What is Pycnogenol ® and what are its properties?
Supplements with French maritime pine extract will have a positive effect on the skin and blood circulation. However, not all the benefits attributed to it have been fully proven.
An extract with antioxidant properties could be isolated from the bark of a Mediterranean tree.. It is known as Pycnogenol ®, which is a registered trademark of a supplement that is sold in dietary capsules, creams, powders and oils.
This supplement is made from tree bark. Pinaster pine or French maritime pine. It grows on the coast of France, on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, near Bordeaux.
The wood is used to make furniture, and the remaining bark is used to produce food additives.
Its most important assets are antioxidants such as procyanidin., which is also present in apples, peanut skins, grape seeds and nuts. This bioflavonoid reduces oxidative processes in cells.
How can Pycnogenol ® help your health?
Maritime Pine Bark Extract includes a variety of fruit acids and bioflavonoids, which are ultimately antioxidants.. This explains its potential as an adjuvant in various treatment methods.
This will improve blood circulation
The evidence for the effects of Pycnogenol ® on improving circulation and reducing varicose veins is extensive. This effect is attributed to L-arginine, amino acid that improves blood flow and reduces the appearance of blood clots.
A 2007 study supports these claims and explains that the extract stimulates the eNOS enzyme to produce more nitric oxide. The result is greater vasodilation, which leads to improved tissue oxygenation.
Other studies highlight potential to reduce blood pressure and the risk of atherosclerotic lesions. In fact, Pycnogenol ® is often used as an ingredient in home remedies to help regulate high blood pressure.
Finally, a paper published in 2010 examined its effectiveness on hemorrhoids. After 84 people took the supplement orally, acute hemorrhoid attacks were better controlled and there was less bleeding.
It will be good for your skin
There is also plenty of evidence for the benefits of Pycnogenol ® for the skin. This substance will promote the use of vitamin C, thereby helping to reduce oxidative stress and promoting the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Specific, these mechanisms delay the appearance of wrinkles. Greater elasticity leads to less formation of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, vitamin C, collagen and hyaluronic acid increase the hydration of the dermis.
Other properties of the skin are as follows:
- May improve psoriasis lesions. This is evidenced by studies published in Panminerva Medicawhere the extract was used orally and topically.
- This will reduce hyperpigmentation. A 2014 study evaluated the extract’s use as an adjunct to the treatment of melasma. In the same sense, its protection will extend to preventing the appearance of spots due to sun exposure.
This will reduce inflammation and joint pain.
Maritime pine extract may improve mobility and flexibility. with subsequent reduction in joint pain. Review published in Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights that it may work as a supplement for osteoarthritis.
Experts who suggest it say it should be considered an adjunct to therapy. That is, it does not replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
It will improve allergies and asthma
Other studies confirm the benefits of the extract for the respiratory system. A 2013 scientific paper suggested that it may have a potential role as a therapeutic agent for allergic asthma.
For its part, in a preliminary study of patients diagnosed with asthma, it was observed that use reduced the amount of medication participants needed. In addition, the product is effective in improving the signs and symptoms of the disease.
Finally, there are also animal studies examining benefits in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In any case, more research is needed in this area.
May improve mental function
In some studies, the use of Pycnogenol ® had a positive effect on memory. In professional adults aged 35 to 55 years, it has shown positive effects on cognitive function. Participants took daily doses of 150 milligrams of the extract for 12 weeks.
A clinical study published in 2012 involving healthy older adults aged 60 to 75 also showed positive results on cognitive function. In this case, it was combined with bacopa extract.
On the other side, The product has been tested as a supplement for children with ADHD. (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Encouraging results have been obtained, but more research is still needed to support this application.
Optimizes athletic performance
Investigation published in the magazine Journal of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science suggests the extract may improve the performance of semi-professional athletes. Particularly among those who engage in very strenuous physical activity, such as triathlons. Pycnogenol ® will ensure faster restoration of metabolism.
This will help control blood sugar levels
A review published in 2015 shows that the extract has potential to lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. A similar effect was found in a study in which 150 milligrams of the supplement were taken for 6 months. In addition, it may have delayed the onset of retinal disease in the same patients.
May improve erectile dysfunction
Improved blood circulation due to pine extract can also have a positive effect on erectile dysfunction problems. Combination treatment with L-arginine and Pycnogenol ® improved symptoms in more than 90% of participating men.
The effect was also confirmed in another study involving 21 people with erectile dysfunction. And a 2015 scientific paper postulated that will improve fertility.
Other potential benefits with less evidence
French Maritime Pine Extract May Promote Other Aspects of Health. However, these are little-studied regions and scientific studies in this regard are few, they were carried out on animals or are pilot studies;
- Pycnogenol ® will relieve the symptoms of tinnitus.
- A daily dose of 150 milligrams for 8 weeks will reduce migraine symptoms.
- A 2021 study found that Pycnogenol ® reduced the incidence of recurrent urinary tract infections in men and women.
- Studies in mice have shown that the supplement improves white blood cell function and optimizes the animal’s immune system.
- During menopause, it can help reduce discomfort associated with anxiety, hot flashes, fatigue and headaches in doses of 100 milligrams for 2 months.
Contraindications and precautions when taking Pycnogenol ®
Until now, Studies show good overall tolerability of the product. considering a maximum period of oral administration of 6 months. If recommended dosages are followed, continued use for up to 1 year will be safe for healthy adults.
With the local form, the safety margin is reduced to 7 days.
Infrequently, may cause dizziness, dizziness or abdominal pain as adverse reactions.. The same or other diseases may become worse when combined with certain medications. Therefore, the extract is contraindicated for those taking any of the following medications:
- Antidiabetic agents.
- Anticoagulants.
- Immunosuppressants.
- Supplements to lower sugar levels or delay blood clotting.
Due to its effect on the immune system, people with autoimmune diseases should avoid it. For example, patients have been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.
It is also impossible to say about its safety for pregnant and lactating women. Children with ADHD must obtain medical clearance.
How can I use French Maritime Pine Extract?
Dietary supplements are usually sold in 20-100 milligram capsules. Despite this, There is no official and generally accepted recommended amount.as this is not a product with precise readings.
In studies, 150 to 200 milligrams per day have been tested as therapeutic doses, and 100 milligrams for athletic performance.
All in all, For daily use, people take between 50 and 250 milligrams per day.. The capsule form is the most widely used and the dose is divided into two doses throughout the day or just one.
It is also available in cream or powder form for direct application to the skin. Not only that, it is found in some cosmetics and is sold as an essential oil.
In its pure form for topical use, do not exceed 7 days of use.
Supplement or supplement, but not a cure
The supplement should never replace food in the diet. and supplementation should never lead to withdrawal from drug therapy. Research aside, we still don’t know everything about Pycnogenol ® and it has not received drug status from major health agencies in the world.
The same bioflavonoids can be found in supplements in avocados, nuts, onions, broccoli, bananas, strawberries and citrus fruits. On the other hand, high blood pressure, varicose veins, diabetes and ADHD require an action plan backed by clinical recommendations.
If you want to use Pycnogenol ®, Discuss this with your doctor. And if you have any doubts about a product you are about to purchase, check its label carefully.