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Pycnogenol

What Is It?

Pycnogenol is one of the proanthocyanidins, an extremely powerful group of plant flavonoids. Flavonoids are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties. Their strong antioxidant activity also protects the body from free-radical damage, thought to be responsible for the aging process and almost every degenerative disease, including cancer and heart disease.

How It Works

Pycnogenol works so well for an aging circulatory system because it strengthens the collagen structure of blood vessels and capillaries. As an antioxidant it's also about 50 times as powerful as vitamins C and E. These qualities combined are why Pycnogenol is now used for a number of clinical applications common to elderly people.

Indications

• Joint inflammation and pain from arthritis, lower back, neck problems and sports injuries
• Improves skin smoothness and elasticity
• Reduces prostate inflammation and other inflammatory conditions
• Reduces diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy
• Improves circulation and enhances cell vitality
• Improves skin disorders such as eczema
• Improves and arrests varicose veins, and reduces the risk of phlebitis
• Reduces the effects of stress
• Reduces allergic reactions
• Strengthens capillaries, arteries, veins and blood vessel walls, including those that supply the heart

Potential Problems

Individuals who have an allergic reaction to anything related to pine should take caution. People with this allergy can take a lesser dose without allergic reactions. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.