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

Pycnogenol^® is much more than just an ingredient

First and foremost, Pycnogenol^® stands out from single compounds and active ingredients. Pycnogenol^® is a naturally programmed combination with consistent proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids that have amazing properties. Pycnogenol^® , the extract from French maritime pine bark, contains a unique blend of active ingredients that cannot be found in any other plant extract. Each of its compounds has a different effect on the body. Some of the larger molecules are processed into metabolites in the intestine. Interestingly, these metabolites are also absorbed into our bloodstream and contribute to the overall effectiveness of Pycnogenol^® .

As a result, Pycnogenol^® offers a comprehensive spectrum of active ingredients, which distinguishes it from alternatives with only one component. The most important properties of Pycnogenol^® for the body are its powerful antioxidant effects (3, 4, 11-16), its natural anti-inflammatory effect (17-19), its effects on the skin and tissue (8, 18, 20, 21) and its support of blood circulation (3, 7, 22-33).

Taken together, these mechanisms explain the wide range of applications for Pycnogenol^® in the field of health and beauty. Ongoing research will bring further insights and possibly discover additional applications for the effects of Pycnogenol^® .

Pycnogenol^® improves blood circulation

The health of the cardiovascular system is key to maintaining vitality, physical strength, mental health and general well-being. Blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients through arteries and tiny microvessels throughout our body, which has positive effects from head to toe.

Pycnogenol^® has positive effects on blood flow by improving endothelial function. Regulating blood flow means maintaining an adequate distribution of blood throughout the body to meet the metabolic needs of tissues and organs.

All blood vessels in the cardiovascular system are lined with what is known as the endothelium. The endothelium is a single layer of cells that lines the inner surface of blood vessels, including arteries and veins. This layer not only serves as a simple boundary for the vessel wall, but also plays a key role in many physiological functions, such as controlling blood pressure through vasoconstriction and vasodilation, regulating the exchange of substances between blood and tissue, preventing blood clotting and signalling 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 reducing platelet aggregation without prolonging bleeding time (32, 33). In addition, Pycnogenol^® has been shown to normalise blood pressure and improve blood lipid profile and blood sugar levels (12, 13, 15, 25, 26, 38-43). Interestingly, it has been found that a metabolite of pycnogenol^® can be taken up by endothelial cells and thus exert its anti-inflammatory effect directly in the endothelium (24).

Pycnogenol^® for the endothelium

Numerous studies have consistently shown that pycnogenol^® improves endothelial function, which has a positive effect on blood circulation and microcirculation.

®In patients with coronary heart disease, the effect of Pycnogenol® on endothelial function was investigated by examining "flow-mediated dilation" in the brachial artery (3). This involves measuring the expansion of the artery in response to an increase in shear stress associated with blood flow. An 8-week randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-blind study showed a 32% improvement in flow-mediated dilation in the Pycnogenol^® group, while it deteriorated slightly in the placebo patients.

These and other studies confirm the positive effects of Pycnogenol^®® on endothelial function in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Pycnogenol^® improves microcirculation

Healthy microcirculation is vital, as it ensures that all parts of the body are well supplied with nutrients and oxygen. Several published studies have shown that Pycnogenol^® improves blood circulation in small blood vessels in the body, such as the very fine microvessels in the skin, fingertips and inner ear, or the retinal capillaries in the eye (7, 28-31, 34-37).

In a 3-month study on diabetic retinopathy, supplementation with Pycnogenol^® improved blood flow to the retina by about 30% compared to marginal changes in the control patients (7).

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

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Pycnogenol^® also contribute to Pycnogenol^® 's versatility for physical health and beauty. Inflammation and oxidative stress are closely related processes in the body. Oxidative stress can trigger inflammation, and inflammation in turn can lead to more oxidative stress (44). Originally, inflammation is a complex protective response of the body to harmful stimuli and part of innate immunity. However, too much inflammation can lead to chronic inflammation, which forms the basis for various diseases such as arteriosclerosis, arthritis or allergies.

Pycnogenol^® controls inflammation

Several studies have shown that Pycnogenol® has anti-inflammatory properties (17-19). Pycnogenol® has been shown to significantly reduce the activation of the pro-inflammatory "master switch" NF-kB by 15.5% and the release of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) by 25% (18). These are two important regulators in the inflammatory process.

In another study, pycnogenol^® significantly reduced the upregulation of the pro-inflammatory enzymes 5-LOX and COX-2 after only five days (17). Furthermore, it was found that a single dose of 300 mg of Pycnogenol^® naturally inhibits the formation of COX-2 enzymes during inflammation in humans, thus making an important contribution to pain relief (19).

These positive effects of Pycnogenol^® have also been observed in clinical studies with patients suffering from various chronic inflammatory conditions such as knee osteoarthritis (45, 46), endometriosis (47, 48) or allergic rhinitis (6, 49). Pycnogenol^® has been proven to promote joint mobility and flexibility and naturally relieve pain.

Pycnogenol^® is a powerful antioxidant

Pycnogenol® has been studied in various clinical trials and has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties (3, 4, 11-16). Pycnogenol® has been shown to increase the antioxidant capacity of plasma, expressed as oxygen radical absorbance capacity or "ORAC" (13). Pycnogenol^® also reduces oxidative stress, measured as free radicals in plasma (50). Pycnogenol^® has also been shown to protect lipids from peroxidation by free radicals (3, 4). The protective effect of Pycnogenol^® on DNA oxidation was demonstrated in a clinical study by measuring the level of oxidised purines (11).

Pycnogenol^® strengthens the extracellular matrix in skin, joints and other tissues

The extracellular matrix plays an important role in various connective tissues by acting as a supportive framework that regulates cell behaviour and influences tissue development and repair. The extracellular matrix of the skin consists of various molecules such as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Collagen provides structural support and firmness to the skin, while elastin ensures its elasticity. Hyaluronic acid contributes to skin hydration by retaining moisture. Together, these molecules promote youthful, healthy skin and can help address issues associated with the skin's ageing process.

In addition, collagen is an essential component of cartilage, which covers and protects the ends of bones in the joints. It contributes to the stability and flexibility of the joints. Hyaluronic acid is also found in joint fluid, where it lubricates and cushions the joints, enabling smooth movement.

Pycnogenol^® improves skin hydration and elasticity

Pycnogenol^® has been shown to increase skin elasticity and reduce skin fatigue by stimulating the synthesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin and inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin (metalloproteinases 1, 2 and 9) (8, 18, 20, 21). Pycnogenol^® also protects skin proteins from enzymatic degradation by selectively binding to elastin and collagen (21).

Clinical studies of 12 weeks of supplementation with Pycnogenol^® (^® ) showed a 44% increase in hyaluronic acid synthase in the skin, resulting in a 21% improvement in skin hydration (20). Hyaluronic acid synthase is the natural source of water-binding hyaluronic acid in the dermis, which moisturises the skin and keeps it firm and smooth. This study also showed that Pycnogenol^® improved skin elasticity by 25% and reduced skin fatigue by 30%. Furthermore, Pycnogenol^®® increased the skin's connective tissue collagen by an average of 40%.

The beneficial effect of Pycnogenol^® in maintaining elastic and smooth skin has been confirmed in several clinical studies.

Pycnogenol^® has positive effects on joint function

Pycnogenol^® has been shown to be beneficial in patients with joint problems by downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators and enzymes responsible for the destruction of cartilage in the joints (MMP enzymes) in the fluid surrounding the knee joints (45, 46, 51-53). These results confirm earlier findings that regular intake of Pycnogenol^® leads to a sharp decline in pro-inflammatory markers such as NF-κB and COX enzymes and MMPs (17-19, 21).

In most cases, joint pain is due to damage to the joint cartilage. Hyaluronic acid contributes to the shock-absorbing properties of cartilage. Since Pycnogenol^® significantly increases the gene expression of hyaluronic acid synthase, this is helpful not only for the skin but also for joint cartilage (20). ^®In addition, Pycnogenol's ability to increase collagen synthesis and protect collagen from degradation is crucial for joint health, as collagen is an important component of joint cartilage. Furthermore, it has been found that the concentration of Pycnogenol^® metabolites in the synovial fluid surrounding the joint cartilage increased significantly (46, 54). This allows the active ingredients of Pycnogenol^® to work directly where they are needed. This comprehensively explains how Pycnogenol^® helps to restore the health of damaged joints.

Pycnogenol^® , the extract from French maritime pine bark, is one of the world's most extensively researched natural supplements with compelling data for various applications, including heart health, skin care, cognitive function and allergy control. Pycnogenol^® is a standardised complex mixture of many molecules and has been shown to have a positive effect on blood circulation, strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and an impressive effect on tissue integrity.

Published in Vitalstoffe, issue 4/2023, pp. 50–55.

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