Spanning a range of health domains, the review highlights Pycnogenol®’s efficacy in improving cardiovascular health, chronic venous insufficiency, cognition, joint health, skin health, and respiratory health. The studies include more than 2,000 participants who took Pycnogenol® over periods ranging from two weeks to six months.
Pycnogenol®'s effectiveness is attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory-enhancing properties. It has been shown to help optimise blood flow, particularly by improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to better cardiovascular health. In studies on chronic venous insufficiency, Pycnogenol® demonstrated significant improvements by reducing leg swelling, discomfort, and venous pressure. Moreover, its beneficial impact on cognitive function is linked to improved microcirculation, with trials showing enhanced memory and attention in both elderly populations and professionals under high mental stress.
For joint health, Pycnogenol® showed significant reductions in pain and stiffness, especially in osteoarthritis patients, while improving mobility. Skin health benefits were observed through enhanced skin hydration, elasticity, and reduction in visible signs of aging, likely due to its positive effects on microcirculation and collagen stabilisation.
In respiratory health, Pycnogenol® was effective in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Its anti-inflammatory action, particularly through the modulation of pro-inflammatory markers like TNF-α and COX-2, was pivotal in these outcomes.
This extensive body of research positions Pycnogenol® as a highly versatile supplement with scientifically validated applications across multiple health conditions, offering a safe, natural, and non-hormonal solution for consumers seeking improvements in general well-being.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1389374/full