A Powerful Antioxidant from Pine Bark Extract

DESCRIPTION
Pycnogenol tablets, provided by Douglas Laboratories?, contain 100% pure, patented pine bark extract from Horphag Research, Ltd. Each scored tablet contains 50 mg of Pycnogenol and is formulated to disintegrate rapidly within several minutes after ingestion for maximum bioavailability.
Pycnogenol is the registered trademark of Horphag Research and is the name given to their patented antioxidant complex produced solely from pine bark which contains a unique mixture of proanthocyanidins (a bioflavonoid), organic acids, and other active compounds. Other proanthocyanidin extracts may want to call themselves "pycnogenol", but they can't legally.
Pycnogenol is a unique product recognized by U.S. and international patents covering its innovative methods of extraction, preparation, and biological applications.
Pycnogenol is made exclusively from the bark of the European coastal pine, Pinus maritima, which grows along the Atlantic coast of southern France. The nutrient-rich bark is processed by gentle water extraction through a solvent-free method which recovers all the water soluble components and maximizes bioavailability.

FUNCTIONS
Pycnogenol is one of the most powerful natural freeradical scavengers yet discovered. As such, it reduces oxidative damage to vital tissues and helps maintain a healthy capillary system. Pycnogenol's antioxidant activity is many times more effective than that of vitamin C and vitamin E. Pycnogenol enhances the effectiveness of vitamins C and E and can be taken together with these vitamins for added benefit.
Pycnogenol is composed of water-soluble proanthocyanidin dimers, trimers, and oligomers, catechin and epicatechin, and naturally-occurring organic acids such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid.
Pycnogenol proanthocyanidins are a highly specialized group of bioflavonoids unique in their ability to form condensation products. The dimeric proanthocyanidins are the most potent anti-free radical agents. Although the organic acids such as caffeic acid inhibit the formation of many reactive oxygen species less than the dimeric proanthocyanidins, they are more effective than vitamin C in this regard.
The unique nutrient mixture supplied by Pycnogenol helps maintain a healthy capillary system in several ways. It protects vitamin C which is necessary for the production of collagen. Pycnogenol also binds to collagen fibers, protecting them from attack by free radicals so that the natural elasticity of collagen in skin, joints, arteries, capillaries and other tissues is maintained.

INDICATIONS
Pycnogenol tablets may be a useful nutritional adjunct for individuals who wish to increase their intake of natural antioxidants in the bioflavonoid family of nutrients. Pycnogenol can be helpful in extending the benefits of vitamin C and other dietary antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are unable to be synthesized in the body and must be obtained through dietary intake. The flavonoids in Pycnogenol are readily available and well-absorbed substances.

Pycnogenol?..................................................50 mg

?Horphag Research, Ltd., Guernsey, U.K.; protected by U.S. patent #4,698,360 and other international patents.

SUGGESTED USE
The amount of Pycnogenol usually taken is based on body weight as larger individuals can use more. Initial amounts for the first 7 to 10 days range from 1.5 to 3.0 milligrams per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight, followed by maintenance amounts of 50 to 100 mg per day (1 or 2 tablets) to replace what is lost daily. The following general guidelines are based on these parameters:

Weight         7-10 Days            Maintenance
100 lbs     100 mg (75 - 150)         50 mg
125 lbs     125 mg (100 - 175)        75 mg
150 lbs     150 mg (100 - 200)        75 mg
175 lbs     175 mg (125 - 225)        100 mg
200 lbs     200 mg (150 -250)         100 mg

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
Keep out of reach of children.

REFERENCES