Pycnogenol® May Improve Blood Markers in People at Risk of Heart Disease

A recent study suggests that taking a daily supplement of French Maritime Pine bark — also known as Pycnogenol® — may improve metabolic parameters, lower LDL cholesterol, and curb oxidative stress in people at high risk for coronary artery disease.

Participants in the study included 124 people, 32 hypertensives, 31 hyperlipidemics, 30 hyperglycemics, and 31 with normal parameter who acted as a control. The participants who were borderline in each group were given either the best management to control their symptoms or best management plus 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol®.

After 12 weeks, metabolic values and blood pressure were at normal levels in all of the subjects. The Pycnogenol® groups had “slightly better” values than the participants who did not take the supplement. Specifically, participants in the Pycnogenol® group saw a 66% improvement in endothelial function, a 20% reduction in oxidative stress

In the participants with borderline hyperlipidemia, the Pycnogenol® supplementation was associated with lower cholesterol levels and in the hyperlipidemics it was associated with lower fasting glucose levels.

The researchers theorized that the positive effects were due to the ability of Pycnogenol® to control oxidative stress.

Researchers from Chieti-Pescara University in Italy conducted the study. It was published in the February 2015 issue of International Angiology.

Pycnogenol® has been shown to help with high blood pressure, muscle soreness, osteoarthritis, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, ringing in the ears, erectile dysfunction and retinopathy.