PINE BARK COMPLEX: Pine bark extract has been used in folk remedies all around the world. It has potent antioxidants and compounds that help dilate blood vessels. Pine bark extract is made from the bark of a European coastal pine tree Landes or maritime pine. The scientific name is Pinus maritima. Have a look at the great benefits this natural supplement can bring.

PINE BARK COMPLEX GOOD FOR THE BRAIN: If you’ve been struggling with forgetting small details – like where you put your car keys or what you’re supposed to pick up for dinner – you may be suffering from the early signs of age-related cognitive decline. Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep can all contribute to sub-optimal brain function, and while diet and exercise are fantastic for boosting healthy brain function, so too is pine bark extract. New research shows that adults over the age of 55, supplementing with pine bark extract over the course of one year, showed superior results in brain related tasks compared to placebo groups. The researchers believe the benefits stem from pine bark extract’s antioxidant effects and ability to reduce oxidative stress.

PINE BARK PROMOTES CONTROL OF INFLAMMATION: Cytokines are a group of pro-inflammatory molecules that are released when you get a cold or flu, suffer from a fall or injury (or train too hard in the gym!), or if you’re struggling with a chronic health condition. Research shows that pine bark extract is capable of reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-6, responsible for many of the adverse effects of chronic inflammation.

PINE BARK COMPLEX SUPPORTER OF THE HEART: Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer worldwide. Pine bark extract helps to lower bad cholesterol, which is believed to clog and block arteries while elevating good (HDL)  cholesterol. It also helps reduce chronic inflammation and prevent platelets from sticking together. According to a 2015 study in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, pine bark extract helps prevent arteries from developing atherosclerosis, a precursor to a clogged artery. A 2012 study in the European Heart Journal showed pine bark extract could help improve overall health and function of arteries.

PINE BARK COMPLEX CONTROLS BLOOD HYPERTENSION: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, results when there is increased stiffness in the arteries. It is diagnosed when the systolic pressure (the top number) is above 140 and/or the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is above 90.  It also helps control blood pressure according to a 2016 study in Phytomedicine.

PINE BARK COMPLEX BOOSTER OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM: Keeping the immune system strong is not only important when it comes to remedying infection but also helps calm autoimmune conditions. Pine bark extract helps optimize the immune system according to an article in Nutrition Research and Practice. It helps regenerate and maintain vitamin C and E levels. Its active compounds are anti-inflammatory, reduce allergies, anti-viral, and balance the immune system. Pycnogenol also boosts nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes and protects blood vessels.

PINE BARK COMPLEX SUPPLIES ANTIOXIDANTS: in poor health, your body will produce an excess of free radical compounds that trigger inflammation throughout the body, damaging your DNA and compromising your health. Antioxidants extinguish these internal fires. Research has shown that Pycnogenol – a formula of pine bark extract – is able to prevent and minimize this oxidative damage from free radicals. Ensuring you eat a diet high in vegetables and fruit is also important to lay the foundation for robust antioxidant intake. Avoid sugar to promote these effects further.

PINE BARK COMPLEX PROMOTES BALANCED BLOOD GLUCOSE: Pine bark extract may provide some added benefits for you if you struggle with high blood sugar, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of 77 diabetic patients taking their prescription medications, along with 100mg of supplemental Pycnogenol, found greater improvement in blood sugar control and cardiovascular health when pine bark extract was implemented.