Pycnogenol , French Maritime Pine Bark Extract

Pycnogenol is the registered trade name for a special standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica), distributed by Horphag Research, U.K. The spray-dried, powdered extract is marketed worldwide as a food supplement, a herbal medicine, an ingredient in cosmetics, and as a food additive. The traditional use of pine bark was in the treatment of scurvy and wound healing. Currently, Pycnogenol is used to restore capillary integrity in cases of gingivitis, retinopathy, or edema formation. Other fields of application are directed to protection of the circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering of cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure. The procyanidins, in particular, have shown anti-inflammatory and radical-scavenging activity, leading to treatment of melasma and prevention of ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage of the skin. The application of Pycnogenol in reducing menstrual cramps and pain is probably caused by the spasmolytic activity of the phenolic acids. Very recently, a glucose lowering effect of Pycnogenol has been shown. Safety of Pycnogenol is documented by its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in the United States. Unwanted effects are mild and transient, and no interactions with drugs have been reported.