Pine Bark Extract- What Is It?
Pycnogenol® is a patented form of a French maritime pine bark extract originally developed in the 1960s by Charles Haimoff in his Berlin-based laboratories. The use of pine bark dates back to the 4th century B.C. where Hippocrates mentioned its use as a means to relieve inflammation.
More recently, pine bark extract has been studied in high-quality clinical trials to validate its efficacy with a 2002 study concluding…”there is much evidence showing that PYC has beneficial effects on physiological functions. Results from ongoing clinical research are required to confirm and extend previous observations.Today, there are several viable forms of pine bark extract on the market.”
Antioxidants: Why do free radicals matter?
Free radicals are molecules that disrupt the membranes of other molecules and cause DNA damage. This process is called ‘oxidation’ because these so-called free radicals steal an electron from nearby cells and cause disruption. It is important to understand the body has many systems in place that normally ‘quench’ this process- both vitamins and enzymes assist in this process.
Pine Bark Extract- The Major Benefits
They key health promoting plant compounds isolated in this extract include polyphenols and bioflavonoids. In the body, these compound can assist the body to function optimally in a number of areas including:
- Cardiovascular: help maintain healthy circulation by supporting relaxation of arteries, resulting in improved blood flow and lower blood pressure
- Protects skin against the free radicals produced by UV rays
- Anti-inflammatory– reduces muscle aches
- Eyes: strengthens retinal capillaries and helps maintaining healthy eyesight
What to look for in your Pine Bark Supplement?
Higher quality extracts are standardized to include minimum levels of key ingredients. In the case of pine bark, you are looking for an extract containing proanthocyanidins 37.5 mg. In my office I use a product called Vitanox made by MediHerb, which meets these requirements. Other product on the market include
Daily Dosage:
– Extract containing 65 to 130mg proanthocyanidins per day
