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PYCNOGENOL - MIRACLE ANTIOXIDANT - THE TERM “PYCNOGENOL” - DISPUTED DEFINITIONS
Be aware that the word Pycnogenol is used by some
companies as a trade name. Technically it is a generic term
for proanthocyanidins in France as intended by Dr.
Masquelier. Proanthocyanidins refer to the flavonol class of
the bioflavonoid family. Both pine bark and grape seed are
viable sources for the compound. Think of it this way:
vitamin C can be extracted from a number of sources,
likewise proanthocyanidins or Pycnogenol can come from pine
bark or grape seed.
It was Dr, Masquelier who named this family of
bioflavonoids and actually discove red “Pycnogenol.” He intended the term to refer to this unique and specific
category of bioflavonoids. Despite his intent, the word
“Pycnogenol” has been trademarked by a variety of companies
around the world. It is only in France, where Dr. Masquelier
still controls the term, that it is used generically.
FREE RADICALS, CELLULAR CULPRITS AND PYCNOGENOL
It is a scientific fact that most of us will not live out our
potential maximum life span. Unfortunately, because of the
damage free radical cause within our cellular structures, many
of us will die prematurely from one of a wide variety of
degenerative diseases. Free radical damage has been associated
with over 60 known diseases and disorders.
...
Virtually each and every day, most of us are exposed to a
number of toxic substances. Au to Exhaust, tobacco smoke ,
pollution, preservatives, and additives continually assault our
bio-cellular systems. As a result, our risk of getting a
degenerative disease is significantly increased.
In addition, the aging process itself is accelerated by the
p resence of free radicals. Consequently, premature tissue
breakdown can occur. Inevitably, despite our best efforts, our
environment will continue to surround us with potentially
harmful pollutants.
Certainly, there are several things we can do to minimize
our health risks, including exercising, eating nutritiously and
not smoking. Unfortunately, these measures are rarely enough
to substantially decrease our risk of contracting certain
degenerative diseases or of getting old before our time.
While supplementing our diets with vitamins and minerals
is st rongly recommended, certain remarkable, natural
substances exist which have recently come to the forefront of
scientific research. The most promising of these may be a
compound called Pycnogenol, and everyone seems to be
talking about it.
Pycnogenol has been associated with:
• Reducing the Risk of Cancer
• Affording Superior Protection against Toxins and
Pollutants
• Strengthening the Immune System to Fight Off New
Viral Strains
• The Prevention of Premature Aging and Degenerative
Diseases
...WHAT EXACTLY IS PYCNOGENOL?
Pycnogenol is a super antioxidant which consists of a
highly bioavailable flavonoid called proanthocyanidin.
This
compound can be extracted from either pine bark or grape
seed, and both sources are virtually identical. Biochemists will
confirm that as a class, the proanthocyanidin bioflavonoids,
regardless of their source, possess the same biochemical activity
with very slight exceptions.
The differences lie in the varying concentrations of the
flavonoid and its purity. Extraction processes for each source
d i ffer and may contribute to the cost of the type of
Pycnogenol in question. Regardless of its source, Pycnogenol
has demonstrated extraordinary antioxidant capabilities.
NATURE’S BEST DEFENSE AGAINST FREE RADICALS: ANTIOXIDANTS
Potent substances called antioxidants, which scavenge for dangerous free radicals, afford us the best prospect for disease
prevention, toxin protection and sustained longevity and vigor.
According to many experts, making sure we arm our cellular
systems with adequate supplies of antioxidants should be our
first health priority.
“It has now been established that more than 60 human diseases involve
free-radical damage, including cancer, heart disease and the acceleration of
the aging process. All that you really need to know is that your body is under
constant free - radical atta ck, and that you need to keep your antioxidant
defenses strong.”1
The role of Pycnogenol as an exc e ptional free radical
scavenger is just beginning to emerge, and the protective
potential of Pycnogenol is impressive, to say the least. It’s only
a matter of time before scientific data supports the fact that
this family of nutrients is far more effective in its antioxidant
capacity than previously assumed.
OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS
Some of the most common of free radical scavengers or
antioxidants include:
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
• Coenzyme Q-10
• Selenium
Wh ...WHAT IS A FREE RADICAL?
Free radicals are unstable, unpredictable structures that
pose a potential threat to healthy molecules on a cellular
level. In their atte mpt to become stable, they assault and
randomly impact healthy molecules, altering their functions in
the process.
TO COMPLETLEY ELIMINATE FREE RADICALS, YOU MUST STOP BREATHING
The very act of breathing oxygen activates these reactive
chemical structures. To make matte rs wo rse, because our
generation, more than any other, is exposed to a number of
potentially harmful environmental substances, free radical
formation can reach epidemic proportions. Some of the more
dangerous of these include:
• cigarette smoke
• herbicides
• pesticides
• smog
• car exhaust
• certain prescription drugs
• diagnostic and therapeutic x-rays
• ultra-violet light
• gamma radiation
• rancid foods
• certain fats
• alcohol
• some of our food and water supplies
• stress
• poor diets
EVEN EXERCISE HAS ITS PERILS
Exercising, as beneficial as it is, can initiate the release of
free radicals within our cellular systems. Aerobic exercising
produces oxidation products. Many of these compounds are
not neutralized by our internal safety mechanisms and an
overload can occur. Supplementing the diet with efficient
antioxidants is highly recommended for eve ryone, but
especially for those who exercise on a regular basis.
WHY ARE FREE RADICALS SO DANGEROUS
A free radical can destroy a protein, an enzyme or even a
complete cell. To make matte rs wo rse, free radicals can
multiply through a chain reaction mechanism resulting in the
release of thousands of cellular oxidants. When this happens,
cells can become so badly damaged that DNA codes can be
altered and immunity can be compromised.
Contact with a free radical or oxidant on this scale can
create cellular deterioration, resulting in cancer and heart
disease. Tissue breakdown from this oxidative stress can also
occur which can cont ...PROANTHOCYANIDINS MAKE PYCNOGENOL SO EXTRAORDINARY
Recently, the very profound effect of the proanthocyanidins
found in Pycnogenol has been investigated for its remarkable
antioxidant action. These bioflavonoid compounds have been
found to significantly surpass other known antioxidants in
their ability to scavenge free radicals. Pycnogenol is 50 times
more potent than vitamin E and 20 time more so than
vitamin C. In addition, it is one of the few compounds that
can cross the blood- brain barrier making it therapeutically
effective for a number of neurological disorders. ...THE ORIGINS OF PYCNOGENOL
For generations, certain tribes of North American Indians
used bioflavonoids extracted from the bark of pine trees for a
variety of disorders. Because of its marvelous healing
properties, they called this pine the Annedda, or “tree of
life.”
PINE BARK: GIVER OF LIFE
These native Americans, who routinely ate deer as their
primary source of nutrition, when confronted with a scarcity
of meat asked themselves ... where does the deer get its
strength? They discovered that deer stripped away pine tree
bark and we re able to derive life-giving nutrients from its
organic composition.
It was also observed that devastating diseases such as
scurvy did not afflict those who ate the bark, leaves or
needles of this pine tree.
CARTIER’S ENCOUNTER WITH ANNEDDA TEA
In 1535, Jacques Cartier learned of the medicinal value of
the bark, which remained relatively unknown until 20 or 30
years ago, when scientists reviewed his notes and commenced research. Cartier became caught in the bitter snows of
Quebec, while attempting to navigate the St. Lawrence River.
Cartier and his crew subsisted on hard biscuits and cured
meat and eventually came down with what was believed to be
scurvy. Scurvy is an abhorrent disease which causes a very
slow and agonizing death.
Several of Cartier’s men died before they were approached
by the Quebec Indians who prepared a tea they called
“Annedda” from the bark of a certain native pine tree. The
men took the tea and used its leaves as poultices. Their
recovery was almost immediate. What must have seemed like a
miraculous substance was technically, nothing more than
vitamin C with bioflavonoids naturally inherent to the pine
tree.
MASQUELIER’S SUBSEQUENT DISCOVERY OF PYCNOGENOL
Cartier was resourceful enough to document the incident.
Over 400 years later, a French professor, Jacques Masquelier,
assigned to the University of Quebec discove red Cartier’s
account. Because he was already i ...PYCNOGENOL AS A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
While flavonoid concentrates were used in ancient times
to treat a variety of human diseases, modern medicine has
failed to utilize their enormous therapeutic potential. We
assume RDA standards to provide us with all the vitamin C
and bioflavonoids we need to be healthy.
Even if these set quantities were accurate for maintaining
optimal health, how many of us eat diets nutritious enough
to maintain maximum health and protection? In other words,
do we consume enough fruits and ve g etables to affo rd us
adequate levels of vitamin C and bioflavonoids to provide the
free radical protection we need?
“The USDA conducted a study in which they collected dietary
information over the course of the year for four independent days. In that
study 20% of the adult women had no fruit or juice for four days, and
about 45% had no citrus fruit or citrus fruit juice in four days.”6
MALNUTRITION IN THE MIDST OF PLENTY?
Only 9% of our population gets and eats enough fruits
and vegetables on a consistent basis. Unquestionably, most of
us are not getting enough vitamin C and flavonoid
compounds from our diets.
In addition, it’s important to remember that modern farming techniques, pre m a t u re harve sting of fruits and
vegetables, indefinite cold storage, freezing, canning and
cooking may denature food of its vitamin C and bioflavonoid
content.
Because we know that diseases are often nothing more
than nutritional deficiencies, we must make adequate
supplementation a priority if we want to enhance our
longevity.
As mentioned earlier, biofl avonoids must combine with
vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in order to be effective. Mother
nature was well aware of this synergistic relationship, as most
plant biof l avonoids accomp a ny vitamin C compounds. In
addition, the best, most bio-active and bioavailable flavonols
must be chosen for their antioxidant properties. An
overwhelming consensus exists that Pycnogenol may ...PYCNOGENOL - ITS REMARKABLE BENEFITS
New to North America but not to Europe, this natural
product is considered safe and effective in the treatment of
various diseases and for the maintenance of optimal health.
This family of bioflavonoids is non-toxic, water soluble and highly bioavailable.
Because proanthocyanidins scavenge free radicals so
effectively, they have shown remarkable curative effects.
Extensive research demonst rates that proanthocyanidins are
such potent antioxidants, they find and neutralize free radicals
with great rapidity, allowing cells to regenerate rather than
deteriorate. Specific actions associated with Pycnogenol include:
• Binds with Collagen Fibers and helps restore skin elasticity
• Helps prevent excess wrinkling
• Protects capillaries from free radical damage which helps prevent phlebitis, varicose veins and bruising
• Treats Joint Pain and Injuries as a natural antiinflammatory
• Helps control and prevent edema
• Decreases the production of histamines in allergic reactions such as Hay Fever
• Reduces the risk of and treats diabetic retinopathy
PYCNOGENOL SPECIFICALLY TARGETS: SKIN AND ELASTICITY
Testing has suggested that Pycnogenol flavonoids exhibited
an anti-enzyme effect which prevented the break down of
collagen and elastin, the very compounds which keep skin
firm and inhibit the formation of wrinkles.7
TUMOR RELATED DISEASES
Unquestionably, studies have shown that Pycnogenol has
the ability to inhibit cellular mutations.8 The implications of
this finding for anyone suffering from tumor related disease
which originates from cellular malfunctions should not be
underestimated.
CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS
The potential of Pycnogenol to pr e vent cellular
deterioration or uncontrolled growth is profound to say the
least. Several investigations have shown that if it is taken on a
daily basis, Pycnogenol benefits people suffering from
cardiovascular diseases and breast tumors.9
In additio ...HOW BIOAVAILABLE IS PYCNOGENOL?
The results of isotopic testing confirmed that grape seed
proanthocyanidins had a specific affinity for collagen, and
demonstrated how long the bioflavonoid complex adhered to
living tissue. Because this testing was not possible on pine
bark sources of proanthocyanidins, data collected from grape
seed testing has been extrapolated or applied to pine bark.
Pycnogenol is rapidly absorbed and transported throughout
the cellular system due to the high water solubility of the
proanthocyanidins. Within one hour of ingesting this
bioflavonoid complex, proanthocyanidins can be detectedin
human saliva. Pycnogenol uptake in the body is rapid and is
quickly distributed.
The bot tom line is that Pycnogenol is a water-soluble
bioflavonoid which is quickly assimilated after ingestion into
the bloodstream. There, it acts to scavenge free radicals and
to strengthen connective tissue. The proanthocyanidins found
in Pycnogenol can not only scavenge and remove free radicals,
but inhibit their propagation as well.
THE TOLERABILITY AND SAFETY OF PYCNOGENOL
It would certainly be pointless to find a substance that
while seemingly beneficial, was not safe or could not be well
tolerated by its users. Studies have shown that pure sources of Pycnogenol are practically devoid of any oral toxicity. Even
extremely high dosages administered over sustained periods of
time showed no toxicity or side-effects.14
Virtually no actual or potential risks were found with this
compound. Pycnogenol has been shown to be safe for
conception, pregnant women, and the unborn fetus. It is
devoid of any perior postnatal toxicity. On the contrary, the
compounds were found to not only benefit targeted disorders,
but a variety of other conditions improved as well.
...PROPER DOSAGES OF PYCNOGENOL CAN DETERMINE ITS EFFECTIVENESS
Some doctors who have used Pycnogenol recommend a
dose of 20 mg. for every 20 lbs. of body weight to obtain
optimal results. This usually averages to approximately 150-200 mg. per person, per day. For therapeutic doses, a saturation
level can be obtained by taking an increased amount of
Pycnogenol initially and then tapering off to optimal body
weight dosages.
PYCNOGENOL: LIFE-CHANGING COMPOUND
Supplementing the diet with nature’s most powerful
antioxidants is certainly paramount in protecting ourselves and
our families from the ravages of disease. Studies suggest the
earlier we sta rt using Pycnogenol, the better for our biocellular
health. While we anxiously await for the cure for
cancer and other devastating diseases, we can arm our bodies
with the most powerful protective nutrients available. Pycnogenol is the compound of choice.
A WORD CONCERNING TESTIMONIALS
Frequently, sensational claims emerge when new health
supplements are introduced. Concerning Pycnogenol, accounts
vary from anecdotal to scientific. Unquestionably, when it
comes to vision problems, capillary weakness, prostate
problems or any type of inflammatory problem, Pycnogenol
has already compiled an impressive track record.
...SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PYCNOGENOL
• It strengthens skin and promotes elasticity, which means it
fights wrinkles and can soften facial lines.
• It protects capillaries from free radical damage, which helps
to prevent phlebitis, varicose veins and bruising.
Consequently, it has been recommened for anyone with
history of blood clots.
• For joint pain and injuries, pycnogenol acts as a natural
anti-inflammatory without the negative side effects of overthe-
counter or prescription drugs. It also helps to alleviate
the pain associated with arthritis and other joint
conditions. It has been recommended as a daily
supplement for anyone who engages in continuous physical
activity.
• It helps to control and prevent water retention or edema
in the tissues by decreasing fluid leadage from the cells,
which results in swelling. Anyone suffering from swollen
ankles or fingers should look into its diuretic properties.
• P ycnogenol is an excellent supplement for any type of
allergy, especially hay fe ver because it decreases the
production of histamines which are responsible for all the
miseries of allergy symptoms.
• It can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy and in some cases has decreased blood sugar levels. Diabetes and its
complications seem especially responsive to the flavonoid
compounds contained in pycnogenol.
• Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier, it may be
helpful in cases of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease
and Senile Dementia.
• Pycnogenol may guard against the formation of tumors or
other cell mutations caused by free radicals and may help
protect against degenerative diseases like cancer.
• Atherosclerosis and other circulatory diseases including
strokes, can benefit from the vessel strengthening action of
pycnogenol.
• Prostate problems seem especially responsive to certain doses of pycnogenol.
A REMARKABLE PREDICTION
The general consensus among many experts in the health
field is that ...THE THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF PYCNOGENOL
Pycnogenol provides extraordinary therapeutic benefits for a
number of physiological conditions and has even contributed
to the reversal of some disease states. The active compound
found in Pycnogenol acts as a highly potent free radical
scavenger, and can not only improve overall health, but
protect it as well.
The proanthocyanidins contained in Pycnogenol may well
become the most important nutritional breakthrough of the 21st century. They may prove to be the most potent and
effective compounds which act to protect against the cellular
damage caused by free radicals discovered to date.
...ENDNOTES
1 Time Magazine, (April 6, 1992).
2 Indena Fact Sheet, # 16.
3 The New York Times. (April 25, 1993).
4 Jon J. Mich n ovicz, M.D., Ph.D. H ow to Reduce Your Risk of
Breast Cancer, (New York: Warner Books, 1994), 103.
5 Richard A. Passwater Ph.D., Cancer Prevention and Nutritional
T h e ra p i e s, (New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing,
1993).
6 G. Block, University of Southern California at Berkeley
7 “ L e u c o a n t h o c yanins Extract From Grapeseeds (Vins
Vinifera),” Indena Publication
8 Liviero, International Symposium on Phytochemistry of Plants
Used in Traditional Medicine.
9 R.I. Rayer, and C. L. Schmidt, Seminary Hospital, (Paris:
1981), 57, 2009 and Indena International Report (Data on
File).
10 J . F. Thebaut, P. Thebaut and F. Vin, Gazet te Medicale,
(1985), 92, 96.
11 L. Fusi, F. Czimeg, F. Pesce, R. Germagli, A. Boero, M.
Vanzetti, G. Gandiglio, Ann Ott Clin, Ocul, (1988) 114,
575.
12 D. Zafirov, G. Bredy-Dobreva, V. Litchev, M. Papasovasvie,
Ac ta Physiol Pharmacol, Inst i t u te of Phys i o l o g y, Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences, (Sofia, Bulgaria: 1990) 16 (3) 50-54.
13 B. Vennet, “Anti-ulcer Activity of Procyanidin Preparation of
Wa ter Soluble Pro c yanidin Cimetidine Comp l exes,” Pharm
Acta Helv, (Switzerland: 1989), 64 (11) 316-20
14 “Leucoanthocyanins Extract From Grapeseed (Vins Vinfera)”
Indena Publication.
-- Vitanet ®
...
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