Pine bark extract is made from the bark of a particular type of maritime pine tree that grows along the coastline throughout much of Europe, though it is concentrated primarily around the Mediterranean, with the most famous varieties originating in France. It is prized for its very high level of a particular kind of antioxidants known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which are also found in grape seed extract, that have been attributed with several different health benefits. For the purposes of this article, when we refer to French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol will be the standard by which our information is based. Pycnogenol is a very specific, not to mention patented type of pine bark extract that is extracted from a specific species of tree and standardized in the combination and amount of proanthocyanidins it contains.
How Does Pycnogenol Work In The Body?
The primary method of action is in its ability to act as a powerful antioxidant. During the body’s natural processes, as well as the result of different toxins and environmental factors, substances known as free radicals build up in the body. Free radicals are molecules that are missing an electron and want one so badly that they will steal electrons from surrounding molecules, including those that make up your body. When that happens, the molecule in your body becomes a free radical and steals an electron from somewhere else.
This process continues and continues, and quite a bit of cellular damage is done over time, which could potentially lead to cancer. Free radicals are substances that can neutralize free radicals because they can donate electrons without becoming free radicals themselves, thus sparing your body the molecular damage. It also has the ability to greatly enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C, and was originally used during the treatment of scurvy.
How Pine Bark Extract Benefits Health
Aside from its antioxidant properties, pine bark extract is used primarily to support and enhance the cardiovascular system. Double blind placebo studies have been conducted many times over the years to test its effectiveness, and though the results are not universal, it has been shown that Pycnogenol may strengthen the blood vessel walls throughout the body, thus aiding in the treatment of edema, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), diabetic retinopathy, fluid retention, and macular degeneration.
Though they have not been studied to the same extent, pine bark extract has also been used in anti-aging treatments, as well as to improve the smoothness of skin from wrinkles and overexposure to sunlight. It has also been used during the treatment of arthritis and has been found to help reduce inflammation in the body, which is thought to be one of the keys in maintaining good health.
Pine Bark Extract Side Effects and Interactions
Pine bark extract has been extensively tested for decades and has been found to be safe with almost no reported side effects. In terms of interactions, as stated before, it helps to supplement and improve the effectiveness of other antioxidants that are being supplemented or included in the diet, such as vitamins A, C, and E. It is recommended that you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables while taking it to further increase the benefits.
Pine bark extract has been used for decades for a variety of symptoms. When shopping, just make sure that the brand you choose contains at least 95% proanthocyanidins, phenolics and flavonoids, and that it doesn’t contain any additives like salt or sugar. For preventative health as a supplement, 50 mg daily is the recommended dosage, while 300 mg daily is recommended in the treatment of venous disorders.