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ANTIOXIDANT OVERVIEW
Pycnogenol (trade name) describes "an entire class of bioflavonoids that are composed of polyphenols, or Proanthocyanidin complexes." The bioflavonoids may be extracted from pine bark, lemon tree bark, grape seeds, grape skins, or cranberries. The extract from grape pips (seeds) was patented in 1970.
However, Pycnogenol has also been assigned to a group of flavonoids termed the flavan-3-ol derivatives. Numerous plants have been found to be sources for the class of compounds generally termed the flavonoids, and the chemical condensation of flavonoid precursors results in the formation of compounds known as condensed tannins. The broader term, bioflavonoid, has been used to designate those flavonoids with biologic activity.
The term Pycnogenol, first coined in 1979 by J.A. Masquelier of the University of Bordeaux, as a generic term to describe proanthocyanidins has been trademarked by different corporate entities in different countries, leading to confusion. In the American market Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of a pine bark product derived from Pinus pinaster Ait. (usually referred by the obsolete name Pinus maritima Mill.), also called the French maritime pine tree.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Pycnogenol quenches three specific types of dangerous free radicals - superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide. Pycnogenol can possibly help protect against many diseases, including heart disease and cancer, that are aggravated by free radicals. Pycnogenol, as an antioxidant, has been shown to be 20 times more powerful than vitamin C and 50 times more powerful than vitamin E.
Pycnogenol is a complex mixture of phenolic and polyphenolic compounds and their sugar derivatives. Parallels between Pycnogenol and some times of herbal products have been drawn. The sum of Pycnogenol's compounds (around 40 polyphenolic flavonoids and organic acids) is greater than the activity of their individual, isolated parts. Every component contributes to and enhances the effects with all of them playing a part in the orchestration. The main components are catechins and epicatechins. It has been used in traditional medicine as a therapeutic agent against a number of diseases in which nitric oxide has been implicated in pathogenesis. It's effect on nitric oxide radicals, in particular, have attracted scientific interest.
Nitric oxide is a molecule essential for some cellular and physiological functions but dangerous in large amounts. For example, it plays important roles in the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, yet excessive nitric oxide can also promote inflammations, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. It is important that nitric oxide is maintained in a balance in the body...not to much and not too little.
Pycnogenol has the benefit of regulating and, at times, inhibiting nitric oxide production. It can down-regulate the body's key nitric oxide-activating enzyme and nitric oxide-dependent genes. Pycnogenol also appears to have particular benefits in reducing inflammation caused by excessive nitric oxide radicals released by white blood cells.
Pycnogenol's role as a nitric oxide regulator was borne out by research in Tampa Florida. Pycnogenol increased nitric oxide levels in the endothelial cells that line the heart and blood vessel walls, thus permitting optimal vasodilation of blood vessels. In experiments on rats' blood vessels, the stress hormone adrenaline was used to constrict blood vessels, mimicking what occurs in heart disease. After adding Pycnogenol, nitric oxide levels increased and the blood vessels dilated, a sign of normal blood-vessel function. These experiments may appear to contradict each other, but instead they point to the complex and subtle ways antioxidants function in different types of cells.
In addition, Pycnogenol has a "sparing effect" on vitamin E, and the flavonoid complex plays some roles in "reduction-oxidation," the process that recycles and regenerates antioxidants in the body.
Pycnogenol may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease in still other ways. In scientific experiments, it was found that smoking tobacco increases platelet aggregation, or the clotting of blood cells, but that Pycnogenol decreases such aggregation in just 2 hours.
It also reduces the body's levels of interleukin-6, an immune system compound associated with the progression of aging and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In an experiment with mice whose immune systems were damaged by alcohol, Pycnogenol restored the animal's ability to fight retrovirus infections.
Pycnogenol of particular benefit to patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is typically recommended for CFS patients, some of whom have included professional athletes in hockey and baseball. These patients are put on a low- carbohydrate, high-protein diet and are supplemented with a therapeutic dose of 200-400 mg of Pycnogenol daily. A decrease in most CFS symptoms usually occurs in 3 to 6 weeks indicating that Pycnogenol seems to give these people a jump start toward overcoming their health problem.
Pycnogenol has the capability to bond collagen fibers and reverse tissue damage and injury.
DOSAGE INFORMATION
Pycnogenol is absorbed into the bloodstream in about 20 minutes. Once absorbed, the maximum protective effect lasts about 72 hours. The protective effect begins to fall as it is excreted in the urine. Pycnogenol has a recommended dosage of 20 mg per every 20 pounds of body weight, or approximately 150-200 mg per day. Some experts recommend lower doses, only 25 to 30 mg per day and higher doses are only then recommended for treating disease condition or injuries at a dosage level of 0.5-1 mg per pound of body weight per day.
RISKS & TOXICITY
Pycnogenol is claimed as causing no adverse effects and can assist vitamin C to enter cells. It is believed that Pycnogenol is non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic.
Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs)
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are naturally occurring substances present in a variety of food and botanical sources. They are unique phytochemicals known as flavonoids that have powerful antioxidant capabilities and excellent bioavailability. OPCs are highly water soluble, so the body is able to absorb them rapidly. Clinical tests suggest that OPCs may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C in terms of bioavailable antioxidant activity. What's more, OPCs work with the antioxidant glutathione to recycle and restore oxidized vitamin C, thus increasing the vitamin's effectiveness. Because they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, OPCs can protect the brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage. In addition to their antioxidant activity, OPCs protect the liver from damage caused by toxic doses of acetaminophen, a non-prescription pain reliever; they strengthen and repair connective tissue, including that of the cardiovascular system, and they moderate allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing histamine production.
OPCs are found throughout plant life; however, the two main sources are Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol), produced from a French coastal pine tree, and Grape Seed Extract, made from the seeds of the wine grape (Vitis vinifera). Pycnogenol was the first source of OPCs discovered and the process for extracting it was patented in the 1950s. As a result, even though Pycnogenol is a trademarked name for Pine Bark Extract, the term is often used informally as a generic term to refer to other OPC sources as well, most notably Grape Seed Extract.
MoonDragon's Health Nutrition Basics: Herbs Index
PYCNOGENOL PRODUCTS
Pycnogenol With Vitamin E, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 30 Tabs
Pycnogenol is an extract made from the bark of the European coastal pine. Pycnogenol is a concentrated source of proanthocyanidins, organic acids and other biologically active components.
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HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
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Super antioxidant is Natural Fertility Treatment
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Pycnogenol As Adjunctive Therapy Helps Manage Autoimmune Disease in Lupus Patients
Pycnogenol Reduces Progression of Blindness Caused by Diabetes, Hypertension & Atherosclerosis
Pycnogenol Significantly Improves Asthma Symptoms
Pycnogenol Information
Amazon.com Books: Live Longer Live Healthier: The Power of Pycnogenol: The Practical Handbook of Antioxidants
-- by Hasnain Walji
Amazon.com Books: Pycnogenol: The Super "Protector" Nutrient
-- by Richard A. Passwater, Chithan Kandaswami
Amazon.com Books: The New Superantioxidant-Plus: The Amazing Story of Pycnogenol, Free-Radical Antagonist & Vitamin C Protentiator (Good Health Guide Series)
-- by Richard A. Passwater
Amazon.com Books: All About Pycnogenol (FAQs)
-- by Richard A. Passwater, PhD, Jack Challem
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