The Pycnogenol Phenomenon

You may not have heard about this powerful nutrient, however the funny thing is that Pycnogenol has been around for decades. It hasn't been until very recently that it's started to become incredibly popular for its anti-aging properties. So what is it, what can it do for you and how do you take it?

First things first, how do you say "Pycnogenol"? Easy: Pic-nog-in-all.

In a nutshell, Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize a broad range of free radicals. It is an herbal supplement derived from French maritime pine bark extract. Aside from anti-aging and skin health properties, Pycnogenol is known for its many wonderful health benefits, such as aiding in circulation problems, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, ADHD, erectile dysfunction and endometriosis. (1,2)

• Significantly increases skin elasticity and smoothness

• Binds collagen and elastin in the skin to prevent wrinkles and sagging

• Helps prevent sunburn, UV damage and aging skin

• Lightens over-pigmented skin or dark spots 

• Enhances circulation and nitric oxide in the body

• Recycles other powerful antioxidants such as vitamins C and E

• Offer anti-inflammatory effects caused by sun damage

Pycnogenol supplementation benefits human skin by increasing skin hydration and skin elasticity. Pycnogenol supplementation may thus be useful to counteract the clinical signs of skin aging. (3)

A recent study discovered that Pycnogenol may significantly reduce platelet aggregation, which could possibly reduce the risk of developing blood clots, heart attack and strokes. Additionally, because Pycnogenol enhances the production of nitric oxide, it helps keep your arteries open and relaxed, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.

Knocking out the common cold and improving allergy symptoms are two huge benefits that Pycnogenol offers by way of its anti-inflammatory properties. In recent studies, colds were shortened by 3 days and asthma symptoms reduced dramatically, especially in children.

This incredible antioxidant helps to strengthen the capillaries in the retina and has even been shown to halt the progression of vision loss in those who suffer from diabetic retinopathy. Research results demonstrated a beneficial effect of Pycnogenol® on the progression of retinopathy. the Pycnogenol®-treated patients showed no deterioration of retinal function and a significant recovery of visual acuity was also obtained. The mechanism of action of Pycnogenol® may be related to its free radical (FR) scavenging, anti-inflammatory and capillary protective activities. (4)

How do you take it? Take 1 capsule 1-3 times daily, or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Give Pycnogenol a try and see how you can benefit from taking this ultra-protective, inflammation-fighting antioxidant. 

1. Pycnogenol® for the Treatment of Chronic Disorders

2. Effect of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Endometriosis as Compared with Leuprorelin Acetate

3. Pycnogenol® Effects on Skin Elasticity and Hydration Coincide with Increased Gene Expressions of Collagen Type I and Hyaluronic Acid Synthase in Women

4. Treatment of Vascular Retinopathies with Pycnogenol®