See also : [[Proanthocyanidin]]<br>
Botanical Name of Maritime Pine: Pinus pinaster, Pinus maritima.
Other Common Names: Maritime pine, cluster pine, pinheiro bravo, pi maritim, pi pinastre, pino maritimo, pino resinero, pino rodeno, Pycnogenol®Pycnogenol ®
==Special Precautions of Pine Bark==
Toxicology studies show that there is no danger of toxicity from maritime pine bark when used in normal dosages. However the bark extract is very concentrated and should never be taken above the recommended dose levels. Toxicology studies show that acute toxicity may occur in a 75 kg adult male at a dose level of approximately 336,000 mg or more than 250 times the recommended dose. Some people report mild problems such as headache, nausea, and upset stomach. Pine bark extract is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, due to lack of scientific evidence for its safety.
Recent studies indicate that maritime pine bark may be an effective herbal treatment for symptoms of illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis and viral diseases.
*[[Pycnogenol]]® is the patented trademark name for any group of flavonoids extracted from the bark of French maritime pine trees. Maritime pine bark extract is available in more than 600 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide.
*Preliminary research indicates that maritime pine bark extract may help improve symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a syndrome that includes leg swelling, varicose veins, pain, itching, skin changes and skin ulcers.
*Preliminary studies provide good supporting evidence that maritime pine bark extract may be effective in treatment and prevention of retinopathy and retinal micro-hemorrhages, including slowing the progression of retinopathy in diabetics.