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PYCNOGENOL
North American Indians saved a group of French
sailors in 1534 who were dying from
scurvy, by feeding them tea brewed from the needles and bark of
certain Pine trees. (The needles contained Vitamin C, and the bark
contained flavonoids). Pycnogenol (pick-nah- geh-nol) is a unique
natural plant extract made from the bark of the Maritime Pine tree (Pinus
mantima) which grows on the coast of France in the Bordeaux region.
The trees are cut for timber and the bark is used to make Pycnogenol,
one tonne of raw pine bark makes about 2.5kg of Pycnogenol. It was
Professor Jacques Masquelier who discovered the biochemistry and
isolated the first compound in 1951 and it was he who coined the
term Pycnogenol.
The Benefits of Pycnogenol
Antioxidant
- Pycnogenol has been shown to be a potent scavenger of oxygen free
radicals. Studies have shown that Pycnogenol is 50 times more
powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C.
Circulatory System -
P\cnogenol offers support to the circulatory system by neutralising
free radicals in the blood stream, preventing radical build up and
promoting the integrity of the vessel walls. It is also able to
support circulation in the extremities and in the capillaries that
feed the eyes,
Joint Protection -
Pycnogenol is able to inhibit certain proteolytic enzymes such as
collagenase and elastase which degrade the collagen and elastin in
connective tissue giving rise to such conditions as joint
degeneration.
Tissue and Organ Protection -
Pycnogenol plays an important role in the support of the blood
vessels as described earlier and as a consequence of this it helps
to support tissues and organs throughout the body that rely on
adequate blood flow.
Allergy -
Pycnogenol inhibits the formation ofhistamine which is responsible
for causing allergic reactions.
Skin Health -
Pycnogenol improves skin elasticity and smoothness during the aging
process, as well as protecting the skin against the
harmful effects of the sun. It has also
been shown to be beneficial in cases of psoriasis.
Properties
Proanthocyanadins -
Approximately 85° o of the compounds of Pycnogenol have been
identified as proanthocyanadins. Proanthocyanadins exhibit a strong
antioxidant effect.
Contra-indications / Precautions
This product should be avoided during pregnancy and
breastfeeding unless advised by your practitioner.
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