Pycnogenol: Pine Tree Bark Extract Provides Many Health Benefits

Pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, has been the subject of numerous health studies recently.  The variety of ailments that it is being tested for is quite remarkable and yet Pycnogenol seems to be effective in treating them all.

Hemorrhoids (1): Did you know that over 50% of the population suffers from debilitating hemorrhoids at some point in their lives?  The test subjects in this study received either oral doses, a combination of oral doses and topical cream containing Pycnogenol, or a placebo.  The first 2 groups showed a reduction in pain from 3.3 down to 0.3 by the end of the study (on a scale of 4).  The lead researcher Professor Peter Rohdewald from the University of Munster in Germany says “This study clearly indicates that Pycnogenol is an effective, natural solution in controlling this common, disabling problem and may contribute to relieve hemorrhoidal attacks and offer pain relief.”

Diabetic Eye Health (2) : Findings from a study regarding how the visual acuity (clearness of vision) of forty-six diabetics, supplementing with Pycnogenol, who participated in the randomized controlled study, was published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.  Visual acuity was found to improve from 14/20 to 17/20 in people with early stage retina damage associated with diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) following daily supplements of the pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, for two months.  The study looked at supplementing with Pycnogenol in the early stages of retinopathy and suggests it may enhance retinal blood circulation along with a regression of edema.  Lead researcher Dr Robert Steigerwalt says “Pycnogenol may be particularly beneficial for preventing this complication in diabetic patients, based on the large number of individuals who were diagnosed when the disease had already significantly progressed.” Approximately 8% of the US population or 24 million people suffer with diabetes.  About 40-45% of those suffer some level of retinopathy which is a major cause of blindness in diabetic patients.

Heart & Joint Health (3): A protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, may be reduced by supplementing with Pycnogenol.  In fact levels may be reduced sufficiently to prevent a ‘spill-over’ of the inflammatory marker from the joints into the whole body.  In the study, 156 patients with significantly elevated levels of CRP received either two daily doses of 50 mg Pycnogenol or placebo for three months. The subjects supplementing with Pycnogenol recorded a 71 per cent reduction in CRP levels from an average of 3.9 mg/L at the start of the study to 1.1 mg/L after three months along with a reduction in the blood levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of 30 per cent.  On the other hand, people in the placebo group experienced “only marginal and non-significant effects”, said the researchers.   CRP is reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular-related events.  When inflammatory processes are allowed to reach the whole body the degenerative processes may put a burden overall health including increased risks for cardiovascular problems.

Jetlag: Typical symptoms of jetlag include fatigue, headaches, and brain edema (swelling) in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients.  A two-part study conducted at G. D’Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy consisting of a brain CT scan and a scoring system, indicated that supplementing with Pycnogenol reduced these symptoms.  Starting two days prior to the flight, and for a total seven days, 133 passengers who took flights between seven and nine hours in length were given 50 mg of oral Pycnogenol three times daily.  Within 48 hours after the end of the flights, observations were measured and taken.  The researchers report their results showed a “significantly lower score (56 per cent) in the Pycnogenol group for all items rated”, collectively leading to a reduction in jetlag signs and symptoms.  “Moreover, symptoms lasted only for an average of 18.2 hours in the Pycnogenol group as compared to 39.3 hours in the control group.”

With such incredible results from these various research topics and techniques, we can expect to see more research being performed on this incredible tree bark extract, Pycnogenol.

Linda Miner

Registered Nutritional Counselor

RNC, CHN, RSNA, CMTA, BA

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*NOTE:  This opinion expressed here is that of the author based on her research and personal experience.  It is not intended to replace your own personal research or the opinion of your physician.  You should always check with your physician and/or pharmacist before changing your diet, starting an exercise programs or taking any supplements.  Please be aware that some foods and natural supplements may interact with prescription medication.

(1)     Source: Phytotherapy Research Published online ahead of print, Early View article, doi: “Pycnogenol treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes”
Authors: G. Belcaro, M.R. Cesarone, B. Errichi, A. Di Renzo, M.G. Grossi, A. Ricci, M. Dugall, U. Cornelli, M. Cacchio, P. Rohdewald

(2)     Source: Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1089/jop.2009.0023 “Pycnogenol Improves Microcirculation, Retinal Edema and Visual Acuity in Early Diabetic Retinopathy”Authors: R. Steigerwalt, G. Belcaro, M.R. Cesarone, A. Di Renzo, M.G. Grossi, A. Ricci, M. Dugall, M. Cacchio, F. Schonlau

(3)     Source: Redox Report Volume 13, Number 6, Pages 271-276, doi: 10.1179/135100008X309019 “Variations in C-reactive protein, plasma free radicals and fibrinogen values in patients with osteoarthritis treated with Pycnogenol” Authors: G. Belcaro, M.R. Cesarone, S. Errichi, C. Zulli, B.M. Errichi, G. Vinciguerra, A. Ledda, A. Di Renzo, S. Stuard, M. Dugall, L.

(4)     Source: Minerva Cardioangiologica October 2008, Volume 56, Suppl. 1, no.5, Pages 1-7 Published online ahead of print “Jet-lag: Prevention with PYCNOGENOL. Preliminary report: Evaluation in healthy individuals and in hypertensive patients” Authors: G. Belcaro, M.R. Cesarone, R. J. Steigerwalt, A. Di Renzo, M.G. Grossi, A. Ricci, S. Stuard, A. Ledda, M. Dugall, U.Cornelli, M. CacchioPellegrini, G. Gizzi, E. Ippolito, A. Ricci, M. Cacchio, G. Cipollone, I. Ruffini, F. Fano, M. Hosoi, P. Rohdewald