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Pine bark has been shown
to be useful for allergy control. It has
also been shown to be a very powerful antioxidant and
free radical scavenger even more powerful than either
vitamin C or vitamin E. These free radicals can aging
effects upon your body. Stress, air pollution, cigarette
smoke and chemicals can cause your body to produce even
more free radicals. Pine bark has the extra benefit of
working well with other essential nutrients in a complete
heath supplement.
Often, Pine bark extract is used in cardio
vascular and heart formulas.
"Another group of
plant pigments with remarkable protection against free
radical damage are the flavonoids
(found in pine bark). Flavonoid molecules are also quite
unique in their antioxidant and free radical scavenging
activity in that they are active against a wide variety
of oxidants and free radicals." -Encyclopedia of
Natural Medicine
Pine bark can help support circulation in your hands, feet, and
small eye capillaries. It also helps increase skin smoothness, reduce inflammation, and
improve your joint flexibility.
Athletes have indicated
that pine bark extract shortens their body's recovery
time from training, exercise regimen, or
competitive events.
The benefits of pine bark extract related to it's antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties
In two separate reports pine bark extract was also shown to have
benefits for those with chronic venous insufficiency (Phytomedicine 2000
Oct;7(5):3883-388; Fitoterapia 2000 Jun;71(3):236-44). In both reports
pine bark extract was found to significantly improve heaviness, pain and
edema in the legs as well as reduce venous blood pressure. There were no
effects observed in those taking the placebo.
The conclusions to these reports suggest that pine bark
extract is safe and effective for the prevention and treatment of
diabetic retinopathy, chronic venous insufficiency and possibly for
other circulatory disorders as well.
The active constituents in pine bark extract are
oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPC). These compounds are also
found in grape seed extract. While it has been suggested for some time
that OPCs are strong antioxidants there is increasing scientific proof
that they have health benefits, especially for the circulatory system.
Pine bark extract is also
known as:
Pycnogenol, Maritime pine bark,
French Maritime Pine Tree, Pinus maritima
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