Pycnogenol® Keeps Blood Vessels Healthy And The Body Young

With increasing age our blood vessels wear out, they lose their elasticity, turn leaky and liquid seeps into the tissue. Cholesterol deposits impair the blood flow and further change arterial blood vessels into kind of stiff old tubes. The venous system is not able to transport blood back to the heart sufficiently.

Yet, as tragic an impaired vascular system already is, the whole body pays the price: The reduced transport of oxygen and nutrients and an insufficient detoxification slow down the metabolism and let the whole body languish. Neither brain, liver nor any other organ can function properly without the blood circulating efficiently. An aged malfunctional cardiovascular system affects the whole organism.

Therefore, to enjoy good health at higher age the decline of the vascular system needs to be prevented. Pycnogenol®, an extract of French maritime pine bark, is the key to achieve this goal. The reasons for Pycnogenol®'s prominent role are the wealth of its functions simultaneously addressing all weak points of the vascular system.

Once swallowed, the antioxidant capacity of Pycnogenol® in the blood can be objectively measured, it increases by 40% [Devaraj, 2001]. Pycnogenol® travels with the blood to every corner of the human body. Pycnogenol® patrols in the blood and extinguishes harmful free radicals wherever they turn up. Free radicals attack cells of the blood vessel walls, sometimes killing them and leaving gaps. However, with Pycnogenol® around, free radicals are inactivated before they can harm blood vessel walls [Virgili et al., 1998]. The power of Pycnogenol® to fight free radicals is unmatched by any other antioxidant, including vitamins C and E [Packer et al., 1999]. Pycnogenol® is so powerful it even recycles and protects these vitamins [Packer et al., 1999]. In addition, Pycnogenol causes cells of vessel walls to doubles production of antioxidant enzymes, thus reinforcing their self defence [Wei et al., 1997].

In the blood free radicals can oxidise LDL carrying cholesterol, which then turns "sticky" and forms deposits in blood vessel. With increasing age these deposits grow, blocking blood vessels more and more and atherosclerosis develops. Pycnogenol® prevents oxidation of LDL, and keeps blood vessels clean [Nelson et al., 1998].

Pycnogenol® increases the production of new blood cells in the bone marrow [Liu et al., 1998]. Only a sufficient number of red and white blood cells warrants optimum performance of the blood. Otherwise oxygen transport and detoxification are limited and the strength of the immune system is low.

Pycnogenol® binds to collagen fibers which are responsible for elasticity and integrity of blood vessels. With increasing age these fibers wear out, the vessels lose their elasticity and may even turn leaky. Pycnogenol® binds to collagen protecting it from destruction by enzymes and free radicals [Tixier et al., 1984]. More then that, Pycnogenol® repairs worn out, leaky capillaries [Gulati, 1999]. Leaky capillaries are the reason for swellings of the lower legs, ankles and feet. Many patients suffering from swellings resulting from leaky venous blood vessels experienced complete recovery [Arcangeli, 2000; Petrassi et al., 2000]. Particularly elderly people suffer from easily getting bruised. This also results from fragile capillaries and Pycnogenol® will bring dramatic improvement.

Stress causes constriction of blood vessels, limiting the space for blood to flow. When this happens to blood vessels with atheroslerotic plaques the blood flow is even more reduced and finally stopped. Pycnogenol® causes blood vessels to relax [Fitzpatrick et al., 1998], the expansion of the vessel leaves more space for blood to flow. It was proven in a chinese study that Pycnogenol® improves circulation in elderly patients, even the microcirculation in the fingertips was improved [Wang et al., 1999]. The improved circulation is the reason why many people feel much more energetic when they had Pycnogenol®. The improved supply with oxygen and nutrients results in a better performance of all organs of the body, and boosts virility. Some people need to refrain from taking Pycnogenol® in the evening because they feel to energetic and have difficulties to fall asleep at night.

The relaxing action of Pycnogenol® on blood vessels also reduced the blood pressure. High blood pressure represents a serious risk factor for the cardiovascular system. A clinical study in the US has shown that Pycnogenol® normalises the blood pressure of people with mild hypertension [Hosseini et al., 2001].

Pycnogenol® acts on blood cells called platelets, specialised in forming blood clots when we get injured. A stressful lifestyle, smoking, and, unfortunately, at higher age these platelets turn sticky and more readily form clots even without an injury taking place. When blood clots develop inside blood vessels, they may get clogged, interrupting the blood flow completely. This is the very event leading to heart infarction, pulmonary embolism and stroke. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that Pycnogenol® prevents platelets from over-reacting and keeps them slippery [Pütter et al., 1999; Watson 1999]. This has been demonstrated in elderly people, whose tendency to form blood clots was almost normalised to the value found in younger people [Araghi-Niknam, 1999]. Taking all together Pycnogenol® supports a healthy blood flow and helps to prevent often deadly heart infarction and stroke.

The way to a life without many of the serious ailments of higher age demands healthy blood vessels. Without a proper vascular system the well-being of the whole body is impossible. Pycnogenol® provides many ways to keep the whole vascular system in good shape and this is evidenced by the work of many scientists.

1. Araghi-Niknam M., Hosseini S, Larson D, Rohdewald P, Watson RR. Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integrative Medicine 2 (2/3): 73-77, 1999.
2. Arcangeli P. Pycnogenol® in chronic venous insufficiency. Fitoterapia 71: 236-244, 2000.
3. Chida M, Suzuki K, Nakanishi-Udea T, Ueda T, Yasuhara H, Koide R, Armstrong D. In vitro testing of antioxidants and biochemical end-points in bovine retinal tissue. Ophtalmic Res 31: 407-415, 1999.
4. Cossins E, Lee R, Packer L. ESR studies of vitamin C regeneration, order of reactivity of natural source phytochemical preparations. Biochem Mol Biol Int 45: 583-598, 1998.
5. Devaraj S, Kaul N, Schönlau F, Rohdewald P, Jialal I. Pycnogenol® supplementation increases antioxidant capacity and has a favourable effect on the lipid profile in humans. Free Radical Research, submitted.
6. Fitzpatrick DF, Bing B, Rohdewald P. Endothelium-dependent vascular effects of Pycnogenol®. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 32: 509-515, 1998.
7. Gulati OP. Pycnogenol® in venous disorders: A review. Eur Bull Drug Res 7(2): 8-13, 1999.
8. Petrassi C, Mastromarino A, Spartera C. Pycnogenol® in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytomedicine 7(5): 383-388, 2000.
9. Hosseini S, Lee J, Sepulveda RT, Fagan T, Rohdewald P, Watson RR. A Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, prospective, 16 week crossover study to determine the role of Pycnogenol in modifying blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients. Nutrition Research 21(9): 67-76, 2001.
10. Liu FJ, Zhang YX, Lau BHS. Pycnogenol® enhances immune and haemopoietic functions in senescence-accelerated mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 54: 1168-1172, 1998.
11. Nelson AB, Lau BHS, Ide N, Rong Y. Pycnogenol® inhibits macrophage oxidative burst, lipoprotein oxidation and hydroxyl radical induced DNA damage. Drug Develop Ind Med 24: 1-6, 1998.
12. Packer L, Rimbach G, Virgili F. Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, Pycnogenol®. Free Rad Biol Med 27(5/6): 704-724, 1999.
13. Pütter M, Grotemeyer KHM, Würthwein G, Araghi-Niknam M, Watson RR, Hosseini S, Rohdewald P. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by Aspirin and Pycnogenol®. Thromb Res 95: 155-161, 1999.
14. Tixier JM, Godeau G, Robert AM, Hornebeck W. Evidence by in vivo and in vitro studies that binding of Pycnogenol® to elastin affects its rate of degradation by elastase. Biochem Pharmacol 33: 3933-3939, 1984.
15. Virgili F, Kim D, Packer L. Procyanidins extracted from pine bark protect a-tocopherol in EVC 304 endothelial cells challenged by activated RAW macrophages: a role of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite. FEBS Lett 431: 315-318, 1998.
16. Wang S, Tan D, Zhao Y, Gao G, Gao X, Hu L. The effect of Pycnogenol® on the microcirculation, platelet function and ischemic myocardium in patients with coronary artery diseases. Eur Bull Drug Res 7(2): 19-25, 1999.
17. Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors by french maritime pine bark extract. Cardiovasc Rev Rep 20: 326-329, 1999.
18. Wei Z, Peng Q, Lau BHS. Pycnogenol® enhances endothelial cell antioxidant defences. Redox Rep 3: 147-155, 1997.

The feeling of heavy legs and swollen ankles, often accompanied by painful cramping, is a wide-spread phenomenon, particularly common in women, who sit or stand in one position for prolonged periods of time, and those who lack proper regular exercise. The collagen structure of the walls of veins is weakened, allowing effusion of fluid into the surrounding tissue. Left untreated this venous insufficiency often progresses to more complicated and irreversible conditions ultimately leading to severe complications with static oedema and ulcerations.

Two new publications demonstrate that venous insufficiencies can be relieved by oral supplementation with an extract of French maritime pine bark: Pycnogenol®, world-wide exclusively distributed by Horphag Research.

In a clinical study conducted by Prof. Arcangeli (University of Florence, Italy) 40 patients were treated with 100 mg Pycnogenol® three times daily in a double blind, controlled fashion for 2 months. Already after 30 days of supplementation with Pycnogenol®, the typical symptoms of heaviness, swelling and pain were significantly improved, whereas no effect was seen in patients receiving placebo. After 60 days, swelling and pain completely dissapeared in more than half of the patients treated with Pycnogenol®.

The above results were confirmed by Prof. Spartera (University of L'Aquila, Italy), who conducted a clinical study with essentially the same design. Treatment with Pycnogenol® resulted in a significant reduction of swelling after 30 days and a further reduction occured after 60 days. In addition, this study also showed that blood capillaries were less permeable to fluid outflow and were more resistant to pressure after treatment with Pycnogenol®.

According to both authors, Pycnogenol® binds to collagen of fragile veins, strengthening and sealing them. This prevents further outflow of liquid into the tissue bringing relief from swelling and pain. Furthermore, Pycnogenol® acts anti-inflammatory and allows damaged blood vessels to heal, thus bearing a lasting effect.

This healing process requires comparably high amounts of Pycnogenol®, 300 mg a day. Yet, there was not a single adverse effect, none of the observed clinical and biochemical parameter was altered by supplementation with Pycnogenol®.

The authors therefore conlude that Pycnogenol® is not only suited for treatment of venous disorders but is also recommended for their prevention.

1. Arcangeli P. Pycnogenol® in chronic venous insufficiency. Fitoterapia 71: 236-244, 2000. Petrassi C, Mastromarino A, Spartera C. Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytomedicine 7: 383-388, 2000.

The danger of the so-called "economy class syndrome" is gaining increasing awareness by a rapidly growing number of flight passengers. This incident of a deep vein thrombosis ascribes the formation of a blood clot in veins of the lower limbs, were blood flow is reduced by a prolonged sitting position [1,2]. When the blood clot travels to an artery of the lung it may get stuck and block blood flow. This "pulmonary embolism" often has a fatal outcome. The media amplifies public awareness with every new incident taking place.

Flight passengers demand airlines to take counter measures. The circumstance that long-term immobilisation in narrow economy class seats is made responsible implies that airlines need to provide more space. However, this will not be feasible without increasing fares, prompting airlines to search for alternative options.

The search for alternative options requires the understanding of the underlying mechanisms causing increased aggregation of blood platelets. Remaining in a sitting position reduces venous blood flow velocity by 2/3 [3]. The increasing venous blood pressure in the lower limbs causes small capillaries to leak plasma into the surrounding tissue [1]. This causes swellings, a phenomenon well known to passengers when they put on their shoes at destination. Wearing elastic stockings would be helpful but is not applicable as general precaution measurement.

Dehydration due to low cabin humidity, insufficient fluid intake and the diuretic effect of alcohol consumption leads to thickening of the blood [1,2]. The reduced blood velocity in legs and feet allows blood platelets to interact more closely. When blood platelets are in an activated state they may coagulate and form a clot. A recent study published in THE LANCET has identified the decreased air pressure prevalent in aeroplane cabins to activate coagulation of the blood [4]. This also gives a consistent explanation why deep vein thrombosis occurs particularly during air travel. Furthermore, this study implies that the deep vein thrombosis is not restricted to the economy class.

Therefore, counteracting swelling of the lower limbs and decreasing platelet activity represent the ideal measure for airlines to control the "economy class syndrome" and to generally improve the well-being of their passengers.

A totally natural substance has demonstrated in clinical studies to provide both of these actions: The French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol®. Pycnogenol® reduces the activity of platelets to aggregate (US patent No 5,720,956). This has recently been demonstrated for smokers, another group of people living at risk of thrombosis [5,6]. When taking 200 mg Pycnogenol®, smokers' platelets no longer displayed an increased activity, banning the danger of a clot formation. Another clinical study has shown that Pycnogenol® inhibits the production of thromboxane [7], a substance produced by activated platelets. Thromboxane activates other previously quiescent platelets. This vicious circle leads to a local accumulation of activated platelets which may ultimately coagulate and form a clot.

Pycnogenol® has the advantage of not sharing the side effect of Aspirin, commonly used for this purpose. Aspirin increases the bleeding time, frequently causing gastric bleedings and therefore is not well tolerated by everyone.

Moreover, Pycnogenol® powerfully counteracts the grossly visible effect of a long-term flight: The swelling of the lower limbs and feet. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that Pycnogenol® increases capillary resistance and seals leaky capillaries, and thus prevents the accumulation of liquid in the tissue [8-10].

In addition to preventing thrombus formation, taking a single dose of 200 mg Pycnogenol® will bring an immediately noticeable benefit to every flight passenger: The reduction of swellings! The most intriguing point of using Pycnogenol® to tackle the "economy class syndrome" is the fact that Pycnogenol® is a totally natural, healthy substance.

1. Eklof B, Kistner RL, Masuda EM, Sonntag BV, Wong HP. Venous thromboembolism in association with prolonged air travel. Dermatol Surg 22: 637-641, 1996.
2. Ferrari E, Chevallier T, Chapelier A, Baudouy M. Travel as a risk factor for venous thromboembolic disease. Chest 115: 440-444, 1999.
3. Wright HP, Osborn SB. Effect of posture on venous velocity measured with 24NaCl. Br Heart J 14: 325-330, 1952.
4. Bendz B, Rostrup M, Sevre K, Andersen TO, Sandset PM. Association between acute hypobaric hypoxia and activation of coagulation in human beings. The Lancet 356: 1657-1658, 2000.
5. Pütter M, Grotemeyer KHM, Würthwein G, Atagi-Niknam M, Watson RR, Hosseini S, Rohdewald P. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by Aspirin and Pycnogenol. Thromb Res 95: 155-161, 1999.
6. Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors by french maritime pine bark extract. Cardiovasc Rev Rep 20: 326-329, 1999.
7. Araghi-Niknam M, Hosseini S, Larson D, Rohdewald P, Watson RR. Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integrative Medicine 2(2/3): 73-77, 1999.
8. Petrassi C, Mastromarino A, Spartera C. Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytomedicine 7(5): 383-388, 2000.
9. Arcangeli P. Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Fitoterapia 71: 236-244, 2000
10. Packer L, Rimbach G, Virgili F. Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, Pycnogenol. Free Rad Biol Med 27(5/6): 704-724, 1999.