Pycnogenol is a trademarked standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It is an excellent source of one of the most potent antioxidants, the proanthocyanidins. Taken orally, proanthocyanidins prevent bruising, strengthen weak blood vessels, protect against atherosclerosis and sunburn, and reduce histamine production.
You might be interested to know that Grape Seed Extract is a more concentrated source of proanthocyanidins at 95% and is more affordable. (Pycnogenol is 85% proanthocyanidin.) Read more about antioxidants.
Pycnogenol is clearly a powerful antioxidant. Dr. Kenny Jialal at the University of Texas conducted a clinical study with 45 volunteers to measure antioxidant capacity (ORAC) in the blood following supplementation with Pycnogenol. Subjects took 150 milligrams of Pycnogenol a day for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken after three and six weeks and then again four weeks after ceasing to take the supplement.
The results were impressive. While taking Pycnogenol, antioxidant capacity increased an average of 40% (both at three and at six weeks). When measured four weeks after cessation, the ORAC scores were back where they started.
Tags: antioxidants, Pycnogenol, Grape Seed Extract
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