Pine Bark Extract Benefits for Anti-Aging, Women & Men

Potential pine bark extract benefits for health are linked to its potency as one of the best natural anti-oxidants. It is used extensively as an anti-aging supplement and to promote improved immune system production.

Also referred to as Pycnogenol, Oligopin, Flavanogel, and Pinus pinaster, this natural extract has been under clinical study since the 1950s. Results show that it has widespread ability to enhance human health.

Pine Bark extract was discovered in Southern France by Jacques Masquelier to contain high levels of OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds). OPCs are one class of flavonoid polyphenol phytonutrients that have proven to be effective antioxidative agents.

Primarily due to its OPC content, pine bark extract is believed to improve general immune system functioning and to enhance whole-body circulatory efficiency. Clinical evidence shows Pinus pinaster to decrease risks of developing various cardiovascular diseases and conditions, and to decrease human mortality in general.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this herbal product.

Pine Bark Extract

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti- Oxidant

Longevity

Brain Function

How It Works:

• Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective
• Supports heart health & longevity
• Increases glutathione levels for detox

Dosage:

Between 50 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Pine Bark Extract Benefits

Doctors use and prescribe Pycnogenol often to treat a variety of symptoms, conditions, and diseases not limited to:

• Retinopathy, an ocular symptom of systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus type II;
• Type II diabetes mellitus;
• Weak, inelastic blood vessels;
• Ankle and leg edema;
• Numerous circulation issues;
• Allergic reactions and asthma;
• ADD, ADHD, stroke and other cognitive impairments;
• High blood pressure (hypertension);
• Sore muscles;
• Ringing in the ears;
• Damages caused by free radicals throughout the body;
• Endometriosis and symptoms of menopause;
• Symptoms of erectile dysfunction;
• Bone and joint disorders and diseases

Pine Bark Supplements for Anti-Aging

Free radicals are damaging molecules that have unpaired electrons. They are produced in large quantities during the normal metabolic functioning of the body.

However, when they accumulate in large levels, they can cause significant damage. They need to be neutralized by supplements like pine bark extract to prevent premature signs of aging.

Free radicals ransack their way through the bloodstream and body, searching for any other molecules to steal electrons from. They will even attempt to steal electrons from other free radicals. They are very destructive and are believed to speed up signs of aging and the onset of otherwise preventable disease.

Free radicals are also called oxidants. They oxidize cellular structures and break them down, similar to the way that the oxidizing effects of the atmosphere break down certain metals via rusting.

In order to combat the damages that oxidants cause, the human body requires effective antioxidizing agents.

Free radicals are made present in humans via a variety of sources. Toxic industrial emissions, being exposed to ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollutants like highway runoff, hydrogenated fat food sources, and various other factors all increase free radical activity.

Furthermore, lacking hydration, sickness and chronic stress also increase oxidant concentrations throughout the body by impeding mechanisms that naturally eliminate free radicals. Finally, our bodies create these molecules as a result of various endogenous metabolic functions.

Over time, repetitive exposure to free radical damages causes abnormal cell behavior, cellular mutation, cellular necrosis (death) and even the breakdown of DNA and cell membranes. Results of accumulated oxidants will likely cause a weakening of the immune system, recurring illnesses, development of various diseases and premature death.

The OPCs in pine bark are believed to help to terminate destructive free radical chain reactions. By preventing this time of damage before it occurs, it may be possible to slow down the natural aging process and to lessen the risk factors for many common diseases.

Health Benefits of OPCs for the Heart

In clinical environments, Pinus pinaster supplements have been shown to exhibit benefits for the cardiovascular system.

In particular, Oligopin found in pine bark extract supplements brings about vasorelaxant effects to the entire body, enhancing delivery of oxygen and other vital nutrients via the bloodstream.

It also acts to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme synthesis. Further, it increases the permeability of capillaries, improving overall microcirculation.

The active proanthocyanidin compounds in pine bark have proven effective against the development of coronary artery disease. They are known to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol while simultaneously elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Resulting decreased total cholesterol levels significantly discourage primary factors of risk for developing numerous cardiovascular conditions and diseases. Supplementation with pine bark extract is effective at generating higher atherosclrotic index values.

Additional benefits of pine bark extracts are attributed to the polyphenolic antioxidant content, which induces generalized endothelium-based vasodilation. This means that blood vessels are dilated and that circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients is improved.

Hence, pine bark extract is used to treat numerous circulatory deficiencies including microhemorrhage venous retinal disorders and CVI (chronic venous insufficiency).

In addition to relaxing blood vessel walls and accommodating increased nutrient, protein and hormone delivery throughout the body, amounts of inflammatory agents in the bloodstream are also diminished. Excessive inflammation is another precursor of many preventable diseases.

By improving circulation, pine bark extract benefits may lessen inflammatory responses in the body. The anti-inflammatory effects of this supplement warrant continued research and exploration in the future.

Is Pine Bark Extract Safe to Use?

Supplemental doses of Pinus pinaster between 50 and 450 milligrams daily have shown no side effects of concern, even with long-term usage of up to one year. In most cases, pine bark extract causes no side effects at all. However, in cases of overdose, stomach issues, headaches, mouth ulcers and dizziness have developed.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding moms should avoid taking pine bark products. There have not yet been studies looking at the effects of this supplement on these groups of individuals, so while it may be safe to use, it is recommended to avoid unnecessary supplementation in these groups of women out of an ambulance of caution.

There are other groups of individuals Pinus pinaster is not recommended for. There may also be drug interactions with current medications you are taking, so speak to your doctor before you decide to use this supplement.

While Pine Bark Extract benefits greatly outweigh the risk of side effects, only a doctor that knows your medical history can determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you or not.

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