Powerful Antioxidant
People around the world have used pine bark for quite some time. Pine bark extract comes from the bark of the European coastal pine, pinus maritime. The rough bark of this particular pine tree contains an excellent source of flavonoids.
Recent research suggests that many of the compounds found in pine bark such as oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs) act as a powerful antioxidant in the human body. These OPCs are among the most potent antioxidants existing today and they seem to help cells defend against the damages of free radicals.
Free radicals, or oxidants, are unstable molecules with an unpaired (free) electron. Free radicals result when your body is exposed to air pollution, stress, chemicals, radiation, or cigarette smoke. They can even result when food is converted to energy.
Unfortunately, these free radicals can build up and over time start attacking normal cells and tissues. When the body has adequate antioxidants, it can defend against these destructive predators. Antioxidants provide the extra electron to neutralize the damaging effect of free radicals. By keeping these oxidants under control, the body is better able to fight off diseases and to recover from injuries.
Health Benefits
In France, both the pine bark extract and OPCs have undergone extensive testing for safety and effectiveness. Studies have shown that the antioxidant power of OPCs is much stronger than vitamin C and vitamin E. Pine bark extract is one of the few antioxidants capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells. Further, researchers have found that pine bark extract provides support for heart, circulation, and brain systems.
Pine Bark Extract
Pine Bark Extract is a complex of bioflavonoid antioxidants, with a standardized concentration of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins. Each vegetarian capsule contains 60 mg of pine bark extract and an enzyme activation system (Amylase and Lipase) to help with absorption.
We used to carry the branded Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract. However, we changed to our Pine Bark Extract and find that people seem to be getting similar results to the Pycnogenol® at a much more reasonable price.
