gethealthy

Have you ever taken the time to read the ingredients label on your supplements…..if so you may have noticed an ingredient listed as Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol actually refers to a group of compounds containing the same chemicals found in pine bark extract, but may be taken from other natural sources, such as grapeseeds.

Pine bark extract has been studied for the past 35 years, and more than 200 studies have been published promoting its safety.  Pine bark is thought to have protective properties against the effects of alcohol on the brain neurons.  They also believe that its antioxidant properties, may play a role in reducing the risks for cancer. It has also been known to assist in healing ulcers in patients with diabetes.

Currently more research is being done with a larger subject group under controlled conditions.  Researchers believe that it may help conditions such as asthma,  retinal eye disease, menstrual pain, blood clots, and circulation disorders.

Recently a study released in the May 2008 journal of Nutrition Research showed a 12-week study of about 50 men and women, between the ages of 40 and 75, who have noninsulin-dependent type II diabetes; half of the group included Pycnogenol to the their regular medicine habit, while the other half added a placebo.  The results concluded that by adding the Pycnogenol it lowered the groups’ blood glucose levels, LDL cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.