What is Pycnogenol Found in

Pycnogenol is a substance extracted from the pine bark of Pinus pinaster trees. The pine bark tree is rich in bioflavonoids, a type of plant pigment which contains high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Pine bark extract contains procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids, which are rich in antioxidants, protect cells from oxidation, eliminate free radicals, and have therapeutic benefits. Pycnogenol can also be extracted from other substances, including the bark of witch hazel trees, grape seeds, and peanut peel. Traditional therapies included a pycnogenol-rich beverage produced from pine bark.

What is Pycnogenol Used for?

It helps in treating health conditions such as

  • Allergies
  • Circulation problems
  • Ear problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle soreness
  • Diabetes
  • Hyperactivity disorder
  • Endometriosis
  • Painful periods
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Retinopathy
  • Dental plaque

Osteoarthritis is a condition that often develops as people age. The deterioration of joint cartilage is what causes this disorder. Typically, it affects the fingers, thumbs, back, hips, and knees. Pycnogenol is known to ease the condition of osteoarthritis.

Asthma causes a narrowing and inflammatory response in the airways. Leukotrienes cause lung inflammation. Pycnogenol when taken with the asthma inhaler reduces leukotrienes, and gives a little relief from the lung inflammation. 

Pycnogenol keeps up the overall heart health by maintaining blood pressure. 

It also reduces the menopause symptoms like headache, anxiety, depression, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and decreased sex drive. 

Pycnogenol cures diabetes, retinal disorders, and ulcers by reducing inflammation in the vascular tissue. It also aids in preventing diabetes-related eye impairment.

It is proven to help people with vasomotor and insomnia, a sleep disorder. 

What is Pycnogenol in Skincare?

It is evident that pycnogenol consumption has excellent beneficial effects on the skin. It deals with dry skin, wrinkles, redness, sagging skin, loss of elasticity, skin thickness, and roughness. Its bioflavonoids increase the hydration in the skin and prevent the invasion of free radicals. Few beauty products contain pycnogenol which helps in anti-aging. It also aids in lessening hyperpigmentation, smoothing out rough skin, regenerating cells, and perhaps even lowering the risk of skin cancer. Some skin powders, lotions, or dietary supplements may contain pycnogenol. Before using pycnogenol, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.

Pycnogenol is Found in What Foods?

Few substances contain it, such as the skin of peanuts, grape seeds, and the bark of witch hazel trees.

Risk Factors of Pycnogenol

People suffer from immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. This also induces fatal allergy disorders in a few people. People should avoid taking Immunosuppressants since pycnogenol is an immunity booster.

Best Dose of Pycnogenol

The best dose of pycnogenol supplements is available in both tablets and capsules. To overcome hypertension, arthritis, venous insufficiency, and diabetes complications, take 500 to 300mg per day thrice as 50 to 100 mg. To prevent cardiovascular disease, take a 150mg dose each day. It is always advisable to reach out to the doctor before consuming any medications, as it may lead to complications.