Supplement Reviews
Pycnogenol
What it is: Pycnogenol is a compound produced from extract of bark of Pinus maritima.
What it does: Pycnogenol acts as an antioxidant that helps to squelch potentially harmful free radicals. Its antioxidant properties have been purported to help treatment a variety of disorders including attention deficit disorder, blood vessel disorders, hypertension, and insulin resistance, amongst others.
Verdict: To date, the verdict is still out on whether pycnogenol has any benefit as a supplement. There is some evidence that it may help to reduce the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency (such as edema, ulcerations, and varicose veins). Preliminary studies also have shown a potential role of pycnolgenol in improving insulin function and treating mild hypertension, but the research trials were of short duration and employed a limited sample size, making conclusions speculative. All things considered, more research is needed before pycnogenol can be considered a viable supplement.
Side effects:Reported side effects of pycnogenol include irritability and fatigue, and long-term safety is unknown. Moreover, pycnogenol has been found to negatively interact with certain prescription drugs.
DISCLAIMER: The preceding review is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as advice on whether or not to use a particular product. Always consult your physician before taking any supplement.
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