Pycnogenol is the name given to one of the chemical constituents of pine bark, but has also been trademarked by Horphag Research Ltd. This trademark refers only to pycnogenols extracted from the Maritime Pine, however, the extract from another pine bark, Pinus massonia Lamb, contains exactly the same compounds.

Pine Bark Extract has a high content of compounds known as OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins). OPCs has been declared a potent antioxidant, is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and free of side effects. OPCs has an antioxidant power 20 times stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E and has the ability to neutralize free radicals, which play a major role in degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, impaired vision, sun damage and premature ageing.

Cardiovascular Diseases

OPCs helps strengthen capillaries, arteries and veins, and has the ability to stabilize the walls of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and generally support tissues containing collagen and elastin.

Atherosclerosis

It has been proved that the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) plays an important role in atherosclerosis. OPC eliminates damages that free radicals do to the arteries, thus preventing or reversing atherosclerosis.

Venous Insufficiency (Varicose Veins)

Varicose veins appear when blood pools in the legs, causing pain, heaviness, swelling, fatigue, and unsightly visible veins. By strengthening capillary walls and reducing capillary osmosis, OPCs can relieve the pain and swelling of venous insufficiency. Similarly, OPCs is recommended as a treatment for haemorrhoids. There is also some evidence that OPCs can be useful in reducing swelling that often follows injuries or surgery. OPCs appears to speed the disappearance of such swelling by strengthening damaged blood and lymph vessels that are leaking fluid.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 92 subjects found that OPCs, taken at a dose of 100mg 3 times daily, significantly improved major symptoms, including heaviness, swelling, and leg discomfort. Over a period of 1 month, 75% of the participants treated with OPCs improved substantially.

Retinopathy/Vision Improvement

The capacity of OPCs in strengthening capillaries and reducing capillary osmosis is effective for patients suffering from stroke and retinopathy. OPCs has been proved to improve retinopathy caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammation and ageing. It has also been reported that OPCs can improve the visual acuity of those who suffer from eye fatigue because of excessive computer use.

A six-week controlled (but not blinded) study evaluated the ability of OPCs to improve night vision in normal subjects. In this trial of 100 healthy volunteers, those who received 200mg per day of OPCs showed improvements in night vision and glare recovery as compared to untreated subjects.

Aging/Alzheimer Disease

Because OPCs can easily pass the Blood-Brain Barrier, it can effectively inhibit the damage that free radicals do to the brain, so that Alzheimer Disease may be prevented and reversed.

Skin Care

Because of its antioxidant activity, OPCs is thought to protect the skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Considerable evidence indicates that OPCs protects and strengthens the collagen and elastin of the skin.

Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammation and Anti-Allergic Activity

Since free radicals play a vital role in tumour formation, OPCs is also used for its anti-cancer activity. OPCs is also helpful for all kinds of arthritis. The anti-allergic activity of OPCs is thought to be the result of its anti-histamine content. Compared with other anti-allergic drugs, OPCs has the same efficacy and does not have the side effects such as drowsiness. It also provides effective relief from night cramps.

Pine Bark extract is so effective that it has been approved as an additive for foods and beverages include baked goods, breakfast cereals, breakfast bars, processed fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, soups, sweets, chewing gum, margarine, sauces, fats and oils, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

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