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Supplementation with the Pine Bark Extract Pycnogenol may be beneficial for health on several important levels.
Pycnogenol, a brand name of French pine bark extract supplements, has been shown to exhibit cardioprotective, lipolytic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Its medicinal phytoconstituents are believed in part to strengthen immunity, combat diabetes, decrease obesity and erectile dysfunction.
Pine Bark Extract consists mostly of proanthocyanidin compounds. It also contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, cinnamic acids and catechins that act synergistically to bring about its therapeutic benefits. Pycnogenol is said to be a highly potent brand of Pine Bark Extract made from trees that grow in the south of France.
More research has been conducted on this brand of supplement than on the generic Pine Bark extract products. However, the generic products contain the same proanthocyanidin compounds that are said to produce the health benefits of this natural product.
Anti- Oxidant
Longevity
Brain Function- Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective
- Supports heart health & longevity
- Increases glutathione levels for detox
Top Pine Bark Extract ?Pine Bark Extract & Pycnogenol Benefits
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The list of pycnogenol uses include improved heart health, weight loss, diabetes management, mood control, sexual drive and immune functioning. One of the primary traditional uses for pine bark extracts has been as a general immune system strengthener. Pycnogenol is believed to boost the immune system in several different ways.
Most importantly, it is a highly effective anti-oxidant. It is a strong scavenger for reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These two substances cause high levels of destruction to cells in the body and increase the chances for developing symptoms of premature aging and various diseases.
Using an anti-aging supplement like Pine Bark Extract or Pycnogenol combats these free radical particles to reduce signs of oxidative damage throughout the body.
Additional benefits that have been linked to Pine Bark Extract in research studies include the following:
- Lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels;
- Increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels;
- Vasorelaxant effects (causing blood vessels to relax) on the heart, lungs and circulation vessels;
- Impede the development of atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia;
- Lower the risks of developing obesity and related diseases and ailments;
- Improve glucose uptake and improve sensitivity to insulin/leptin;
- Possibly reduce the symptoms of type II diabetes mellitus and reactive hypoglycemia;
- Reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED), including premature ejaculation, erection issues and low sex drive;
- Improve the symptoms of menopause including mood swings, night sweats, hot flashes and vaginal dryness;
- Improve liver functioning and cirrhosis;
- Strengthen the immune system;
Effects of Pycnogenol on the Heart
Pycnogenol is particularly believed to be beneficial for protecting the heart, improving circulation and keeping blood vessels health. It is said to have cardoprotective properties because it increases Nitric oxide (NO) levels.
When taking Pine Bark extract, NO synthesis is upregulated resulting in vasodilatory effects to the blood vessels and heart muscle. Nitric Oxide causes blood vessels to dilate (widen) so that more blood can circulate through the body. This can have a number of positive benefits for organ function, detoxification, nutrient delivery and more.
In other studies, Pycnogenol has been linked to lower cholesterol levels due to lipid metabolizing effects. In one human study, LDL cholesterol levels dropped by more than 10% in under five weeks of supplementation. In a separate study involving patients with coronary artery disease, a 32% increase in blood delivery efficiency was generated.
In various other studies, “good” HDL cholesterol is observed to increase following Pycnogenol/Pine Bark extract administration. Lipid metabolism (the breakdown of fats) is also seen to increase, especially during periods of oxidative stress.
Effects on Diabetes and Obesity
Much research has looked at the effects of pine bark extract and pycnogenol supplementation for diabetes and obesity prevention/treatment. In the United States, and in numerous other countries, obesity remains at pandemic levels.
When obesity develops, the risks of developing numerous other diseases dramatically increases. Diabetes mellitus type II and prediabetes (reactive hypoglycemia) cases are being diagnosed in record numbers as are other forms of Metabolic Syndrome.
Pycnogenol supplements are believes to increase the absorption of glucose into fat cells during adipogenesis. This means your body does a better job of storing glucose as fat. While this might seem like a bad thing, it can actually have positive effects for long-term health.
When glucose is absorbed better, this helps to prevent excess blood glucose levels which means less insulin is manufactured and subsequently released from the pancreas. Insulin sensitivity is improved and damages from insulin toxicity are significantly diminished.
Can you Use Pine Bark Extract for Weight Loss?
Further, pine bark extract and pycnogenol supplementation seems to have a positive effect on leptin sensitivity. Leptin is manufactured in fatty tissues and is known to affect the metabolism of fats. It is believed to be responsible for the fat storage signals generated within the body and thereby is considered integral for weight loss and weight management purposes.
It also helps to control appetite levels. By increasing sensitivity to leptin, pycnogenol may help to control the appetite and promote weight loss.
By decreasing the risks of obesity, pycnogenol supplements may also lessen the risks for developing stroke, osteoporosis and all other conditions that are linked and/or affected by obesity.
Is Pine Bark Extract Safe?
Upset stomach and nausea may result from initial pycnogenol supplementation. Through centuries of traditional usage, and in all modern clinical studies conducted to date, there are no other side effects of supplementation known, even at high doses over long periods of time.
Because of the versatile medicinal effects of this supplement, there may be contraindications that occur when using it in conjunction with prescribed or OTC medications. Interactions are noted for medications used to treat certain conditions including liver disease, diabetes type II mellitus, immune system disorders and hypertension.
Always speak with your personal physician before starting to supplement with pycnogenol or pine bark extract. You can buy pycnogenol capsules or generic pine bark extract pills online without a prescription in most countries around the world.
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Article last updated on: April 16th, 2018 by Nootriment
