Pycnogenol? for a healthy summer

As we embrace the height of summer and relish the opportunity to be outside, it's crucial to proactively protect our bodies from heat, humidity, solar radiation, pollution, long travels and jet lag, venous discomfort, seasonal allergies, and other potential summer health issues.?

Pycnogenol? stands out as a natural solution for the warmer months. It alleviates venous discomfort, allergy symptoms and jet lag symptoms, as well as promotes overall skin and hair health. Additionally, its ability to boost sports performance makes Pycnogenol? an ideal companion for summer.

Venous Health

High summer temperatures can cause veins to dilate, leading to increased swelling and discomfort in the legs and feet. This "heat edema" can affect overweight individuals, diabetics, and even healthy adults (1).

In addition to leg swelling, itching, heavy legs, skin discoloration, varicose veins, or ulcers, a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) may also occur. Veins are responsible for returning blood to the heart, requiring the blood to flow upward from the leg veins. To facilitate this, veins contain one-way valves. When these valves are damaged—whether due to aging, prolonged sitting, or extensive travel—they can no longer function properly, potentially leading to CVI.

Venous valves impairment may follow a deep vein thrombosis, a consequence of a blood clot in the leg veins (2). Leg edema in CVI patients, mostly in women, worsens during warmer weather as well (3). The leading risk factors for venous insufficiency and thrombosis are female gender, age above 50 years, obesity, family history of chronic venous diseases (CVDs), smoking and physical inactivity (4). 15% to 20% of the population suffers from CVI (5). Compression stockings are the most commonly used way to relieve CVI symptoms.

As part of a healthier lifestyle, Pycnogenol? has been shown to support improved venous health, particularly during the summer. Numerous clinical studies demonstrate Pycnogenol?'s efficacy in promoting healthy veins and relieving leg swelling in both healthy individuals and those at risk for CVI (6-11). Pycnogenol? effectively counteracts vein insufficiency and thrombosis by normalizing blood flow, improving microcirculation, and enhancing platelet function.

Pycnogenol? prevents leg swellings and restores dermal blood perfusion

An 8-week summer study investigated the efficacy of Pycnogenol? in controlling CVI symptoms of patients with severe, long-lasting venous insufficiency (6). In this study, the effects of Pycnogenol? were compared to compression stockings in the summer season and showed that Pycnogenol? was more effective in decreasing ankle swelling and improving dermal blood perfusion compared to elastic compression. The most effective measurement in this study was the combination of compression stockings and Pycnogenol?, leading to a reduction of 38% of ankle swelling and an improvement of 61% of skin microcirculation. Three different clinical scores were used to assess the symptoms of CVI and it was shown that Pycnogenol? significantly relieves the severity of CVI and the disability associated with it.

A double-blind, placebo controlled study clearly showed that Pycnogenol? supplementation for 2 months significantly relieved symptoms of CVI in 40 patients (7). After 60 days, subjects taking Pycnogenol? reported of a reduction of heaviness (-54%), swelling (-64%) and pain (-64%) in their legs compared to placebo patients (-3%, -7% and -18%, respectively). In addition, 63% of Pycnogenol? patients showed no sign of leg swelling anymore after 2 months, whereas no placebo patient reported of the disappearance of any symptom.

In another similar study, Pycnogenol? was shown to be more effective than compression stockings, decreasing edema by 35%, whereas compression stockings lowered swelling by only 13% in a comparable control group (8).

Varicose veins, a very common condition during pregnancy, can develop due to weakened or damaged valves in the veins. A 12-month study with women presenting with varicose veins after their second pregnancy evaluated the use of compression stockings alone or in combination with Pycnogenol? supplementation (9). Signs and symptoms, such as heavy legs, pain while standing, restless legs and bruises were all significantly decreased with Pycnogenol? in comparison to compression only. After taking Pycnogenol?, there was a significant reduction in cramps and vein-related issues, as well as an increase in the percentage of symptom-free subjects.?

Pycnogenol? alleviates leg discomfort and jet lag symptoms during and after travel

Long-distance flights often lead to swollen legs due to prolonged sitting, which significantly increases the risk of leg edema. Remaining immobile with feet on the floor causes blood to pool and elevates pressure in the leg veins (12). A more serious concern during long flights is the risk of venous thrombosis, commonly referred to as “economy class syndrome.” Individuals with CVI are frequently advised to wear compression stockings during long flights to mitigate this risk.

Pycnogenol? was shown to reduce leg swelling compared to placebo after 7 – 12-hour flights in 169 subjects with mild to moderate risk for thrombosis. The ankle circumference was increased by 11% in the placebo and by only 6% in the Pycnogenol? group (10).

Another larger study included 450 healthy and high-risk thrombosis subjects, taking two long-haul flights (over 8 hours) in economy class in less than a week (11). Pycnogenol? was taken from 3 days before the flights until 3 days after the second flight. The results showed a significantly lower edema score (-57%), reduced ankle circumference (-4%) and less leg pain (-65%) and leg discomfort (-40%) in the healthy subjects supplemented with Pycnogenol? compared to controls. In subjects with a high risk for thrombosis, who took Aspirin in addition to Pycnogenol? supplementation, the results were similarly significant (-53% for edema, -7% ankle circumference, -70% leg pain and -38% leg discomfort). Participants, who used compression stockings also showed a slightly improved edema score (-12%) and ankle circumference and (-3%) compared to controls but leg pain increased by 12% and leg discomfort was the same as in control subjects. In addition to leg swelling symptoms, the study investigated the effects of Pycnogenol? supplementation on jet lag symptoms as well. Compared to the control subjects, Pycnogenol? participants had a 50-65% lower jet lag score, which assessed sleep quality deterioration, deterioration in attention, Tiredness/fatigue, visual impairment, and impairment in cognitive function.

A study focused solely on the effects of Pycnogenol? on symptomatic jet lag after 7-to-9-hour long flights (13). In this study, Pycnogenol? was supplemented for 7 days starting 2 days prior to the flight. It was found that sleep alterations as well as short term memory, disorientation, fatigue and anxiety significantly improved after the supplementation compared to controls.

Effects of Pycnogenol? on skin health and beauty

Prolonged exposure to UV light generates reactive oxygen radicals and triggers pro-inflammatory processes, which can cause sunburn. This exposure also increases the risk of hyperpigmentation and premature aging of the skin. Both topical and oral skin care can help improve skin health and appearance. Oral skin care is particularly beneficial as it effectively reaches the dermis of the entire body from within.

Over 20 published dermatological clinical studies have demonstrated that Pycnogenol? offers numerous health benefits for the skin. These benefits include reduced pigmentation and melasma, limited photoaging, increased skin hydration, and enhanced skin elasticity.

Pycnogenol? lowers pigmentation intensity and limits photo-ageing

Pycnogenol? reduces over-pigmentation for an even, bright looking skin and can contribute to limit photo-ageing in addition to sun-protective measures (14-18).

A double-blind placebo-controlled study could show that Pycnogenol? intake increases the effectiveness of sunscreen and a triple combination cream (containing 4% hydroquinone, 0.05% tretinoin, and 0.01% fluocinolone) in the treatment of facial melasma in women (14) After 60 days of supplementation, melasma was reduced by 49% in the Pycnogenol? group compared to only 30% in the placebo group that also received sunscreen and the triple combination cream. In addition, the melasma skin appeared lighter after supplement intake, as the color difference between melasma and healthy skin was reduced by 24% in Pycnogenol? women and by 15% in placebo participants.

These findings of Pycnogenol?’s ability to counteract skin hyper-pigmentation were clinically validated in another study (15). In a clinical trial with 20 women, oral supplementation with Pycnogenol? was shown to significantly lower UV-induced expression of pigment synthesizing enzymes, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) and tyrosinase, related to long-lasting pigmentation.

In another, recently published randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study, Pycnogenol? improved skin lightening by 14%, with placebo having a minimally decreasing effect on skin lightening after 3 months of supplementation (16).

A study with 30 women presenting with melasma reported a fairer skin complexion with 22% lower pigment intensity following four weeks intake of Pycnogenol? (17). Additionally, Pycnogenol? was shown to effectively decrease the area of over-pigmented skin by 38%, leading to smaller spots.

Skin ageing processes are highly accelerated by exposure of skin to UV radiation. In a clinical trial, Pycnogenol? was shown to increase the resistance of participant’s skin to solar UV exposure, needed to trigger skin redness (minimal erythema dose) (18). Different doses of oral Pycnogenol? supplementation of 21 healthy volunteers with fair skin showed significant photo-protective effects, increasing the minimal dose of light needed to produce erythema (skin reddening) (the minimal erythema dose) dose-dependently by 60% or 85%.

The results of these studies suggest that Pycnogenol? provides potent photo-protective and melasma-reducing effects from inside out, in addition to topical skin protection and shadowing.

Pycnogenol? improves skin hydration and elasticity

Healthy skin is well-hydrated and highly elastic, allowing it to better withstand external stressors such as sun exposure. Clinical investigations of Pycnogenol? supplementation for 12 weeks with female volunteers, aged 55 to 68 years revealed increased hyaluronic acid synthase levels by 44% (19). The hyaluronic acid synthase is the natural source of water-binding hyaluronic acid in the dermis, which moisturizes the skin and keeps it taut and smooth. Consequently, an average skin-hydration increase by 21% in the group of Pycnogenol? supplementation was recorded, particularly in women presenting with dry skin prior to Pycnogenol? intake. In addition, Pycnogenol? was shown to improve skin elasticity by 25% and decrease skin fatigue by 30%.

In another study with 78 subjects, who work outdoors in an urban area, the water loss of the skin during the hot summer season could be reduced by 14% with Pycnogenol? supplementation for 3 months and only by 5% with placebo (16). In this placebo-controlled double-blind study, the skin elasticity was measured as well after supplementation and was shown to be improved by 13%, compared to an increase of 1% in the placebo group. These results add to the broad beneficial effects of Pycnogenol? for skin health and beauty.

Pycnogenol? improves hair quality

According to a questionnaire in a study with peri-menopausal women, Pycnogenol? reduced hair loss complaints by 43% after 8 weeks (5).

The above mentioned study confirmed these observations in a randomized and placebo-controlled design with specific focus on Pycnogenol?’s effects on hair quality and density (3). 76 healthy menopausal women between 45 and 60 years were randomly assigned to either take 150 mg Pycnogenol? per day or placebo for 6 months.

Remarkably, hair density was significantly improved by 30% compared to baseline and by 15% compared to placebo after 2 months. The effects of Pycnogenol? stayed on a highly improved level after longer supplementation.

In addition, the study showed that Pycnogenol? significantly reduced water loss from the skin of subjects’ scalp, compared to the placebo group. This leads to a better regulated scalp skin moisture balance for healthier hair and scalp.

The study also confirmed that Pycnogenol? intake positively affects microcirculation in the skin, leading to a better supply of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicle.

In conclusion, Pycnogenol? intake for only 2 months was efficacious in improving hair and scalp health and significantly reduced hair loss in postmenopausal women (3).

Pycnogenol? alleviates allergy symptoms

Allergies are a common respiratory issue, affecting 10-30% of the global population with allergic rhinitis (20). In summer, when flowers are in full bloom, many people experience symptoms like red, itchy, and watery eyes, skin rashes, or a blocked or runny nose, significantly reducing their quality of life. Clinical trials suggest that Pycnogenol? intake can alleviate these allergy symptoms (21, 22).

In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that Pycnogenol? supplementation improved allergic rhinitis symptoms from birch and other pollen allergy when the supplementation started at least 5 weeks, better 8 weeks before the pollen season (21). Eye symptoms decreased by 35% and nasal symptoms by 20.5% compared to placebo. The number of patients requiring rescue antihistamines was 26% lower in the Pycnogenol? group than in the placebo group.

Another study investigated the effects of Pycnogenol? intake on wheal and flare evolution after local histamine injection in healthy individuals (22). Pycnogenol? supplementation significantly reduced the wheal and flare response, by decreasing the redness area around the injection point by 44% and by shortening the time of its complete disappearance by 64%.

Conclusion

Pycnogenol? French maritime pine bark extract is a safe, natural, and evidence-based solution for maintaining health during the summer. It enhances venous health, prevents leg edema during long travels, alleviates allergy symptoms, and promotes healthier, more beautiful skin. These benefits make Pycnogenol? an ideal companion for the summer months.

For more information on Pycnogenol?, please visit www.pycnogenol.com .

Article written by Dr. Franziska Weichmann, Manager of Scientific Communications and Product Development at Horphag Research.

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References:

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3.???????? Cruz MS, Hingorani A, Marks N, Ascher E, Poltiyelova E, Singh N. Seasonal Variation in Swelling of Lower Extremities in Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. 2021;9(2):556-7.

4.???????? Vlajinac HD, Radak DJ, Marinkovi? JM, Maksimovi? M?. Risk factors for chronic venous disease. Phlebology. 2012;27(8):416-22.

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6.???????? Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Agus GB, Ippolito E, Dugall M, Hosoi M, et al. Chronic venous insufficiency and venous microangiopathy: management with compression and Pycnogenol(R). Minerva Cardioangiol. 2019;67(4):280-7.

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8.???????? Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ledda A, Vinciguerra G, et al. Improvement of signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and microangiopathy with Pycnogenol: a prospective, controlled study. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(11):835-9.

9.???????? Belcaro G, Dugall M, Luzzi R, Ippolito E, Cesarone MR. Postpartum Varicose Veins: Supplementation with Pycnogenol or Elastic Compression-A 12-Month Follow-Up. Int J Angiol. 2017;26(1):12-9.

10.?????? Cesarone MR, Belcaro,G., Rohdewald, P., L. Pellegrini,? E. Ippolito,? M. Scoccianti,? A. Ricci,? M. Dugall,M. Cacchio,? I. Ruffini, F. Fano, G. Acerbi,? M. G. Vinciguerra,? P. Bavera,? A. Di Renzo,? B. M. Errichi, and F. Mucci. Prevention of Edema in Long Flights with Pycnogenol?. Clin Appl Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 2005;11(3):289-94.

11.?????? Belcaro G, Cornelli U, Dugall M, Hosoi M, Cotellese R, Feragalli B. Long-haul flights, edema, and thrombotic events: prevention with stockings and Pycnogenol(R) supplementation (LONFLIT Registry Study). Minerva Cardioangiol. 2018;66(2):152-9.

12.?????? Mittermayr M, Fries D, Gruber H, Peer S, Klingler A, Fischbach U, et al. Leg edema formation and venous blood flow velocity during a simulated long-haul flight. Thrombosis Research. 2007;120(4):497-504.

13.?????? Belcaro G, Cesarone, M.R., Steigerwalt, R.J., Di Renzo, A., Grossi, M.G., Ricci, A., Sch?nlau, F., Dugall, M., Cornelli, U., Cacchio, M. Jet lag: Prevention with Pycnogenol. Preliminary report: evaluation in healthy individuals and in hypertensive patients. Minerva Cardioangiol. 2008;56(5):1-7.

14.?????? Lima PB, Dias JAF, Esposito ACC, Miot LDB, Miot HA. French maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol) in association with triple combination cream for the treatment of facial melasma in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(2):502-8.

15.?????? Grether-Beck S, Marini A, Jaenicke T, Krutmann J. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol(R)) Effects on Human Skin: Clinical and Molecular Evidence. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2016;29(1):13-7.

16.?????? Zhao H, Wu J, Wang N, Grether-Beck S, Krutmann J, Wei L. Oral Pycnogenol(R) Intake Benefits the Skin in Urban Chinese Outdoor Workers: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Crossover Intervention Study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2021:1-11.

17.?????? Ni Z, Mu Y, Gulati O. Treatment of melasma with Pycnogenol. Phytother Res. 2002;16(6):567-71.

18.?????? Saliou C, Rimbach G, Moini H, McLaughlin L, Hosseini S, Lee J, et al. Solar ultraviolet-induced erythema in human skin and nuclear factor-kappa-B-dependent gene expression in keratinocytes are modulated by a French maritime pine bark extract. Free Radic Biol Med. 2001;30(2):154-60.

19.?????? Marini A, Grether-Beck S, Jaenicke T, Weber M, Burki C, Formann P, et al. Pycnogenol(R) effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(2):86-92.

20.?????? Organization WA. White Book on Allergy 2011-2012, Executive Summary. Pawankar R, Canonica GW, Holgate ST, Lockey RF, Blaiss MS, editors. Milwaukee, Wisconsin2013.

21.?????? Wilson D, Evans M, Guthrie N, Sharma P, Baisley J, Schonlau F, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phytother Res. 2010;24(8):1115-9.

22.?????? Belcaro G FB, Hosoi M, Dugall M, Cornelli U Pycnogenol? reduces the wheal and flare response to histamine in normal subjects. Minerva Biotecnologica 2016;28:114-9.