Pine Bark Extract (English: Pine Bark Extract) is derived from the bark of the maritime pine (scientific name: Pinus pinaster). It is valued for its potent antioxidant properties, which are attributed to its high content of bioactive compounds, noteworthy examples are:
- Proanthocyanidins (English: procyanidins)
- Catechin(English: Catechin)
- Taxifolin (also named: dihydroquercetin , dihydroquercetin, taxonin, taxifolin, taxifolin, etc.) (English: taxifolin / dihydroquercetin)
These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation. Pine bark extract is believed to have a range of health benefits. Pine bark extract is available in supplement form.
traditional use
There is a long history of Aboriginal traditional use of pine bark extract from coastal pine trees. They use it for various health purposes such as respiratory problems, inflammation, pain, cardiovascular health, and overall health. The extract is also believed to have antioxidant properties, helping to fight oxidative stress and promote skin health.
Product name
Pine bark extract is available under a variety of trade names, depending on the manufacturer and specific formulation. Some common trade names for pine bark extract include:
- Pycnogenol®: This is probably the best-known brand of pine bark extract, derived from the bark of French maritime pine trees.
- Oligopin®: Another proprietary brand of pine bark extract that is often standardized for specific bioactive compounds.
- Flavangenol®: A pine bark extract produced by a Japanese company known for its high antioxidant content.
- Enzogenol®: This brand of pine bark extract is produced in New Zealand and marketed for its cognitive and cardiovascular health benefits.
- Pinusol®: A pine bark extract commonly used in dietary supplements and functional foods.
- Pine bark proanthocyanidins: Some products simply label pine bark extract with a description of its active ingredients, such as "pine bark proanthocyanidins" or "pine bark extract containing oligomeric proanthocyanidins."
health benefits
According to Pycnogenol’s official science-based application manual , Pycnogenol ’s French Maritime Pine Bark Extract is one of the most well-researched ingredients on the market , supported by over 450 scientific publications and is suitable for a range of areas, including:
- cardiovascular
- joint health
- Oral skin care
- topical skin care
- eye health
- sports nutrition
- Menstrual discomfort
- diabetes care
- respiratory health
- healthy veins
- cognitive health
- Menopause
- oral care
cardiovascular
Pycnogenol can:
- Improve endothelial function
- normalize high blood pressure
- Improve kidney function and CRP levels in patients with hypertension
- Improve blood pressure and kidney function in diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Normalize platelet activity
- Improve blood lipid profile
joint health
Clinical studies have shown that Pycnogenol can effectively reduce joint pain, improve joint stiffness, enhance joint physical function, increase mobility, and reduce the dosage of analgesics in patients with arthritis.
Oral skin care
Pycnogenol is widely used in dermatological formulations and cosmeceuticals for its numerous benefits for healthy and more attractive skin. It has been the subject of more than 20 clinical studies in dermatology. Pycnogenol is a key ingredient in skin care products for its ability to increase collagen and elastin production, improve skin circulation, enhance hydration and elasticity, balance pigmentation, and reduce inflammation caused by UV exposure.
topical skin care
Pycnogenol has a variety of skin health uses in both topical and oral applications due to its unique pharmacological properties and human skin absorption capacity testing. Its proven benefits include antioxidant benefits, improved skin health, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity as well as sun protection and protection against photoaging.
eye health
Pycnogenol protects the eyes from degenerative processes caused by oxidative stress. It works with lipophilic antioxidants such as lutein to enhance its effects. Pycnogenol also improves retinopathy by improving capillary function and reducing bleeding. Its ability to improve retinal tissue perfusion helps restore vision lost in retinopathy.
sports nutrition
Pycnogenol has been shown to be effective in protecting muscles, enhancing performance and endurance, and accelerating recovery from exercise. Athletes can benefit from supplements like Pycnogenol, which provides a practical solution for sports nutrition.
Menstrual discomfort
In summary, Pycnogenol has a significant effect on improving endometriosis. The advantage of Pycnogenol is that it has no serious side effects. Pycnogenol helps women relieve menstrual discomfort by relieving pain, reducing inflammation, reducing the need for painkillers, improving endometriosis and maintaining unaffected estrogen levels.
diabetes care
Clinical studies have proven that taking Pycnogenol as a dietary supplement can benefit people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome by lowering post-meal blood sugar levels. Pycnogenol may also improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation.
Taking Pycnogenol as a dietary supplement may improve diabetes and metabolic syndrome by lowering post-meal blood sugar levels and enhancing cardiovascular health.
respiratory health
Pycnogenol relieves hay fever and asthma by modulating the immune system, as shown in clinical trials in humans and asthma patients.
The study concluded that Pycnogenol is an effective and safe nutritional approach to treating mild to moderate asthma in children.
healthy veins
Pycnogenol can effectively prevent and relieve the symptoms of leg swelling and fundamentally solve the problem of venous insufficiency by reducing venous pressure. It also helps treat skin discoloration and ankle/foot wounds.
cognitive health
Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce ADHD in children, improve memory and cognitive function in adults, and support cognitive health in all ages.
Menopause
Pycnogenol relieved menopausal symptoms in 450 women without changing hormones. It can also improve skin elasticity, smoothness and moisture in menopausal women by increasing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid synthase enzymes.
oral care
Pycnogenol improves oral health by inhibiting bacterial growth, plaque formation, respecting oral flora, and reducing gum bleeding and oral odor.