Pycnogenol, a French Health Cocktail

Other names:

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Complex
OPC
Proanthocyanidins (Strictly speaking, this is just one component of 40 found in Pycnogenol)

Nutrient Family :

Phytonutrients/Phytochemicals

> Sub-Group: Polyphenols - Flavonoids

The name “Pycnogenol” was coined by French researcher, Dr Jacques Mesquelier, in the early 1950s.

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark for the flavonoid supplement produced from a special type of maritime pine bark found in France and in the Quebec province of Canada.

Its “real” name is Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Complex or “OPC” for short. Its long name is quite the obvious reason why Pycnogenol became its adopted or the generic name.

Pycnogenol is a supplement made of up to 40 different types of flavonoids extracted from this pine bark. However, the name is also use for same substances extracted from grape seeds, grape skins or cranberries.

While it’s made up of 40 different flavonoids, most notably amongst them are:

Catechins
Flavons
Proanthocynidin (65-75%)

o Proanthocynidin is said to be 50 times more potent than Vitamin E as an antioxidant

And, Pycnogenol (the 40 flavonoids working as a group) is said to be 50 times more potent than Vitamin C as an antioxidant, and being a Network Booster, it recycles Vitamin C.

Pycnogenol's Workings

Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant:

Water Soluble

Other functions besides being an antioxidant :

Reinforces capillary walls which in turns improve micro-circulation
Protect against platelet aggregation, reducing risks of blood clots that can lead to stroke and heart attack.
Bolster the immune system by recycling Vitamin C, as well as, protecting the macrophages (a type of white blood cells used by body as an immune defence) from free radical damages.
Anti-inflammatory

Where Is Pycnogenol Found Naturally?

Pycnogenol/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Complex (OPCs) are sourced from plants only, typically:

Maritime pine bark
Grape Seeds
Grape Skins
Cranberries
Peanut Skin
Witch Hazel Bark

Examples of food sources:

Maritime pine bark
Grapes
Cranberries
Peanuts
Witch Hazel Bark

Health Benefits of Pycnogenol

Examples of health benefits of Pycnogenol/Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins Complex (OPC):

Neutralizing Free radicals to protect cells
Regulate the Immune System
Blood Pressure – both High and Low Blood Pressure
Platelet Aggregation
Atherosclerosis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Protection against UV and reduce damages of sun spots
Treating or preventing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)/swollen capillary - which can cause edema (fluid retention), weakness in capillary, legs swelling, varicose veins, itching, skin ulcers, easy bruising
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – improves blood flow to brain and thereby, improves concentration/focus
Diabetes, and Diabetic microangiopathy (disease of small veins related to diabetes)
Cramps – as it aids circulatory issues – including menstrual cramps
Erectile dysfunction (ED) (taken with L-Arginine)
Gingivitis
Slow aging process
Improve endurance