Why does Pycnogenol® offer such a wide range of health benefits?

Pycnogenol^® French maritime pine bark is dubbed the “gold standard ingredient”, “a phenomenon” and a “natural all-rounder” ^{(1, 2).} Clinical studies have shown Pycnogenol^® to be beneficial for heart health, cognitive function and respiratory health, as well as for eye health, skincare, women’s health and several other body functions (3-10). But how can one ingredient alone have such a wide range of benefits across multiple applications? Let’s shed some light on the holistic nature and efficacy of Pycnogenol^®.

Pycnogenol^® is much more than just an ingredient

First and foremost, Pycnogenol^® stands apart from single compounds. Pycnogenol^® is a naturally programmed combination with constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer amazing natural properties. Pycnogenol^® French maritime pine bark extract’s unique blend of active compounds cannot be found in any other plant extract. Each of its compounds provides a different way of acting in the body. Some of the larger molecules get further processed in the gut into metabolites. Remarkably, these metabolites are also absorbed into our bloodstream, contributing to Pycnogenol^® overall efficacy.

Consequently, Pycnogenol^® offers a comprehensive array of active compounds, distinguishing it from single-component alternatives. The key properties of Pycnogenol^® on the body are its powerful antioxidant actions

^{(3, 4, 11-16)} , its natural anti-inflammatory benefits ^{(3, 4, 11-17- 19)}, its effects on the skin and tissues ^{(8, 18, 20, 21)} and its support to blood circulation ^{(3, 7, 22-33)}.

Collectively, these mechanisms account for the extensive range of applications that Pycnogenol^® holds in the realms of health and beauty. Ongoing research will continue to unveil further insights and potentially discover additional applications for the effects of Pycnogenol^®.

Pycnogenol^® improves blood circulation

Keeping the cardiovascular system healthy is key for maintaining good vitality, physical strength, mental health and for general well-being. Blood vessels bring oxygen and nutrients through arteries and the tiniest micro vessels all over our body, providing beneficial effects from head to toe.

Pycnogenol^® exerts some of its beneficial effects as it optimises blood flow by improving endothelial function. Blood flow regulation involves maintaining an appropriate distribution of blood throughout the body to meet the metabolic demands of tissues and organs.

All blood vessels in the cardiovascular system are lined with the so-called endothelium. The endothelium is a single layer of cells lining the inner surface of blood vessels, including arteries and veins. This layer not only serves as a simple delimitation of the vessel wall but is also significantly involved in many physiological functions, like controlling blood pressure by vasoconstriction and-dilation, regulating the exchange of substances between blood and tissues, preventing blood clotting, and signaling during inflammation. Endothelial function and blood flow regulation are crucial for overall health.

Many different studies have shown that Pycnogenol^® has a positive effect on blood circulation and microcirculation ^{(7, 28-31, 34-37)} by improving endothelial function ^{(3, 22-27)} and by lowering platelet aggregation without increasing bleeding time ^{(32, 33)}. In addition, Pycnogenol^® has been shown to normalize blood pressure and to improve blood lipid profile as well as blood sugar values ^{(12, 13, 15, 25, 26, 38-43)}. Interestingly, it was found that a metabolite of Pycnogenol^® can be taken up in endothelial cells and can thus exert its anti-inflammatory effects directly in the endothelium ⁽²⁴⁾.

Pycnogenol^® for the endothelium

Numerous studies have consistently shown that Pycnogenol^® improves endothelial function, resulting in a positive impact on both blood circulation and microcirculation, firmly establishing its effectiveness.

In patients with coronary artery disease, the effect of Pycnogenol^® on endothelial function was investigated by assessing “flow-mediated dilation” in the upper arm artery ⁽³⁾. For this method, the expansion of the artery in response to an increase in the shear stress associated with blood flow is measured. An 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-blind study showed an improvement in flow-mediated dilation of 32 per cent in the Pycnogenol^® group, while it deteriorated slightly in the placebo patients.

In another study, the flow-mediated dilation of patients with borderline high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels and increased blood sugar levels improved significantly after 8 and 12 weeks of Pycnogenol^® intake ⁽²⁷⁾. These studies, among several others, confirm the positive effects of taking Pycnogenol^® on endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Pycnogenol^® improves microcirculation

Healthy microcirculation is vital as it leads to a well-functioning supply of nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body. In several previously published studies, Pycnogenol^® was shown to improve blood circulation in small blood vessels in the body, like the very fine micro vessels in the skin, fingertips and in the inner ear or the retinal capillaries in the eye ^{(7, 28-31, 34-37)}.

In a 3-month study on diabetic retinopathy, Pycnogenol^® supplementation improved the retinal blood flow by around 30% compared to no change in the control patients ⁽⁷⁾. In another study with patients suffering from coronary heart disease, microcirculation on the fingertip improved significantly in 54% of the patients, taking Pycnogenol^® and in 33% of the placebo patients after 4 weeks ⁽³¹⁾.

Pycnogenol^® helps break the cycle of inflammation and oxidative stress naturally

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Pycnogenol^® further contribute to the versatile nature of Pycnogenol® on body health and beauty. Inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely linked processes in the body. Oxidative stress can trigger inflammation, and inflammation, in turn, can lead to more oxidative stress. ⁽⁴⁴⁾. Initially, inflammation is a complex protective response of the body to harmful stimuli and is part of innate immunity. However, too much inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation – the basis of various diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis or allergies.

Pycnogenol^® controls inflammation

In several studies, it was shown that Pycnogenol^® has inflammation reducing properties ^(17-19). Consumption of Pycnogenol^® was shown to significantly limit the activation of the pro-inflammatory «master switch» NF-kB by 15.5% and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) release by 25%. These are two important regulators in the inflammation process. This positive effe