Pycnogenol (pick-nah-geh-nol) is a unique natural plant extract made from the bark of the Maritime Pine tree which grows on the coast of France. It was Professor Jacques Masquelier who discovered the biochemistry, the needles contain vitamin C & the bark contains flavanoids. He isolated the first compound in 1951 & coined the term Pycnogenol. The trees are cut for timber & the bark is used to make this, one tonne of raw pine bark makes about 2.5kg of pycnogenol. As an antioxidant, it has shown to be 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E & 20 times more than Vitamin C. It also offers support to the circulatory system by neutralising free radicals in the blood stream, Joint Protection, Tissue & Organ protection, inhibits the formulation of histamine which is responsible for causing allergic reactions, also improves skin elasticity & smoothness during aging. Pycnogenol is used for: Antioxidant
- Pycnogenol has been shown to be a potent scavenger of oxygen free radicals. Studies have shown that Pycnogenol is 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E & 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C. Circulatory System
- Pycnogenol offers support to the circulatory system by neutralising free radicals in the blood stream, preventing radical build up & promoting the integrity of the vessel walls. It is also able to support circulation in the extremities & in the capillaries that feed the eyes. Joint Protection
- Pycnogenol is able to inhibit certain proteolytic enzymes such as collagenase & elastase which degrade the collagen & elastin in connective tissue giving rise to such conditions as joint degeneration. Tissue & Organ Protection
- Pycnogenol plays an important role in the support of the blood vessels as described earlier & as a consequence of this it helps to support tissues & organs throughout the body that rely on adequate blood flow. Allergy
- Pycnogenol inhibits the formation of histamine which is responsible for causing allergic reactions. Skin Health
- Pycnogenol improves skin elasticity & smoothness during the aging process, as well as protecting the skin against the harmful effects of the sun. It has also been shown to be beneficial in cases of psoriasis.