures.

In human studies Pycnogenol has shown diverse anti-inflammatory activity. Blood from human Pycnogenol consumers was found to inhibit the inflammatory “main switch” NF-kB by on average 15%. Thus the studies demonstrated that Pycnogenol offers help for the management of hay fever and asthma.

Most women of child-bearing age experience a variety of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle that may include milder discomfort such as the pre-menstrual syndrome or extend to serious menstrual pain which seriously affects quality of life.

Clinical trials that took place in Japan suggest Pycnogenol provides significant benefits for women living with menstrual discomfort, such as soothing of pain during the menstrual period, natural anti-inflammatory activity, and fewer days with menstrual pain.

Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract is a naturally programmed combination with constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer amazing natural properties.

Comprehensive research and development programs continue to be carried out in partnership with researchers and specialist companies around the world, and new applications for Pycnogenol are explored every year.

We suggest consulting a physician before using any herbal supplement.

References:

https://www.pycnogenol.com/science/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26492562/

https://www.nutritioninsight.com/news/pine-bark-extract-prevents-inflammation-disorders-by-moderating-immune-system-response.html