
Pine Bark Extract Powder
Folk medicine practices around the world have often times relied on pine bark to provide relief for a variety of symptoms. Now recent studies have shown the pine bark extract to have extremely potent antioxidant qualities of many other natural compounds such as Gingko Biloba. Antioxidants help your body defend itself against chemicals that damage cells and contribute to many diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart attacks, and strokes. Pine bark has proven to be such a strong antioxidant it is ranked with the better known Vitamin E, C, and lipoic acid and actually extends the life of any existing vitamin C and E in the body.
One common use of pine bark extract is for treating chronic venous insufficiency, when blood collects in the leg veins due to weak or damaged valves that are to carry blood back to the heart. Pine bark extract can also slow the gradual break down of the retina (a condition known as retinopathy) by strengthening the blood vessel walls. Some men use pine bark extract to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Pine bark extract can also be found in some chewing gums claiming to reduce plaque accumulation. Many people also turn to pine bark extract when battling inflammatory conditions.
Nitric oxide is important to any healthy immune system however excessive amounts of nitric oxide has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and other disabilatating dieses. Pine bark extract slows the duplication of nitric oxide and increases blood flow by constricting the blood vessels. One study group took pine bark extract for 12 weeks resulting in lower blood pressure and thinner blood.

Tree that is used for Pine Bark Extract
Pine bark is found in the French maritime pine and Pinus pinaster, plants native to areas of France and North Africa.
It should be noted that herbal products such as pine bark extract are generally not approved by the F.D.A. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Brands and manufacturers are not required to print the ingredients and impurities on the label. Many of the risks, side effects of herbal supplements are not known. And while pine bark extract may be a wonderful addition to ones diet it is not meant as a cure all and to replace all other medicines. However no dangerous side effects have been observed, there have been reports of fatigue when used to treat cases of ADHD.
List of Pine Bark Extract Info:
- A 156 member study group with osteoarthritis took pine bark extract for 3 months, and reported less swelling, less pain, more walking time and less of the need for anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Kids who suffer from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) were reported to have better concentration and more normal restlessness after a one month study
- A group of seniors placed higher on memory tests during a 3-month study.
- Several studies have shown the LDL or bad cholesterol levels are lowered after four to six weeks of taking pine bark extract.
- After taking a pine bark extract in combination with vitamin C and E, a group of individuals suffering from migraine headaches reported less intense, and less frequent headaches.