Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract

Pine bark extract is obtained from the bark of pine trees. There are over a hundred species of pine trees and the bark extract sold in the market as a nutritional supplement are from the maritime pine, pinus maritama, pinus pinaster and the Eastern white pine, pinus massoniana. The French maritime pinus maritama bark extract is marketed under the tradename Pycnogenol which was patented by a French researcher.

Proanthocyanidins are responsible for the health benefits and medicinal value of the extract of pine bark and also grape seed. Proanthocyanidins are known by other names such as oligomeric proanthocyanidin or PAC and procyanidin or OPC which are antioxidant flavonoids. Other constituents present in pine bark include catechins, epicatechin, taxifolin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillic acid.

Potential Pine Bark Extract Health Benefits

1. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in Ontario, Canada on hay fever sufferers and those allergic to birch to see the effect of pine extract. At the end of the study the analysis showed that those who took 100mg of pycnogenol per day reduced their intake of non-prescription antihistamine medication. In conclusion, the researchers suggested that taking pine bark extract supplement at least five weeks before the allergy season may help improve allergic rhinitis symptoms. It may also treat the symptoms of asthma.
   
   
   
2. Some clinical trials on humans indicate that pycnogenol may help improve circulation and prevent or treat fluid retention, chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis and heart disease. Preliminary studies suggest that pine bark has the potential to treat circulation problems in diabetes and lower blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
   
   
   
3. The antioxidant activities in pine bark is powerful in stimulating the immune system and eliminating free radicals from damaging the cells. It may assist in maintaining healthy skin or treating skin problems, slowing the aging process and preventing cancer. Some skin care products such as psoriasis cream, anti-aging night cream and hand treatment lotion use the bark extract in their ingredients.
   
   
   
4. Besides showing antioxidant effects, in vitro studies suggest that pine bark has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Taking pine bark extract supplement may protect and provide relief from arthritis, muscle soreness, leg cramps and osteoarthritis and improve joint flexibility. Preliminary studies found that pine bark extract was able to stop HIV attachment and duplication and inhibit the growth of helicobacter pylori bacteria which are responsible for stomach inflammation, chronic gastritis and ulcers.
   
   
   
5. In the early 2000, a placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study was performed on 58 patients with hypertension. Those who receive pycnogenol showed improvement in endothelial function. An endothelial dysfunction is a sign of vascular diseases and a sign of the development of atherosclerosis. Based on the study, researchers believe that pine bark supplementation has the potential to reduce bad cholesterol level, prevent heart disorder, stroke and heart disease.
   
   
   
6. Another small study on humans who were given pycnogenol for two months showed that the bark extract slowed down and prevented further deterioration of retinal disease which was caused by diabetes. An additional benefit was improved eyesight.
   
   
   
7. The extract of pine bark has also shown to reduce PMS symptoms such as menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms.
   
   
   
8. Early studies indicate that taking pine bark extract may help treat erectile dysfunction or impotence and improve athletic endurance.
   
   
   
9. Pine bark supplement may also reduce the effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and further deterioration caused by Alzheimer's disease.

If you would like to try making pine bark tea, purchase the loose, cut and sifted pine bark. Boil about 2 cups of the bark under a slow fire for 20 minutes. Let it simmer for one and a half hour before you drink it. You can use the bark tea to gargle as a home remedy to treat gum bleeding and removing plaque.

Even though pine bark extract is a powerful antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory agent and has the potential to fight viral and bacterial infections, consult your doctor before you take the supplement. This is really necessary if you are pregnant, breast feeding, on prescription medication or chemotherapeutic drugs, have undergone surgery, radiation therapy, or suffer from any auto immune disease or other serious medical problem.

If you are healthy and want to take advantage of the benefits of proanthocyanidins to prevent or reduce the risk of diseases and to maintain optimum health, follow the dosage recommended on the label. Among the benefits that you will gain from those already mentioned above include memory improvement and the ability to handle stress effectively.

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