French maritime pine trees have yielded a supplement with vast potential for human health. Pycnogenol, as it is called, is being studied for its use in many different conditions, from diabetes and heart health to cancer and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. New evidence abounds for this supplement, and the nutrition industry has bottled it, selling it for a variety of uses. Some of its purported benefits are still in the development stage, so discuss pycnogenol with your doctor before adding it to your supplement regime.
Pycnogenol and Heart Health
Some recent studies suggest that pycnogenol can be helpful in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. In 2010, the "Hypertension" journal published a study discussing the benefits of pycnogenol and melatonin on artery structure in hypertensive rats. The study focused on the antioxidant capacity of pycnogenol, and the article states that oxidative stress can play a role in vascular dysfunctions. The results concluded that pycnogenol was effective in protecting the vascular structure, helping to normalize and maintain cell integrity, possibly through its antioxidant effects.
Pycnogenol and Diabetes
Another potential benefit to taking pycnogenol could be its ability to moderate glucose levels in the blood as well as aid in the treatment of diabetes related complications. According to a 2009 article in "Phytotherapy Research," pycnogenol helped to lower rat blood glucose levels before a meal. At levels of 10 and 20 mg per kg of body weight per day, pycnogenol also lowered rat blood glucose levels after eating. Although animal trials are promising, be sure to discuss pycnogenol use with your endocrinologist before using for diabetic conditions.
A human study published in the "Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics" in 2009 discussed the effects of pycnogenol on diabetes-induced retinopathy and eventual loss of vision. The study found that taken in the early stages of retinopathy, pycnogenol "may enhance retinal blood circulation accompanied by regression of edema, which favorably improves vision of patients."
Pycnogenol and Cancer
Possibly because of its antioxidant capacity and its ability to scavenge free radicals, pycnogenol is also being studied for its effects on cancer cells. The "FEBS Journal" released a study in 2009 citing that pycnogenol reduced substances involved in inflammation and tumor growth. Pycnogenol use with cancer may be beneficial, but is not yet fully understood.
Pycnogenol and ADHD
"Nutritional Neuroscience" featured an article in 2007 about pycnogenol's effects on ADHD. Levels of certain brain chemicals--noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine--were measured in both healthy and ADHD-diagnosed patients. The amount of noradrenaline was positively correlated to the degree of ADHD in the children. Pycnogenol normalized levels of these chemicals, "leading to less hyperactivity." Always discuss the addition of any new supplement with your child's doctor.
Pycnogenol and Erectile Dysfunction
Another interesting human study centered on using pycnogenol in conjunction with l-arginine to combat erectile dysfunction, or ED. According to the "Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy," a study published in 2003 showed that after three months of treatment, 92.5 percent of male participants taking pycnogenol and l-arginine experienced normal erections. Discuss use and dosing with your physician before trying pycnogenol for ED.
Dosing
The research trials and differing conditions utilized a range of dosing amounts. Most supplements have a recommended dosage on the label, but researching your condition may be beneficial. Get your doctor's advice on use and dosing of pycnogenol before beginning treatment with this supplement.
References
- "Hypertension"; Effects of melatonin and Pycnogenol on small artery structure and function in spontaneously hypertensive rats; Rezzani, R, et al; June 2010
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Pycnogenol efficiency on glycaemia, motor nerve conduction velocity and markers of oxidative stress in mild type diabetes in rats; Jankyova, S, et al; August 2009
- "Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Pycnogenol improves microcirculation, retinal edema, and visual acuity in early diabetic retinopathy; Steigerwalt, R, et al; December 2009
- "Nutritional Neuroscience"; Urinary catecholamines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): modulation by a polyphenolic extract from pine bark (pycnogenol); Dvoráková, M, et al; June 2007
