Pycnogenol is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant that also recycles vitamin C and regenerates the free radical fighting power of vitamin E. First heralded for its ability to protect travelers from deep vein thrombosis, a growing number of studies show that Pycnogenol also does the following:

• Lowers glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Reduces blood pressure.
• Improves cholesterol levels.
• Helps prevent blood clots.
• Decreases respiratory symptoms in asthmatics.
• Guards against Alzheimer’s disease by protecting neurons from cellular death.
• Protects vision in people with vascular disease.
• Reduces hyperactivity, improves attention, concentration and coordination in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• Helps relieve premenstrual syndrome.
• Minimizes bleeding gums and the plaque formation that can lead to tooth decay.
• Taken orally, prevents skin inflammation, fades age spots, improves smoothness and prevents wrinkles by protecting collagen and elastin.
• Used topically, protects the skin against sun damage.

Where It Comes From
Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows along the coast of southwest France. The bark contains a unique combination of proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits.

Research Highlights
Research on people with type 2 diabetes has found that Pycnogenol lowers blood sugar levels and improves the lining of blood vessels, which can help prevent atherosclerosis. Pycnogenol was also recently shown to protect against the formation of blood clots in the legs during long airplane flights.

An analysis of clinical trials in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics notes that Pycnogenol modulates the immune system, dilates the small blood vessels in people with heart disease and is effective for preventing and treating chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI occurs when the valves in the legs that pump blood through the veins back to the heart become damaged, leading to swelling and varicose veins.

In addition, controlled animal studies suggest that this antioxidant improves exercise endurance, fertility and cognitive function. Promising preliminary research also implies that Pycnogenol may cause cancer cells to “commit suicide.”