PYCNOGENOL®

Species Name: pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica

Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine, a tree which grows over the coastal region of south-west France. The trees are cultivated over a period of thirty to fifty years, with neither pesticides nor herbicides used.

Pycnogenol is believed by scientists to be a natural anti-inflammatory and a powerful antioxidant. Pycnogenol also selectively binds to collagen and elastin, as well as aids in the production endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels.

A typical daily dosage would be 1 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Remember, if in doubt, consult your physician! Common dosages range from 20mg-200mg per day.

Home Remedies using Pycnogenol:

Benefits of Pycnogenol:

Pycnogenol contains Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), also known as flavonoids.

Flavonoids are highly water soluble, making them much easier for the body to absorb.

OPCs are clinically proven to be twenty times as potent as Vitamin C and fifty times as potent as Vitamin E.

OPCs assist in:

• Protecting the brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage
• Protecting the liver against toxic doses of acetaminophen
• Slowing the process of aging
• Supporting the immune system
• Strengthening and repairing connective tissue
• Moderating allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing the body’s histamine production

Uses of Pycnogenol:

Jetlag:

Clinical studies show that Pycnogenol reduces jetlag symptoms by almost fifty percent!

A lowered occurrence of common jetlag symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches and brain and leg edema (swelling) was present in individuals who took Pycnogenol.

50mg of Pycnogenol was administered to the jetlag sufferers orally three times daily, for seven days, starting two days prior to the flight.

Chapped lips:

Pycnogenol aids in preventing the chapped and drying of the lips that can occur from eating hot and spicy foods.

Hot and spicy foods can cause chapping of the lips in certain people, which could be due to inflammation.

Take one capsule of Pycnogenol per day for ten days, then take one capsule every three days until you finish the whole bottle.

As Pycnogenol will not cure chapped lips for good, it will keep symptoms at bay if taken regularly.

Other possible uses for Pycnogenol are listed below:

• Circulation problems
• Arthritis
• Disease of the retina in the eye
• Circulation problems
• High blood pressure
• Asthma in children
• Improved endurance in athletes

Side Effects of Pycnogenol:

Taking large doses of Pycnogenol for extended amounts of time might not be safe.

Do not take Pycnogenol if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you have an immune system or auto-immune system disease.

Common side effects when taking Pycnogenol are dizziness, stomach problems, headache and mouth ulcers.

As always, check with your doctor prior to taking new medications.