Strong Blood Vessels with Pycnogenol

What is Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol is an extract from the bark of French pine trees (Pinus pinaster) that is rich in phenolic compounds, especially procyanidins. These compounds have highly effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve health in many ways, particularly for our blood vessels.

Effects of Pycnogenol on Vascular Health

Several research studies have shown that Pycnogenol has significant benefits for vascular health:

1. Improves Blood Circulation
   Research in Japan by Nishioka and colleagues in 2007 indicated that Pycnogenol helps increase nitric oxide production, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

2. Reduces Blood Pressure
   A study by Zibadi and colleagues in 2008 found that regular consumption of Pycnogenol can help reduce blood pressure in patients with mild to moderate hypertension.

3. Protects Blood Vessel Walls
   Research by Packer and colleagues in 1999 stated that Pycnogenol helps protect the endothelial cells lining blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals, which may help prevent atherosclerosis.

4. Reduces Risk of Blood Clots
    A study by Araghi-Niknam and colleagues in 2000 found that Pycnogenol may help reduce platelet aggregation, which helps lower the risk of blood clots.

Mechanisms of Pycnogenol in Supporting Blood Vessels

• Antioxidant Action
  Devaraj and colleagues in 2002 stated that Pycnogenol is a highly effective antioxidant, helping reduce damage to blood vessel wall cells caused by free radicals.

• Anti-inflammatory Action
  Research by Grimm in 2004 indicated that  Pycnogenol helps reduce inflammation in blood vessels, which is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.

• Increased Collagen and Elastin Synthesis
  A study by Belcaro in 2008 stated that Pycnogenol helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which helps increase the strength and elasticity of blood vessels.

Using Pycnogenol for Vascular Health

Most research studies recommend a dosage of Pycnogenol between 30-200 milligrams per day, divided into 2-3 doses. However, you should consult a doctor or health specialist before starting any dietary supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Using Pycnogenol for vascular health should be just one part of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining an appropriate weight, and avoiding risk factors for vascular health such as smoking.

References

• Nishioka, K., Hidaka, T., Nakamura, S., Umemura, T., Jitsuiki, D., Soga, J., ... & Higashi, Y. (2007). Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans. Hypertension Research, 30(9), 775-780.

• Zibadi, S., Rohdewald, P. J., Park, D., & Watson, R. R. (2008). Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutrition Research, 28(5), 315-320.

• Packer, L., Rimbach, G., & Virgili, F. (1999). Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, pycnogenol. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 27(5-6), 704-724.

• Araghi-Niknam, M., Hosseini, S., Larson, D., Rohdewald, P., & Watson, R. R. (2000). Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integrative Medicine, 2(2), 73-77.

• Belcaro, G., Cesarone, M. R., Errichi, B. M., Ledda, A., Di Renzo, A., Stuard, S., ... & Rohdewald, P. (2010). Venous ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with local use of Pycnogenol®. Angiology, 61(4), 348-356.

• Devaraj, S., Vega-López, S., Kaul, N., Schönlau, F., Rohdewald, P., & Jialal, I. (2002). Supplementation with a pine bark extract rich in polyphenols increases plasma antioxidant capacity and alters the plasma lipoprotein profile. Lipids, 37(10), 931-934.

• Grimm, T., Schäfer, A., & Högger, P. (2004). Antioxidant activity and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases by metabolites of maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol). Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 36(6), 811-822.

• Belcaro, G., Cesarone, M. R., Errichi, B. M., Ledda, A., Di Renzo, A., Stuard, S., ... & Rohdewald, P. (2008). Variations in C-reactive protein, plasma free radicals and fibrinogen values in patients with osteoarthritis treated with Pycnogenol®. Redox Report, 13(6), 271-276.