Blood pressure is the force exerted on the blood vessels by circulating blood. If your blood pressure consistently measures 140/90 or over, you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure doesn't usually present symptoms, but over time it can weaken the heart and damage the arteries. You can help to prevent or treat high blood pressure by modifying your lifestyle, for example, exercising regularly, reducing your alcohol intake and eating healthy low-fat foods. You might also need to take medication to lower your blood pressure. An herb known as pycnogenol might also help to lower high blood pressure, although scientific evidence to prove its efficacy is mixed. Get medical advice before using herbs.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Pycnogenol comes from the bark of the French maritime tree, and according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may play a role in the treatment of a number of conditions including HIV, skin disorders, erectile dysfunction and cancer. Pycnogenol contains numerous active compounds including proanthocyanidins, which might also help to lower high blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which in turn dilates blood vessels, aiding blood flow.
Administration
Pycnogenol is available in capsules and tablets. MedlinePlus notes that taking 200 mg of pycnogenol daily might help to lower mild high blood pressure. Keep in mind that this dose is only intended as a guideline. Check with your doctor that it is suitable for you.
Research
Evidence showing that pycnogenol can help lower high blood pressure is limited. However, the results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study in 58 patients, published in the January 2004 issue of "Life Sciences" show that those who took 100 mg of pycnogenol daily for 12 months were able to reduce their dose of the anti-hypertensive drug nifedipine. An article published in the "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" in April 2002 notes that pycnogenol inhibits the action of an enzyme known as angiotensin-converting enzyme, which in turn, may create mild anti-hypertensive effects.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus states that pycnogenol is possibly safe when taken in doses of 50 mg to 450 mg daily for up to 6 months. However, it may cause side effects, including dizziness, mouth ulcers and irritability. It might also lower your energy levels. Pycnogenol might interact with other medicines you might be taking, including anticoagulants, immunosuppressants and chemotherapeutic drugs. Don't take this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- NHS Choices: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pine Bark Extract
- MedlinePlus: Pycnogenol
- "Life Sciences"; Pycnogenol, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Improves Endothelial Function of Hypertensive Patients; X. Liu, et al.; January 2004
- "International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; A Review of the French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol), a Herbal Medication With a Diverse Clinical Pharmacology; P. Rohdewald; April 2002
