Pine bark extract is a new, anti-oxidant nutritional supplement that is very popular because of its healing and prevention qualities.
The supplement is created by using the bark of a pine tree found on the coast lines of Europe, the Landes (or maritime) pine tree (Scientific name: Pinus maritima).
The pine bark extract is able to act as an antioxidant because it scavenges, or collects, reactive oxygen and nitrogen in the body, and slows the body’s production of peroxides. It also suppresses the production of free radicals in the system, and prevents the adhesion of several proteins that cause inflammation.
The bark extract is marketed under the trade name of Pycnogenol. Several studies show that the extract contains valuable proanthocyanidins that give it anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities, building up immunities and reducing inflammation and swelling caused by a variety of ailments such as gout or injury.
The pine bark extract has also been shown to have immunostimulant effect that gets the body’s natural immune system cranked up into overdrive to fight off infections and diseases. It is one of several such immunostimulant products used by people such as cancer patients and HIV patients.
There is also evidence that the preventative qualities of pine bark extract make it useful in preventing cancer altogether.
The extract is commonly used to decrease the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and has been shown to be effective for this purpose in a variety of studies. It has also been effectively used to naturally control the symptoms of hypertension.
In fact, some HIV patients have found that pine bark extract slows the attachment of the virus and also seems to deter its replication in those infected with the virus. The extract is also known to slow down replication of the EMV virus in animals as well.
This extract is known to suppress the growth of the Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori bacteria. This spiral-shaped bacterium lives in the stomach and causes severe gastric problems, most peptic ulcers and some gastric cancer.
Pine bark extract helps to prevent the H. pylori bacteria from attaching to the gastric cells, which can help prevent ulcers and perhaps some of the other gastric symptoms.
Another reason more people are choosing to use this extract is that early studies suggest that it may be effective at reducing the symptoms of menopause in women who are transitioning into the menopause stage of their lives.
Interestingly, pine bark extract has also been shown to help with skin disorders like hyper pigmentation, or too much color in the skin, and erythema, which is too much blood flow to the skin causing redness, spots and blisters.
This supplement is a valuable new product that naturally prevents many illnesses, reduces or eliminates the symptoms of other illnesses and conditions, and helps encourage overall good health.
If you have a high risk for cancer, suffer from inflammation or gastric problems, or have HIV or are in pre-menopause, then using a pine bark extract supplement may be right for your health.
We’ve gone through all the information on the Internet regarding Pine Bark Extract and condensed it down into one handy easy to use guide in order to answer all of your questions regarding Pine Bark Extract.
Where does Pine Bark Extract Come From? What is the proper dosage? Is Pine Bark Extract safe? We’ve got all the answers regarding this popular herbal supplement.
Pine Bark Extract Tree
Pine Bark Extract comes from the bark of the “maritime pine tree” located only in the coast of Southwest France, in the region known as Les Landes de Gascogne. This is the only place in the world where this tree grows, and the source of Pine Bark Extract.
A natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne.
Nature has created balanced proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids which once extracted can be used for a wide range of medical benefits.
The extract has four main properties – it’s a very powerful antioxidant, works with your body as a natural anti-inflammatory, exclusively joins to collagen and elastin, as well helping with the production of endothelial nitric oxide which is scientifically proven to dilate blood vessels.
More than two hundred scientific articles and clinical trials have confirmed Pine Bark Extract safety, non-toxicity and clinical efficacy during the last three decades. Today, Pine Bark Extract is one of the most researched ingredients in the natural product industry. Published findings have shown Pine Bark Extract beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, skincare, cognitive function, diabetes health, inflammation, sports nutrition, asthma and allergy relief and menstrual disorders, among others.
Circulatory System
The Pine Bark Extract can be found is more than 499 dietary supplements, combination, cosmetic products and functional foods and beverages worldwide.
What is Pine Bark Extract?
Pine Bark Extract is a premium herbal supplement ingredient extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. That special pine bark is loaded with a concentrate of active bioflavonoids, which are also found in fresh fruits and vegetables.
The extract from the pine bark is a potent blend of active compounds. Exhaustive research over a period of more than three decades was done to ensure the safety of Pine Bark Extract and to prove the large number of benefits for human health contained inside this extraordinary extract. Purity and potency of Pine Bark Extract are continuously to guarantee its consistent level of the highest herbal quality.
Where Does Pine Bark Extract Come From?
The home of the source of Pine Bark Extract is millions of acres of lush forests in the Bordeaux region of France. The largest Forest in Europe even larger than The Black Forest in Germany. Chemical pesticides are not permitted for use in the forest where the extract is located. Each tree must reach an age of over 30 years old before it is mature enough for use in herbal supplements.
How Can Pine Bark Extract Act To Improve My Health?
We’ve all heard of free radicals, which age and damage our bodies through oxidative stress. Pine Bark Extract is like the raccoon of aggressive free radicals. Supplements can also stimulate your immune system and add resilience to tiny blood vessels called capillaries and fortify blood vessel walls. Cramping can be reduced as well with daily use.
Why Should I Fight Against Free Radicals?
pycnogenol
Stress causes the body to create free radicals in our blood stream. Unstable radicals will damage other cells by oxidizing them just like rust can eat away at metals. Considered by scientists to be a lead cause of aging and life altering degenerative diseases. As the ultimate antioxidant, Pine Bark Extract counters those dangers in two ways. First it traps and removes free radicals from the blood stream then it causes cells to increase their antioxidant powers.
What is the Proper Dosage For Pine Bark Extract?
For general use as a supplement, a typical daily dosage would be 1 mg per kilogram of body weight, or follow the directions found on the label. Pine Bark Extract is available in a wide variety of supplement formulas and most contain between 20mg-100mg of Pine Bark Extract. When starting a new vitamin or dietary supplement, always allow one month for it to fully take effect and adjust to your body. Please consult your physician if you are taking Pine Bark Extract for a specific condition.
How Safe is Pine Bark Extract?
To date, no serious adverse side effects had been observed or reported in clinical trials. Mild side effects as gastro-intestinal discomfort, headache, nausea and dizziness were seldom reported. Because of its astringent taste, which occasionally causes minor stomach discomfort, it is best to take Pine Bark Extract with or after meals. Pine Bark Extract is certified kosher and has earned Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for applications in functional foods and beverages in the United States. It is also one of the most researched food supplements and has passed extensive safety tests. Toxicity test results demonstrated that Pine Bark Extract is safe, even at high doses for long periods of time.
Is Pine Bark Extract Safe To Use With Other Supplements?
YES! Vitamins are of vital importance to your health. Pine Bark Extract acts in conjunction with vitamins. The extract helps to recycle vitamins C and E, so they stay longer in your body. For best results take Pine Bark Extract in combination with your vitamin
Is Pine Bark Extract Safe for Pregnant Women and Small Children?
As a general precaution, pregnant women should not take Pine Bark Extract within the first trimester of pregnancy. Because there are no clinical studies based on small children, children under the age of 6 should not take Pine Bark Extract.
Where can I find products with Pine Bark Extract?
The best place to order Pine Bark Extract is through www.pinebarkextract.org. We’ve found the most reliable sources and trusted brands to take the hassle out of shopping for you. Fast easy shipping and the lowest prices for the highest quality! Pine Bark Extract herbal supplements are all we do here!
Here is a video about Pine Bark Extract and Herbal Supplements.
Another great video talking about Pine Bark Extract or pycnogenol as another popular name brand its sold under. Either way very informative video explaining how it works, a brief history of its origin and uses on sailors with scurvy. The panel then goes on to discuss various studies with patients who wanted to lower their blood pressure and how the use of pycnogenol helped the patients achieve their goal, often times exceeding their target numbers.
Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure with Pycnogenol:
I’ve been using a Pine Bark Extract I ordered off this website and have noticed a gradual drop in my blood pressure. I’ve also felt like my brain was quicker and more focused. I’ve only been taking the natural version of the supplement for a few weeks now and hope to see even more results with continued use. I asked my doctor and he said that with proper dosage I should be fine to continue taking it. I’ll continue to post my own personal results!
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.