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A dietary supplement to support vascular function and skin health.* A natural plant product made from the bark of the European coastal pine (Pinus maritima). Pycnogenol® pine bark extract is a concentrate of a special class of bioflavonoids called proanthocyanidins. Pycnogenol® is standardized to yield 25.5 mg (85%) proanthocyanidins in a 30 mg capsule. Proanthocyanidins—also called ''OPCs'' for oligomeric proanthocyanidins and ''PCOs'' for procyanidolic oligomers—are a class of nutrients belonging to the bioflavonoid family. Some researchers also call these molecules ''pycnogenol.'' Proanthocyanidins can be found in many plants, most notably pine bark, grape seed, and grape skin. However, bilberry, cranberry, black currant, green tea, black tea, and other plants also contain these flavonoids. The main functions of proanthocyanidins are antioxidant activity, stabilization of collagen, and maintenance of elastin—two critical proteins in connective tissue, blood vessels, and muscle. While the antioxidant function of proanthocyanidins has not been well researched, it may be the most important function separating this supplement from other bioflavonoids. Proanthocyanidins have been shown to strengthen capillaries in double blind research using as little as two 50 mg tablets per day. In another double blind trial, French researchers reported that women with chronic venous insufficiency werehelped using a total of 150 mg per day. Using a total of 300 mg per day (100 mg taken three times), yet another French double blind trial has reported good effects in just four weeks.
Manufacturer: FoodScience Laboratories SKU: 26766 Category: Capsules, Extracts, A-H-Antioxidants
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