Proanthocyanidin
From Wikiwel
Other Names : Condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins, polyflavonoid tannins, catechol-type tannins, pyrocatecollic type tannins, non-hydrolyzable tannins or flavolans), Maritime Pine, Pycnogenol ®.
Pycnogenol is a patented extract of maritime Pine Bark that grows in southwest France. This antioxidant-rich nutrient with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, French pine bark extract, also commonly known as Pycnogenol ®, is hailed by many as an effective treatment for asthma, osteoarthritis, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other chronic diseases. And based on the myriad research that has been conducted on French pine bark over the years, all of this and more appear to be true of the nutrient.
Special Precautions of Proanthocyanidin
- Immune System Side Effects : Pine bark extract has poorly understood effects on the immune system, however, several reports have indicated possible immunosuppressant properties of this compound. For example, in a 2003 article in "Phytotherapy Research," researchers report the finding that in rats, pine bark extract can inhibit histamine release, an important regulator of the allergic response. For this reason, pine bark extract may be contraindicated in people with a weakened immune system. Pine bark extract may exacerbate the effects of immunosuppressant drugs, such as those prescribed for organ transplant recipients. Pine bark extract may also interfere with medication used to boost immune function.
- Blood Pressure and Bloodstream Side Effects : According to a 1999 article in "Free Radical Biology and Medicine," pine bark extract inhibits the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, an essential enzyme in the regulation of hypertension. For this reason, according to the MedlinePlus website, pine bark extract can potentially interact with blood pressure-lowering medications, particularly with ACE-inhibitors such as enalapril and captopril. Pine bark extract may also increase the risk of bleeding, which could worsen effects of blood thinners such as ibuprofen or warfarin.
- Cancer Drug Interactions : While there is no direct evidence that pine bark extract will interact with cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, it is important to note that antioxidants are often contraindicated with such medicine. As suggested by the Cancer Supportive Survivorship Care website, the same protective effects that antioxidants have against damaging reactive oxygen species in normal tissue also can often inhibit the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs.
- Other Potential Adverse Reactions : Pine bark extract may decrease blood sugar levels and should be used cautiously in patients suffering from hypoglycemia or diabetes, according to Medline Plus. It is also possible that you could have an allergic reaction to pine bark extract, which could range from mild to potentially life-threatening complications.
The benefits of Proanthocyanidin are
Proanthocyanidin health benefits extend far beyond their antioxidant properties. Proanthocyanidins are also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic and cardiovascular system-protective. Proanthocyanidins help wounds heal, reduce the pain from pancreatitis, reduce insulin resistance in diabetics and help protect from drug toxicity. Proanthocyanidins can help lower your levels of low-density lipoproteins, or the "bad" cholesterol. Antioxidants also decrease the oxidation of LDL, which may lead to the build up of plaque on the walls of your arteries. Finally, proanthocyanidins have been used to improve night vision and slow down the degenerative effects of aging on skin collagen and elastin.
- Osteoarthritis (OA), joint pain : A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that French pine bark is capable of reducing osteoarthritis, joint, and various other chronic pain. Compared to patients taking a placebo, those supplementing with 100 milligrams (mg) of Pycnogenol experienced a 56 percent reduction in osteoarthritis pain after just three months.Additionally, these patients also experienced a 55 percent improvement in joint pain; a 63 percent improvement in gastrointestinal problems; a 53 percent reduction in overall stiffness; and a 57 percent improvement in physical function. Overall, the Pycnogenol group also experienced a 64 percent improvement in health and well-being (http://www.arthritistoday.org).Similarly, a study out of Germany published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that French pine bark extract taken by participants at 150 mg for three months dramatically reduced their arthritic and joint pains (http://www.reuters.com). According to Dr. Peter Rohdewald, the study's author, Pycnogenol appears to work better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at providing lasting and sustained pain relief (http://www.reuters.com).
- Asthma : Many asthma sufferers have had great success treating their condition with French pine bark extract, including individuals that participated in a 2005 study presented to the American Thoracic Society. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study revealed that many children with asthma who took French pine bark extract were able to discontinue use of their rescue inhalers because of dramatic improvements.According to the Swedish researchers who presented the study, combining Pycnogenol with vitamin C and a natural enzyme helps further boost the extract's benefits in treating asthma symptoms. And unlike inhalers, Pycnogenol does not cause any negative side effects (http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/?d=79859).
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) : Every year, roughly half a million people living in the U.S. develop leg ulcers as a result of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a circulatory condition where veins are unable to pump enough blood back to the heart. But a study published in the journal Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hematosis found that CVI patients who supplement with French pine bark extract can experience a dramatic improvement in blood flow.According to the study's findings, Pycnogenol works better than Daflon, a combination pharmaceutical drug made from diosmin and hesperidin, at reducing edema (leg swelling), tight calves, skin alterations, swelled limbs, and painful walking.
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) : A 2006 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in the journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that French pine bark's rich array of phenolic acids, catechin, procyanidins and taxifolin can help effectively treat ADHD symptoms. After just four weeks of taking one mg daily of Pycnogenol, ADHD children experienced a significant reduction in hyperactivity. These same children were also observed to undergo a considerable improvement in attention span, visual-motoric coordination and concentration. And like in the other studies involving Pycnogenol, these participants did not experience any negative side effects.
- wrinkles : Pycnogenol stimulates hyaluronic acid production in human skin. HA is a gel-like substance in body tissue that helps firm and tighten sagging skin. It provides constant moisture. The extract helped reduce wrinkles by three percent. And skin smoothness increased by six percent.
- Hemorrhoids : It has been studied for its oral and topical use in hemorrhoids. Compared to placebo, it was shown to help manage acute hemorrhoid attacks.
