Pycnogenol is the trademarked name for a herbal supplement that is taken from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It is found in a large forest area in an area of southwestern France near Bordeaux.
This supplement is rich in various constituents that have been proven beneficial to good health. On this page, I will give an in-depth explanation of these constituents, and how they may benefit you.
How Does It Improve Your Health?
First, pycnogenol contains a chemical known as proanthocyanidin, which is considered a class of chemicals known as Flavonoids.
Flavanoids are present in many fruits and vegetables, and are responsible for their vibrant colors.
Also, Flavonoids provide many nutritional benefits. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that help to destroy altered cellular structures called free radicals.
A free radical is an unstable molecule that, from a chemical perspective, is lacking an electron in its outer shell. Thus, it is constantly trying to 'steal' an electron from other molecules, as it attempts to become stable.
This puts into motion a chain reaction, as the molecule from which the electron was stolen now becomes a free radical and the process continues.
Your environment and lifestyle may cause these dangerous free radicals to form.
They can be caused by cigarette smoking, environmental pollution, herbicides and in poisons found in household cleaners.
Antioxidants, such as pycnogenol, function to mop up these free radicals, minimizing any damage they may potentially cause.
Additionally, consumption of proanthocyanidins have been associated with a lowered incidence of heart disease.
In the 1970s, it was noted that the French had much lower rates of heart disease and lived longer than their surrounding neighbors, even though their diets were the same. This condition came to be known as the French paradox.
After close examination of their dietary habits, it was determined that the French did one thing each day, regularly, that their neighbors did not do. That is, they drank a glass of red wine with every meal. And red wine is high in proanthocyanidins.
Research reveals that levels of proanthocyanidin antioxidants in pycnogenol contain 20 times the antioxidants found in vitamin C, and 50 times the antioxidants found in vitamin E.
Proanthocyanidins also help with allergies, as they help to reduce production of histamine, a protein that is thought to be the cause of many allergic reactions.
Next, for all you beauty-conscious women, it can protect your skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.
It helps to bind and protect collagen, the chemical that helps keep your skin smooth and tight, preventing the development of wrinkles.
How Much Should I Take?
A recommended dosage for pycnogenol has yet to be determined. Suggested dosages are based on the dosages used in previous clinical trials, but it is yet to be determined if these dosages are the safest and most effective.
Most of these studies used dosages that ranged from 25 to 360 mg per day. In some of the studies, the dosage was split between two or three smaller dosages, while other studies dosed once daily.
It is probably best that you take it with meals, or just after eating, as this may minimize stomach upset.
Does It Have Any Contraindications, Side Effects or Drug Interactions?
Pycnogenol is generally well tolerated with few side effects with an upset stomach being the most common side effect.
However, those individuals with low blood sugar or are taking medications that lower blood sugar, should use caution regarding this supplement.
Individuals with bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin, should use caution as this supplement may increase the risk of bleeding.
Last, there are numerous other potential drug interactions possible from taking this supplement. I advise you to talk to your pharmacist and ask his advice before starting to take it.
In conclusion, I've just scratched the surface on the many benefits of this wonderful herbal supplement.
For one thing, it stimulates your cells to produce more anti-oxidative enzymes that function as free radical scavengers.
Additionally, one study has found that it increased the endurance of athletes using treadmills.
It is obvious there are many reasons why you should take it, but the basic reason you should take it is to help your body stay healthy.
