Also PINETREES can provide a product to maintain your health. PYCOGENOL

Article forwarded by Dr. Joseph Mercola

PYCOGENOL 

Pycnogenol has been studied extensively in various applications.  Studies have found that Pycnogenol supplementation may help by:

Manage Type 2 Diabetes: One study examined the effects of Pycnogenol supplementation on 77 patients with Type 2 diabetes, with one group receiving the supplement and the other receiving a placebo. After 12 weeks of daily supplementation of 100 milligrams, the test group had lowered glucose levels and improved endothelial function.

Increase production of nitric oxide: In one study, 23 patients with coronary artery disease participated in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. They took 200 milligrams of Pycnogenol daily for eight weeks followed by a placebo, and vice versa. Pycnogenol treatment has been associated with decreased oxidative stress, which then led to improved endothelial function.

Manage symptoms of asthma: In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, 26 patients were randomly assigned either a placebo or 1 milligram-per-pound/day of Pycnogenol for four weeks, and then vice versa. After the trial, researchers noted that participants responded positively to Pycnogenol, and that the treatment helped reduce serum leukotrienes. In another experiment, asthmatic participants who took Pycnogenol had minimized or stopped using their rescue inhalers more than the placebo group.

Fight viruses: A study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure notes that Pycnogenol supplementation may have a beneficial effect on viral myocarditis in mice by suppressing virus replication.

Researchers noted that treatment also suppressed the “expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, genes related to cardiac remodeling and mast cell-related genes in the hearts of mice.”

Reduce menstrual pain: In a 2004 study, researchers treated 47 women suffering from menstrual pain with 30 milligrams of Pycnogenol twice a day. Participants noted that after treatment, they experienced lowered pain with each successive menstrual cycle.

Fight free radicals: Pycnogenol is suggested to have antioxidant properties, as shown in a study published in Lipids. Results indicate that Pycnogenol supplementation was able to increase plasma’s antioxidant capability, as determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) increase.

Lower cholesterol levels: In the previously cited Lipids study, researchers also noted that the participants had lowered LDL cholesterol levels, which is a favorable result based on their findings.

Promote nerve cell health: In a mice study published by Neurochemistry International, supplementation of Pycnogenol exhibited neuroprotective benefits that may benefit patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Researchers observed that Pycnogenol may be a possible treatment for neurodegenerative diseases as it may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

Possible Side Effects of Pycnogenol Are Few

Pycnogenol is generally well-tolerated by most people. Only minor issues have been reported, such as digestive problems, headaches, mouth ulcers and dizziness. Should you develop any issues, stop taking this supplement and consult your doctor right away. Those who have autoimmune diseases should avoid Pycnogenol as it may make your immune system more active. Those who have had surgery should also avoid Pycnogenol, as it may slow blood clotting

The Applications of Pycnogenol Are Diverse, but You Should Be Cautious

Based on published studies, Pycnogenol has a diverse range of applications, such as helping boost cardiovascular health, protecting neurons and managing pain. Whichever reason you choose to take this product, make sure that you review the manufacturer thoroughly and that they use high-quality ingredients to ensure your safety. Lastly, it is important that you consult your doctor first so that they can give you expert advice on how much you should take.

Prof. Guy Van Elsacker Dr.Sc. - Research Fellow  EPIGENETICS & NUTRACEUTICALS