Pycnogenol, also known as pine bark extract, is made from the bark of the maritime pine tree, Pinus pinaster. Pycnogenol is not classed as an essential nutrient, however, it may be helpful for certain health conditions. A healthcare professional should always be consulted before starting any supplement program.
According to the American Cancer Society, pycnogenol contains naturally occurring chemicals called proanthocyanidins, which are a class of flavonoids commonly known as vitamin P. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds that block the action of activated oxygen molecules called free radicals that can damage cells. Pycnogenol is available as a tablet and capsule.
Allergic Rhinitis
According to the University of Maryland, approximately one in five Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to inhaled substances such as pollen. Typical symptoms include, sneezing, runny nose, swollen eyelids, dry cough, headaches and fatigue.
In a study published in a 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," researchers studied the potential of pycnogenol for relieving allergic rhinitis. The team found that taking 50mg of pycnogenol twice daily for at least five weeks before the start of the allergy season significantly decreased the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs called airways. In asthma sufferers, the inside walls of the airways become sore, swollen and narrower, causing less air to get to the lungs. This can cause breathing trouble, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.
In a study published in a 2001 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food," researchers found that taking 1mg of pycnogenol per pound of body weight for a month significantly helped the symptoms of asthma.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is caused by problems in one or more deeper leg veins. It occurs because of partial vein blockage or blood leakage around the valves of the veins. Typical symptoms include leg pain that gets better when legs are raised, leg cramps, leg pain that gets worse when standing, and itching and tingling legs.
In a study published in a 2000 issue of "Phytomedicine," researchers found that 100mg of pycnogenol taken three times daily for two months significantly reduced the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
References
- American Cancer Society: Pine Bark Extract
- University of Maryland: Allergic rhinitis
- "Phytotherapy Research": A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms: Wilson D, Evans M, Guthrie N, et al: 2010
- "Journal of Medicinal Food": Pycnogenol((R)) in the Management of Asthma: Hosseini S, Pishnamazi S, Sadrzadeh SM, Farid F, Farid R, Watson RR: 2001
- "Phytomedicine,": Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency: Petrassi C, Mastromarino A, Spartera C: 2000
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