Pycnogenol Review
Pycnogenol (pronounced “pick NODGE ah nawl”) is a patented formula made primarily from pine bark extract. Some people are calling Pycnogenol the world’s most effective anti-aging supplement for skin care.
Find out everything you need to know about Pycnogenol today in our Pycnogenol review.
What is Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is a US-registered trademark name for a health supplement derived from pine bark extract. It primarily works by promoting healthy circulation across the body.
Pycnogenol is manufactured by an American company called Horphag Research, which is currently the exclusive worldwide supplier of the formula.
Horphag Research derives Pycnogenol from pine bark extract. Specifically, that extract comes from “the bark of the French maritime pine-tree.” However, you can also find the active ingredients in other natural sources, like peanut skin, grape seed extract, and witch hazel bark extract.
Horphag Research was founded way back in 1925 by a scientist named Charles Haimoff. In 1965, the company formulated and released Pycnogenol for the very first time.
Haimoff passed away back in 2001 but his company lives on. Today, Horphag Research sells Pycnogenol formula to supplement manufacturers around the world. So when you buy Pycnogenol supplements, you won’t be buying directly from Horphag Research.
Pycnogenol was featured on The Dr. Oz Show in January 2013, where Dr. Mehmet Oz called it “the secret to living and looking seven years younger.”
Benefits of Pycnogenol
— Treat Allergy Symptoms (has Been Shown To Reduce Allergy Symptoms In People With Birch Allergies)
— Decrease Asthma Symptoms
— Boost Athletic Performance
— Treat Circulatory Problems And Improve Fluid Retention
— Boost Mental Functionality
— Prevent Worsening Of Retinal Problems In The Eye
— Cure Erectile Dysfunction
— Reduce The Effects Of Aging, Including Wrinkles And Fine Lines
How Does Pycnogenol Work?
According to Horphag Research, Pycnogenol has “amazing natural properties”. The formula is made from constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids, and organic acids.
Together, these ingredients give Pycnogenol four major properties:
— Powerful Antioxidant
— Natural Anti-inflammatory
— Collagen And Hyaluronic Acid Production
— Dilates Blood Vessels By Raising Production Of Endothelial Nitric Oxide
Essentially, Pycnogenol contains substances that improve blood flow, stimulate the immune system, and target free radicals throughout the body.
Scientific Evidence for Pycnogenol
According to PubMed.gov, a total of 310 studies have been performed on Pycnogenol since 1965, which is when the formula was first released. Here are some of the most important studies performed on Pycnogenol:
— In one study published in the March 2015 issue of The Italian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, Pycnogenol was shown to restore erectile functionality. The study involved 50 men with moderate ED. Men received a combination of Pycnogenol, roburins, L-arginine, L-citrulline, or a placebo. The study concluded with the following: “Treatment over a period of one month restored erectile function to normal. The combination offers an option for treatment of ED without unwanted effects.”
— Pycnogenol has also been studied for its cognitive-boosting effects. One 2013 study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma tested the effects on rats with brain injuries. Rats received Pycnogenol (PYC) treatment via IV. Researchers concluded by stating: “PYC treatment significantly protected both the cortex and hippocampus from injury-related declines in pre- and post-synaptic proteins. These results demonstrate that a single i.v. treatment of PYC is neuroprotective after TBI with a therapeutic window of at least 4 h post trauma.” Researchers attributed these effects to the natural bioflavonoid properties of Pycnogenol.
— Pycnogenol is also prized for its anti-aging benefits. These benefits were confirmed in a 2012 study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology. That study involved 20 healthy postmenopausal women who took Pycnogenol supplements for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the women were observed to have “significantly improved hydration and elasticity of skin.” Researchers suggested these benefits were “due to an increased synthesis of extracellular matrix molecules such as hyaluronic acid and possibly collagen.”
There are hundreds of other Pycnogenol studies online, with the majority of those studies confirming the stated benefits of Pycnogenol. The 2012 study on the anti-aging benefits of Pycnogenol is commonly-cited by anti-aging supplement manufacturers.
Side Effects of Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol has been well-tolerated in most studies performed thus far. Studies on human subjects have reported few side effects – even when taking Pycnogenol continuously for one year or longer.
Pycnogenol supplement manufacturers often advertise that there are “no side effects” associated with Pycnogenol. That’s been true so far in doses of 25mg.
However, certain Pycnogenol supplements have doses of 50mg to 450mg. At these dosages, Pycnogenol can cause problems with dizziness, digestion, headaches, and mouth ulcers – although even at high doses, side effects are rare.
The National Institutes of Health says that Pycnogenol is “possibly safe” when used in late pregnancy and is “possibly safe” for children to use when taken by mouth on a short-term basis. Pycnogenol was actually tested on pregnant women in one study, and women displayed no negative side effects.
The NIH does, however, advises certain groups of people against using Pycnogenol. Those who have autoimmune diseases like MS, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis might find that symptoms worsen after taking Pycnogenol because it makes the immune system more active.
Pycnogenol could also increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding conditions. It’s not recommended for diabetics because high doses of Pycnogenol could lower blood sugar too much.
How to Buy Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is currently sold around the world, and Horphag Research has active partnerships with retailers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Products are sold at over 100 different retail outlets around the world. Major North American retailers include Herbalife, GNC, Costco, and Vitamin Shoppe.
To view a full list of affiliated retailers for your region, click here.
Pycnogenol typically comes in the form of an encapsulated supplement or as a skin cream. A typical Pycnogenol skin cream supplement costs $20 at a beauty supply store. Pycnogenol capsules vary widely in price and can be found for anywhere from $15 to $50 per package, depending on your dosage (which typically ranges from 30mg to 100mg).
Who Should Use Pycnogenol?
When you read about anti-aging supplements online, you find countless scams and low-quality supplements being sold at premium prices.
Pycnogenol isn’t like that: Pycnogenol was released way back in 1965 and is a genuine, patented formula made from natural ingredients. It’s sold at Costco, GNC, and other major retailers.
To date, over 300 studies have been published on Pycnogenol, with the majority of those studies confirming the stated benefits of the formula – including everything from erectile dysfunction treatment to younger-looking skin.
You can buy Pycnogenol skin cream to reduce the effects of aging or take Pycnogenol capsules to boost the health of your skin and body. You can even take Pycnogenol to treat erectile dysfunction.
For all of these reasons, Pycnogenol is one of the most powerful patented formulas on the market today and offers a diverse range of benefits.
