Pycnogenol

Description:

Pycnogenols are flavan-3-ol derivatives, which distinguishes them from flavonoid compounds.

Plants/Food Which Contain Pycnogenol:

• Pinus maritima (pine bark)
• Vitis vinifera (grape seed)-contains gallic esters of proanthocyanidins, especially B2-3'-O-gallate, the most active sustance

Physiologic Therapeutics:

• Counteracts spontaneous mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae both at nuclear and mitochondrial levels
• Decreases the postoperative edema associated with certain surgeries
• Free radical scavenging action
• Histidine decarboxylase inhibitors, lowering histamine levels in the aortic endothelium
• Increases capillary resistance
• Inhibits activities of proteolytic electase and collagenase
• Inhibits the activities of the glycosides hyaluronidase and beta-glucuronidase
• Inhibits xanthine oxidase activity
• Prevents vascular permeability in animal studies

Clinical Indications:

• Allergies
• Atherosclerosis
• Attention deficit disorder
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension
• PMS
• Varicose veins

Dosage:

• 20-400 mg.

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Adverse Reactions and Toxicity:

• No known toxicity or adverse reactions

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).