Pycnogenol is a patented water extract of Maritime Pine, Pinus pinaster, which is native to the western and southwestern Mediterranean region. Pycnogenol is a natural blend of genetically programmed constant proportions of flavonoids such as taxifolin, catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin oligomers, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and other phenolic fruit acids. These bioflavonoids are powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and vasodilator of blood vessels.
Pycnogenol is marketed as dietary supplement worldwide. It is produced by Horphag Research, Ltd., a British company.
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USES
Pycnogenol is possibly effective in…
- reducing birch allergy symptoms during allergy season
- reducing leg pain and heaviness
- slowing and preventing further worsening of retinal disease as complication of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and other diseases
- improving eyesight
- improving endurance in athletes
- lowering systolic blood pressure
- treating asthma in children and varicose veins
There is insufficient or limited evidence to rate the effectiveness of Pycnogenol in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long-haul plane flights, lowering bad cholesterol levels, reducing pelvic pain in women with endometriosis or menstrual cramps, improving sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction, preventing stroke, and treating tinnitus, muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, leg cramps, menopausal symptoms, and heart diseases.
The antioxidants in Pycnogenol scavenges free radicals that damage cells and tissues.
As a vasodilator, Pycnogenol improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels in the body.
Pycnogenol reduces inflammation by protecting collagen from natural degradation.
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References
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1019.html
- http://www.drugs.com/npp/pycnogenol.html
- http://www.pycnogenol.com/health/