Pycnogenol® (Pinus maritima) is a unique plant extract that originates from the bark of the maritime pine trees grown in forests in south-western France. Pycnogenol goes beyond being a powerful antioxidant, its proven safe and effective with over 220 documented published articles and 75 clinical trials. Pycnogenol contains nutrients like proanthocyanidins, monomers, ferulic acid and caffeic acid, taxifolin, catechin and epicatechin.

Pycnogenol Benefits

Pycnogenol demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. In addition, has been studied for a wide range of conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, asthma, retinopathy, cardiovascular problems, and erectile dysfunction. It’s a powerful antioxidant, acts as a anti-inflammatory, selectively binds to collagen and elastin and it aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide, which helps to dilate blood vessels.

Antioxidant

Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant. Free radicals are the result of some oxygen molecules that are converted into oxidizing substances during the process that creates energy in cells, cellular respiration. Oxygen is a very active element, and in the stage of exchanging the molecules in the bloodstream, oxygen combines with many different compounds. Some of these compounds can cause damage to body tissue. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the development of a number of conditions including  arthritic disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular problems.

Pycnogenol, acts  as an antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and suppressing production of peroxides. It increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes by increasing the intracellular glutathione amount. Pyncogenol gets quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract due to its excellent water solubility. The compound fixes rapidly to cell membranes in veins and capillaries and connective tissue where it exerts a stabilizing effect  on cellular membranes of all types. Outside and inside the membranes it counteracts destructive oxidation by free radicals from this solubility property. This super antioxidant; It can be retained for as 72 hours while it neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidation. An in vivo study showed a 40 percent increase in antioxidant potency in blood following 3 weeks supplementation with 150 mg pycnogenol a day. Pycnogenol also, it recycles vitamin C, regenerates vitamin E and increases the endogenous antioxidant enzyme system.

Heart and Circulatory System

Pycnogenol helps to protect capillaries by binding to blood vessels walls and reducing permeability. Pine Bark Extract contains substances that might improve blood flow. Has been shown to improve endothelial function and blood flow. Pycnogenol, inhibits superoxide radical in blood flow, and protects blood vessel walls. The most positive improvements are in peripheral microcirculation. Corrects platelet activity which is responsible for the development of blood clots following vascular damage. Pycnogenol gives a protection against the cardiovascular risks by preventing the clotting of blood platelets, caused by smoking, and inhibits the nicotine-induced constriction of blood vessels. In a study, blood was drawn before and 2 hours after administration of a single pycnogenol dose. The results clearly showed a dose-dependent reduction of platelet activity. Already the lowest dose of 25 mg pycnogenol noticeably lowered the blood platelet activity. Next research revealed that pycnogenol inhibits release of thromboxane from platelets of cigarette smokers to levels of healthy non-smokers.

Pycnogenol is in its ability to cause the blood vessels to relax. Therefore, blood can flow easily through the blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure and hypertension and improving circulation. In a double-blind, placebo controlled study with type II diabetic people medicated with ACE inhibitor Lisinopril and hypoglycaemic medication, pycnogenol significantly lowered blood pressure and half of the patients were able to lower their individual hypotensive medication dosage. By virtue of increasing the production of endothelial nitric oxide, pycnogenol significantly lowers the activity of blood platelets. Nitric oxide represents the natural body-own messenger molecule for releasing elevated thrombocyte activity.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency  is a disease that includes leg swelling, varicose veins, itching, pain, skin changes, and skin ulcers. Is caused by leg veins inability to pump blood back to the heart.  Left untreated, it can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, pain during walking, and the life threatening condition deep vein thrombosis. Pycnogenol enables restoration of the functions of the small veins through inhibition of the production of inflammatory agents. 15 clinical studies involving over 500 people showed that pycnogenol reduces pain, oedema and other symptoms associated with vein problems. This clinical studies were conducted with doses ranging from 30 mg to 360 mg  a day.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Some studies report effects of pine bark extract in the treatment and prevention of retinopathy, including slowing the progression of retinopathy in diabetics. Intake of pycnogenol has been found to reduce the micro bleedings in the retina and to improve eyesight. Pycnogenol has been tested for treatment and prevention of retinopathy in clinical trials. Studies involving more than 1200 patients showed that pycnogenol repaired permeable capillaries. Progressive deterioration of vision ceased and in some patients, visual acuity increased slightly. In a study published in the “Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics”,  found that taken in the early stages of retinopathy, pycnogenol may enhance retinal blood circulation accompanied by regression of edema, which favorably  improves vision
of patients. Retinopathy is a major cause of blindness in patients with diabetes and is one of the most feared diabetic complications.

Osteoarthritis

Found that pycnogenol improves symptoms of mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. Also, patients were able to reduce their dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. During three months in a study, received pycnogenol or a placebo. After three months; pycnogenol group experienced decreases in C-reactive protein compared to the placebo group. 100 patients were treated for three months either by 150 mg pycnogenol per day at  taking or by placebo. Patients had to report any change of use of previously prescribed antiinflammatory medication during the study time. Following treatment with pycnogenol patients reported an improvement of WOMAC index, and a significant alleviation of pain by visual analogue scale, the placebo had no effect. According to researchers, results show that pycnogenol in patients with mild to moderate OA improves symptoms and is able to spare NSAIDs. One recent study showed that patients taking 200 milligram of pycnogenol per day for 5 days reduced several key markers of inflammation. Another study found that pycnogenol inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 inflammatory enzymes.

Tumors

Pycnogenol may guard  against the formation of tumors or another cell mutations caused by free radicals and may help protect against degenerative diseases like cancer. In vitro studies show antimetastatic effects of pycnogenol extract. Pycnogenol has the ability to induce apoptosis and slow down the proliferation of leukemia, ovarian, and  breast cancer cells in vitro. Pycnogenol has been recognized as an anti-oxidant and for its ability to prevent activation of NFkappaB, a transcription factor that is generally overactive in cancer cells. Pycnogenol Dr . D. White reported that it inhibits the enzyme monooxygenase, preventing the formation of highly carcinogenic diole epoxide of benzopyrene. Pycnogenol was found to block the spread of human lung carcinoma cells. A study published in 2009 found that pycnogenol caused a 50 % reduction of thioredoxin reductase activity.

Asthma

Treatment of pycnogenol decreases the level of circulating inflammatory substances in the blood stream and has been shown to improve asthma symptoms and the lung function. Pycnogenol inhibits expression of 5-lipoxygenase and therefore decreases leukotriene levels in asthmatic patients. According to a study of 2002; that pycnogenol may decrease asthma symptom scores and levels of circulating leukotrienes, molecules that cause inflammation. (International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics – number of April 2002). In a clinical study; 26 with asthma participated in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1 mg/lb/day (most 200 mg/day) Pycnogenol or placebo for the first period of  four weeks and then crossed over to the alternate regimen for the next  four weeks. 22 patients who completed the study, all responded favorably to pycnogenol in contrast to placebo. Pycnogenol noticeably extent reduced serum leukotrienes compared with placebo.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erection requires the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle, which is triggered by nitric oxide. Pycnogenol in combination with L-arginine, may cause an improvement in sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. Pycnogenol enhances NO (nitric oxide) production which leads to an improvement in blood vessel dilation and an increase in blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles. a study published in 2003 showed that after 3 months of treatment, 92.5 % of male participants taking pycnogenol and l-arginine experienced normal erections.

Melasma

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation of the skin usually affecting sun-exposed areas in women. More sunlight exposure is considered the leading factor of melasma, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to this condition. 90% of occurs in women. Thirty women with melasma completed a 30-day trial in which they took one 25 mg tablet of pycnogenol 3 times daily. They were aged between 29 and 59 years  and their mean course of disease was 8 years. All 30 patients completed the 30 day treatment period. At the end of the period, the researchers found that the average area of skin affected by melasma went down by approximate 26 mm squared. Overall effective rate was 80%.

Pycnogenol and Tinnitus

Tinnitus is commonly defined as the subjective perception of sound by an individual, in the absence of external sounds. The word ‘tinnitus’ means tinkling or ringing like a bell. Episodes of tinnitus may be brief or it can be a permanent problem. In many people with tinnitus, the cause is not known. Some medications and other diseases of the inner ear  can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus can in  rare situations be a symptom of such important problems as a brain aneurysm or a brain tumor.

Recent research shows pycnogenol, is useful in relieving tinnitus symptoms and improving inner ear blood flow. In a study; involving 82 people with mild to moderate tinnitus in one ear, 58 took pycnogenol (100 mg or 150 mg per day) and 24 acted as controls. Patients were assigned to one of 3 groups:  first group consisted of 24 patients who were administered 150 mg/day of pycnogenol, second group consisted of 34 patients who were administered 100 mg/day of pycnogenol, and the control group consisted of 24 patients who received no pycnogenol. At the beginning of the study, patients’ average initial systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were 14.3 and 4.22 cm/sec in the low dose pycnogenol group and 13.2 and 3.2 cm/sec in the high dose pycnogenol group, indicative of insufficient blood perfusion of the ear in both groups. The study found that after 4 weeks of treatment with pycnogenol, inner ear systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities in the affected ear rose to an average of 21.2 and 8.23 cm/sec in the low dose group and to 24.3 and 12.5 cm/sec in the high dose group (Panminerva Medica 2010 June).  ‘This study, clearly  indicates pycnogenol ability to improve vascular function and restore cochlear blood perfusion, which in turn relieves the severity of tinnitus symptoms‘ said Dr. Belcaro.

Pycnogenol Dosage

Some doctors who have used pycnogenol recommend a dose of 20 mg for every 20lbs of body weight to obtain optimal results. (approximately 150-200mg per day.) Pycnogenol is absorbed by the body within 30 minutes and it’s effectiveness lasts 72 hours.

Pycnogenol Side Effects

Is generally safe and well tolerated. By thinning the blood it could cause adverse reactions in those who are on aspirin, coumadin or other medications that cause blood thinning. As a general precaution, pregnant women should not take pycnogenol within the first three months of pregnancy.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in the human eye. The highest concentration is found in the macular area of the retina. About 80% of the carotenoid content in the retina is Lutein and zeaxanthin. The macula is a specialized region in the back of the eye which allows you to clearly see fine details. In addition to sunlight exposure, age, smoking and diet have been identified as risk factors for age-related macular degeneration. One function of zeaxanthin and lutein revealed by research is their capacity to serve as an antioxidant.

What is Age Related Macular Degeneration?

Age related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss in those aged over 50. The macula is a small spot in the centre of the retina that processes sharp, clear vision. With age-related macular degeneration, the macula cells become damaged, leading to gradual loss of your central vision. Macular degeneration disables this retinal function, leaving only a margin of peripheral vision. There are different kinds of macular problems, but the most common is age-related macular degeneration. The worldwide incidence of the disease grows from 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 to more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 75.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein Benefits

Zeaxanthin and lutein may protect the retina in two ways, as antioxidants to oxidative stress from metabolism, and by filtering short wavelengths of light they also reduce the oxidative effect of blue light .Within the skin, lutein appears to be deposited in the epidermis  and dermis, providing its antioxidant and blue-light absorption functions throughout the depth of the skin.

According to a 1995 study, increasing the consumption of dark green, leafy vegetables appears to offer some protection against macular degeneration. In a study of 380 people aged 66-75 years in the UK, people with lower blood levels of lutein plus zeaxanthin were more likely to have age-related macular degeneration.

A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association provided the  of evidence that lutein supplements, taken in capsule form  6-30 mg per day, can lower the risk of macular degeneration up to 43 percent. In a 2009 study of 37 healthy adults, researchers found that subjects who took lutein supplements for 12 weeks experienced improvements in visual function. A  study from Beijing-based researchers, reported in the British Journal of Nutrition, has noted improvements in the sensitivity to contrast on a computer screen in subjects taking lutein. The study concluded that “a higher intake of lutein may have beneficial effects on the visual performance. A research study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, suggests that zeaxanthin supplementation preventeddiabetes-induced increase in retinal damage. The Health Professional’s Follow-Up Study also found that high amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin  lowered the need for cataract surgery.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Food Sources

Lutein is found in egg yolk and many plants and vegetables, including red peppers, broccoli, mustard, zucchini, corn, garden peas, spinach, collard greens and kale. Rich sources of zeaxanthin  are dark, leafy greens, as well as broccoli, corn, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and peas.

Carotenoids such as lutein, and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble substances, and as such require the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. The concentrations of various carotenoids in human serum and tissues are highly variable and depend on food sources, efficiency of absorption, and amount of fat in the diet. The researchers suspect that lutein from eggs is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream than lutein from other sources because of components in the egg’s yolk, such as lecithin.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin Dosage

Lutein supplements are available in soft-gel capsule form. Daily amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin are generally recommended at 20 mg of lutein and 3-10 mg of zeaxanthin. 12mg dose of lutein improved vision in health computer users. Lutein supplements contain trace amounts of natural or dietary zeaxanthin. A recommended amount of zeaxanthin is 10 mg daily for anyone diagnosed with macular degeneration and 3 mg for those taking it as a preventative measure.

Oleuropein is the active ingredient found in green olives and olive leaf. Olive leaf extracts; are made from the fresh or dried leaves of the same plant species that produces olive fruit and olive oil. The effectiveness of olive leaf extract depends largely on the rate of oleuropein. Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol have powerful antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the compounds leine, oleasterol and glycoside oleoside reside within the olive leaf.

Oleuropein Benefits

The oleuropein in olive leaf is a natural wide-spectrum antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It has proven to be useful in cases of yeast and fungal infections, herpes, allergies, psoriasis, chronic fatigue, and many other pathogens. In 1962 an Italian researcher recorded that oleuropein had the effect to lower blood pressure in animals. another  researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmia.

Antioxidant

Olive leaf extract contains  extremely potent antioxidant. The main phytochemicals for this antioxidant action are oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that, when oxidized, can cause cellular damage. Antioxidants are capable of slowing and preventing the oxidation of molecules in the body. Experts discovered, in an study, that olive leaf extract contained twice the antioxidants of green tea extract and 400 % higher than Vitamin C. Olive leaf extract provides nutritional support for detoxification at the cellular level, when the body is under stress.

Immune System

In 1969, Upjohn company’s researchers found that olive leaf inhibits the growth of every virus, bacterium, yeast, fungus, and protozoan that it was tested against. The virucidal activity of oleuropein was due to its interaction with the protein coat of the virus and not with its genetic material. Olive leaf extract is thought to be effective in helping the body to routinely combat numerous pathogens as well as help restore a flagging immune system. At the “Robert Lyons Clinic” of Budapest, a research study was done on 500 people from the ages of 12 to over 50 for the some diseases: Respiratory conditions; lung diseases; dental diseases; skin conditions such as herpes and other viral skin conditions; bacterial skin infections and Helicobacter pylori infection. The rate of  recovery from all bacterial and viral infections was 98 percent.

Other agent contained in oleuropein is elenolic acid. This ingredient is particularly effective in maintaining the body’s immune system. Studies have found that elenolic acid helps the body to balance levels of friendly bacteria and support the immune system. Oleuropein is converted into elenolic acid in the body which may prevent viruses and bacteria from replicating. According to lab experiments, calcium elenolate  kills viruses by interfering with certain amino acid production processes. This intervention prevents virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane. researches suggest  that this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. Anti-HIV effects of Olive leaf extract include upregulation of the expression of apoptosis inhibitor proteins as well as protein kinase signaling molecules. A study in published 2003 issue of Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications concluded that olive leaf extract might inhibit the spread of the HIV-1 virus by preventing cell-to-cell transmission. In a study, olive leaf extract helped to prevent the adherence of the hemorrhagic septicaemia virus to normal healthy cells, and reduced the infectivity of the virus by up to 30%. This study “Antiviral Research” was published in the journal.

Anti-Tumor

In-vitro studies have shown that oleuropein is non-toxic antioxidant with potent anti-tumor property. When oleuropein was administered orally to mice that had developed tumors, it regressed the tumors in 9 to 12 days. In an experiment, oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness; these effects were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. This experiment; reported by Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. An extract from olive leaf,  arrested growth in a tissue culture of human breast cancer cells at an early stage in the growth cycle. (Food and Chemical Toxicology – January 2011)

Antibiotic

Serious problem  with bacteria is that they mutate. Antibiyotik drugs  which were once highly effective become ineffective as bacteria mutate and develop a resistance to them. Olive leaf one of nature’s best antimicrobial agents. Researches shows that when olive leaf is taken orally, it searches out and “inactivates” bacteria. It does this by dissolving the outer lining of the infectious germs and then penetrates the infected cells, thus inhibiting the replication of the bacteria. In one study, compounds isolated from olive leaf inhibited the growth of many  bacterial and fungal strains; Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. In a study conducted in 2003 the effect of olive leaf extract was tested  on the candida fungus. Within 24 hours the candida microorganisms died.

Oleuropein Dosage

Olive leaf extract can be taken as liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder, or capsule. Olive leaf is available as a dried extract containing 6 to 15 percent oleuropein. Dosages recommended by health care professionals include one or two capsules totaling 500 mg daily for preventive purposes. For  flu or colds, take two capsules every 6 hours; and for acute infections, take three or four capsules every 6 hours for rapid results.

Oleuropein Side Effects

Concomitant use of olive leaf extract blood pressure-lowering or diabetes medications should be avoided. Don’t use olive leaf extracts if you are pregnant or breast feeding. People taking olive leaf extract for the first time may experience the “die-off” effect. This is a reaction to the detoxification process as the body attempts to flush itself of toxins. Reactions include fatigue, diarrhea, headaches or flu-like symptoms. Severity differs also from person to person, depending on the extent of infection.