Pine Bark

Pine bark is valued for its high concentration of proanthocyandins, which are potent antioxidants that help protect the body against free radical damage. This herb helps support normal blood circulation and the cardiovascular system.

References:

Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Genovesi D, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, Ricci A, Pellegrini L, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Di Renzo A, Stuard S. Pycnogenol may alleviate adverse effects in oncologic treatment. Panminerva Med. 2008 Sep; 50 (3): 227-34.

Belcaro G, Luzzi R, Cesinaro Di Rocco P, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Feragalli B, Errichi BM, Ippolito E, Grossi MG, Hosoi M, Errichi S, Cornelli U, Ledda A, Gizzi G. Pycnogenol® improvements in asthma management. Panminerva Med. 2011 Sep; 53 (3 Suppl 1): 57-64.

Belcaro G, Luzzi R, Dugall M, Ippolito E, Saggino A. Pycnogenol® improves cognitive function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills in healthy professionals aged 35-55. J Neurosurg Sci. 2014 Dec; 58 (4): 239-48.

Cisár P, Jány R, Waczulíková I, Sumegová K, Muchová J, Vojtassák J, Duraćková Z, Lisý M, Rohdewald P. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother Res. 2008 Aug; 22 (8): 1087-92.

Errichi BM, Belcaro G, Hosoi M, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Feragalli B, Bavera P, Hosoi M, Zulli C, Corsi M, Ledda A, Luzzi R, Ricci A. Prevention of post thrombotic syndrome with Pycnogenol® in a twelve month study. Panminerva Med. 2011 Sep; 53 (3 Suppl 1): 21-7.

Errichi S, Bottari A, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Hosoi M, Cornelli U, Dugall M, Ledda A, Feragalli B. Supplementation with Pycnogenol® improves signs and symptoms of menopausal transition. Panminerva Med. 2011 Sep; 53 (3 Suppl 1): 65-70.

Ledda A, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Schönlau F. Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study. BJU Int. 2010 Oct; 106 (7): 1030-3.

Maimoona A, Naeem I, Saddiqe Z, Jameel K. A review on biological, nutraceutical and clinical aspects of French maritime pine bark extract. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jan 27; 133 (2): 261-77.

Marini A, Grether-Beck S, Jaenicke T, Weber M, Burki C, Formann P, Brenden H, Schönlau F, Krutmann J. Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012; 25 (2): 86-92.

Nishioka K, Hidaka T, Nakamura S, Umemura T, Jitsuiki D, Soga J, Goto C, Chayama K, Yoshizumi M, Higashi Y. Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans. Hypertens Res. 2007 Sep; 30 (9): 775-80.

Rohdewald PJ. Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark extract. Encyclopedia of dietary supplements. 2005: 545-53.

Vinciguerra G, Belcaro G, Bonanni E, Cesarone MR, Rotondi V, Ledda A, Hosoi M, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Cornelli U. Evaluation of the effects of supplementation with Pycnogenol® on fitness in normal subjects with the Army Physical Fitness Test and in performances of athletes in the 100-minute triathlon. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2013 Dec; 53 (6): 644-54.

Zibadi S, Rohdewald PJ, Park D, Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutr Res. 2008 May; 28 (5): 315-20.

Cautions: Seek professional health advice if pregnant, lactating, suffering from a medical condition or taking medication before supplementing. If any adverse reaction occurs, discontinue use and consult a health care professional.