| 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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