Pycnogenol - what is it, properties and mechanism of action of the substance

Pharmacology and nutraceuticals are constantly in search of substances that have a beneficial effect on human health. Thus, a powerful natural antioxidant, pycnogenol, isolated from the bark of the Mediterranean pine, quickly gained popularity. In combination with vitamins A and C, the bioactive component enhances the production of the fat-burning hormone - epinephrine. By increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin and increasing stamina, it is effective for weight loss. However, supplements containing this compound are useless without exercise and diet.

Beneficial features

The bark of the Mediterranean pine Pinus mfritima contains the substance pycnogenol. The antioxidant properties of this compound are more pronounced than that of other biological antioxidants, such as those derived from grape seed extract or peanut peel.

In medicine, pine bark extract has long been used:

• to strengthen blood vessels and normalize the work of the heart;
• prolongation of youth at the cellular level due to the binding of free radicals and the prevention of pathological processes in organs and tissues;
• improving cognitive functions of the brain, in particular, memory;
• relief of inflammation and acceleration of recovery from viral and bacterial infections, including chronic ones;
• prevention of cancerous tumors;
• relieving pain in arthritis and arthrosis;
• restoration of trophism and skin turgor;
• reducing the manifestations and complications of allergic reactions;
• fight overweight and insulin resistance.

In addition to bioflavonoids, bark extract contains: phenolic acids, epicatechin and other active components.

Some of the beneficial properties of pycnogenol are confirmed by clinical studies, for example, its effects on the central nervous system, blood vessels, heart and skin. Others are still under study and do not have a sufficient evidence base. Most often, dietary supplements with its content are prescribed as part of complex therapy.

Mechanism of action

Comprehensive studies of the effect of pycnogenol on systems, organs and tissues of the body have so far been carried out only on small mammals. However, if we proceed from the similarity of physiological processes, we can already speak about the prospects of the drug for the prevention and treatment of many diseases.

So, during the experiments, the following facts became clear:

• The substance increases the level of nitric oxide in the blood plasma, while preventing its metabolism to toxic superoxides. Thanks to this, the smooth muscles of the circulatory system are less prone to spasms. Relaxation of the walls of capillaries, veins and arteries improves blood circulation in organs and tissues.
• Pycnogenol increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Muscles consume glucose from plasma faster, thereby lowering blood levels.
• The bioactive component blocks and reduces the activity of molecules that provoke and maintain inflammatory processes in the body.

Fat Burning Effectiveness

Any study proving the effectiveness of a dietary supplement in improving metabolism and lipid breakdown automatically makes it desirable for people concerned about weight loss. However, you should not take this dietary supplement as a panacea for obesity.

By itself, pycnogenol does not promote the breakdown of adipose tissue and does not reduce appetite. It helps the body eliminate waste products faster after effective workouts. Without a balanced diet, physical activity, adequate sleep and adequate fluid intake, you will not be able to lose weight.

The benefits of pycnogenol for weight loss:

• Expansion of blood vessels and improvement of blood circulation. Tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients, and it is easier to part with toxic metabolites.
• Stabilization of blood insulin levels. However, the supplement does not treat diabetes and does not help to cope with the loss of glucose sensitivity. Only a full-fledged treatment by an endocrinologist can normalize the hormonal background.
• Improving well-being due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Most often, people who, in addition to taking the supplement, trained intensively and correctly, drank enough water, normalized their sleep patterns and corrected their eating behavior, speak about the amazing results in losing weight against the background of the use of pycnogenol.

Most likely, it is possible to achieve a decrease in the percentage of body fat under similar conditions without additional funds. However, individual responsiveness of the body and belief in usefulness (placebo effect) cannot be ruled out.

Indications for use

As an additional supportive agent in complex therapy, the use of pycnogenol is quite justified. Dwarf pine extract has many beneficial properties.

The cardiovascular system

The circulatory system responds positively to the use of bioactive antioxidants. Research confirms the following properties of pycnogenol:

• Reducing the proliferation of striated muscle cells of the heart in diabetics and hypertensive patients. Observing specialists note an improvement in indicators on the electrocardiogram, including those taken during physical activity.
• Strengthening the sensitivity of cells to acetylcholine and reducing the pathological vascular tone.
• Normalization of systolic and diastolic pressure, reducing the risk of their sharp increase.
• Reducing blood viscosity and preventing blood clots.
• Improving the metabolism of fats and lowering the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood, preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques and atherosclerosis. The main argument in the use of pycnogenol in the fight against obesity is the acceleration of the process of elimination of the decay products of adipose tissue from the body, reduction of intoxication and an increase in endurance during sports training and daily activity.
• Supports the general tone of the veins in varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Cessation of bleeding, pain relief, a decrease in the risk of infectious complications, thrombosis and the formation of new nodes are noted.
• Dissolution of hematomas, prevention of microcapillary bleeding.

Nervous system

On the part of the central and peripheral nervous systems, positive reactions were also revealed in response to the course use of supplements with pycnogenol:

• Increase the vitality of neurons. The cells of the spinal cord and brain receive additional nutrition. At the same time, the processes of aging and destruction of cell membranes by free radicals are inhibited.
• Increased concentration of attention, which makes the drug effective as part of the systemic therapy of ADHD in children. It is prescribed for adults during increased intellectual stress.
• Improving memory. Studies on independent groups of students have shown a significant difference between the groups taking dietary supplements and the groups receiving placebo. Young people showed more interest in knowledge, easier to assimilate and systematize the information received during the training.
• Prevention of neuroses, sleep disturbances, increased irritability against the background of overwork or hormonal changes, for example, during menopause or premenstrual syndrome. Patients of both sexes report an increase in libido.

The immune system

The effectiveness of antioxidants in the fight against inflammatory processes, allergies of various origins and autoimmune diseases is confirmed by scientific research.

Indications for the use of pycnogenol:

• viral, bacterial and fungal infections;
• chronic inflammatory processes in joints and muscles;
• allergies, including rhinitis, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, associated with an increase in the level of histamine in the blood;
• asthma and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases;
• immunodeficiency states associated with the activity of retroviruses, acclimatization, increased nervous or physical stress, recovery from operations and injuries.

Endocrine system and metabolism

Pycnogenol's ability to affect insulin levels, cell tolerance to glucose and the functioning of the endocrine glands make it an effective remedy in the following cases:

1. Obesity, especially with insulin resistance. It is noteworthy that with the help of a bioflavonoid, it is possible to quickly cope with fatty liver infiltrates, while not losing the functionality of the organ.
2. Diabetes types 1 and 2 - but not as a drug, but as an adjuvant to minimize the risk of complications. In the control group, the patients developed diabetic retinopathy, trophic ulcers, impotence, and cerebrovascular accident much less frequently.
3. Erectile dysfunction and male infertility. Bioextract increases ejaculate secretion and accelerates sperm maturation.
4. Menopause, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, painful PMS. The drug relieves pain, reduces the intensity of bleeding and tissue dysplasia, relieves inflammation and speeds up healing.
5. Prevention of aging at the cellular level. Cosmetics containing Mediterranean pine extract have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Regular use of creams, serums and masks improves turgor and blood circulation, smoothes wrinkles, acne scars, improves color and texture.

Supplement safety

Means with pycnogenol have almost no contraindications. The substance is considered safe for use by healthy people and patients with serious disabilities. If you do not exceed the recommended daily dosage and do not continue taking it after the occurrence of individual reactions, there will be no harm from the dietary supplement.

In rare cases, there are side effects such as diarrhea, indigestion, allergies, headache, nausea, acne. All conditions are reversible and disappear within 1-2 days after stopping the use of the supplement.

It is not recommended to use pycnogenol in the treatment and rehabilitation of pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 18 years of age.

Dosage and duration of the course

According to the instructions, the average daily intake of Mediterranean dwarf pine bark extract is 200 mg. The course of treatment is selected by the attending physician, based on the general condition of the patient and his individual reactions.

For example:

1. For antioxidant, immunomodulatory and adaptogenic action, 50 mg per day is sufficient.
2. In order to prevent insulin resistance and support diabetes patients, 100-150 mg is prescribed.
3. Hypertensive patients and persons with ischemic heart disease are shown at least 200 mg per day.
4. People with systemic circulatory disorders require the maximum permitted dose - about 300 mg.

The concentration of pycnogenol and its metabolites in the blood plasma increases gradually, so the daily dose should be divided into two doses. It is best to take the supplement with meals with plenty of water.

The greatest effectiveness from the remedy can be achieved if you eat and drink at least 2 liters of water per day.

Pycnogenol based products overview

Pharmacies, health food stores, chain companies specializing in the production and sale of dietary supplements, produce many products that contain pycnogenol, on average 100 mg per capsule.

Supplements from Healthy Origins, Solgar, Country life, Now Foods, Life Extension are considered the market leaders. One package contains 30 to 60 capsules. This is enough for a one-time course. The cost of one can varies from 900 to 2000 rubles.

There are numerous pycnogenol cosmetics on the market. It is used in the production of anti-aging creams, topical venotonics, ointments and sprays to improve skin tone, relieve fatigue and pain in muscles and joints.

Watch the video: Pine Bark Extract vs Pycnogenol (November 2024).