Pycnogenol is French maritime pine bark extract. It supplies high antioxidant activity and encourages optimal immune function.** In addition, pycnogenol may:
- Optimize peak circulation and heart health.**
- Promote youthful skin and helps with bruising.**
- Promote comfortable, flexible joints.**
What is Pycnogenol?
This patented botanical extract is derived from French maritime pine bark, and has become an extremely popular nutritional supplement for its far-reaching influence on health and well-being.**
Used in traditional wellness practices as far back as the ancient Greek era, pine bark has been found in modern research to be rich in antioxidant compounds known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Pycnogenol is significant because it appears to have an especially high concentration and diverse mix of these health-enhancing antioxidant proanthocyanidins. Pycnogenol's steadily growing popularity is largely due to its status as a scientifically backed multitasking nutrient.**
Studies have shown that Pycnogenol’s antioxidant complex is highly bioavailable, enabling it to effectively battle harmful oxidative stress while promoting overall well-being and healthy aging. Pycnogenol also modulates the body’s inflammatory response. The extract influences nitric oxide production, promoting artery relaxation and optimal circulation. Finally, Pycnogenol is naturally drawn to collagen and elastin, which enables it to provide targeted nutritional support for the skin, organs, connective tissues and blood vessels.**
Pycnogenol has been extensively researched for its ability to uphold cardiovascular health. By optimizing nitric oxide production, the extract opens up blood vessels for peak circulatory performance. In addition to encouraging ideal circulation throughout the body, Pycnogenol has been specifically associated with optimal blood flow to the legs. Research has shown that the compound's circulation-boosting qualities even extend to microcirculation, which involves distributing blood to the body's smallest blood vessels. The pine bark extract’s antioxidant activity further promotes cardiovascular health by defending the lining of blood vessels as it maintains healthy circulation.**
Pycnogenol’s microcirculation, antioxidant and collagen-binding activities hold promise for skin health. The pine bark extract has been found to help with wound healing while minimizing scar formation, broken capillaries and bruising. It also appears to minimize skin damage and “photoaging” associated with the sun’s dangerous UV rays. In Europe, Pycnogenol is popularly used as a skin serum for anti-aging purposes, where it is believed to encourage collagen and elastin to maintain smooth, supple skin tone.**
Scientific investigations have revealed that Pycnogenol supports the wellness of the immune system, in part by helping to regulate inflammatory responses. It also assists in maintaining skin and joint health and aids in encouraging ideal vision by promoting blood flow to the retina. Other areas where the nutrient may have benefits include cognitive function, cholesterol maintenance and athletic endurance.**
Given this array of properties and potential applications, it's no wonder that Pycnogenol has achieved great popularity and a strong reputation as a natural health multi-tasker.**
Pycnogenol Supplements
Pycnogenol supplements are sourced from the inner bark of the French maritime pine. Supplements are primarily available in capsule and tablet form.**
Pycnogenol Directions for Use
Talk to your health care professional before starting any routine supplementation. Although no standard Pycnogenol dosage has been set, supplements are often in the range of 25 to 100 mg.**
