BetterNutrition August 2021

Benefits of Pycnogenol
All of these mechanisms
translate into a variety
of benefits, including
the following six health
advantages:
Photo: Adobe Stock
❶ SKIN HEALTH
Studies have shown
that by increasing levels of
hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen,
Pycnogenol improves hydration
and elasticity in skin, creating a
smoother, more youthful appearance.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties reduce the effects of UV and
other environmental damage. In addition,
Pycnogenol reduces skin problems that
occur with seasonal changes.
❷ JOINT HEALTH
A review of studies concluded that
Pycnogenol is well absorbed in the blood
and in the fluid that cushions joints. Plus,
it provides anti-inflammatory substances
that counteract joint discomfort for about
14 hours after the supplement is taken.
Studies show that it protects joint cartilage
from degradation, relieves pain and
stiffness, and enhances mobility. People
taking Pycnogenol for joint pain have
reduced their use of medications.
MEMORY AND MENTAL PERFORMANCE
Pycnogenol can enhance memory,
attention, and overall mental performance
in adults at all stages of life. In a study
of people over age 55, the supplement
enhanced overall mental performance
and ability to function independently.
Among health professionals between
the ages of 35 and 55, the supplement
improved alertness and contentedness
and reduced anxiety. And among college
students between the ages of 18 and 27,
those who took Pycnogenol experienced
improved mood and also got higher
test scores.
MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS
A study of women who experienced
uncomfortable menopausal symptoms
tested the effects of daily Pycnogenol
for eight weeks. The supplement
significantly reduced hot flashes, night
sweats, mood swings, irregular periods,
loss of libido, and vaginal dryness.
The women taking Pycnogenol also
experienced improvement in fatigue,
sleep, concentration, memory, dizziness,
and mood, including less irritability.
CIRCULATION AND JET LAG ON
LONG FLIGHTS
Water retention can cause feet and legs
to swell, and some people have a higher
risk of blood clots during long flights.
Pycnogenol can counteract these issues
by enhancing circulation. A study of 295
people who flew for more than eight
hours found that Pycnogenol reduced
swelling more effectively than compression
stockings, while also reducing risk
for blood clots and jet lag.
FIBROMYALGIA & OTHER
DOCUMENTED BENEFITS
Studies show that Pycnogenol is also
beneficial in reducing symptoms of
fibromyalgia, asthma, Raynaud’s syndrome,
diabetic retinopathy, chronic
venous insufficiency, enlarged prostate,
and erectile dysfunction. It’s possible
that Pycnogenol may also help correct
circulatory problems that can linger
after recovery from Covid-19, but so far,
this theory hasn’t been clinically tested.
How to Take Pycnogenol
Available as both a standalone
supplement and in combination
formulas, Pycnogenol is a patented
extract of French maritime pine bark,
so it’s always listed as “Pycnogenol”
on product labels. There are other pine
bark extracts available, but their exact
make-up and benefits are not identical
to Pycnogenol.
Pescatore generally recommends
taking 100 mg of Pycnogenol daily
with a meal to prevent stomach upset.
Higher dosages may be beneficial in
some situations. These are dosages used
in studies of various conditions:
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Skin health: 100 mg daily
Joint health: 50 mg taken 3 times daily
Memory and mental performance: 150
mg daily
Menopause symptoms: 100 mg daily
Leg swelling and jetlag on long flights:
200 mg 2–3 hours before the flight,
200 mg 6 hours later, and 100 mg
the next day
Fibromyalgia: 150 mg daily
Asthma: 50 mg taken twice daily
Raynaud’s syndrome: 50 mg taken
twice daily
Diabetic retinopathy: 50 mg taken
3 times daily
Chronic venous insufficiency: 150–300
mg daily
Enlarged prostate: 150 mg daily
Erectile dysfunction: 120 mg daily
AUGUST 2021 • 15