Maritime Pine Bark / Pycnogenol

Maritime Pine Bark extract (Pycnogenol®) from the bark of Pinus pinaster growing in the Landes Forest of southwest France is one of the most clinically studied plant extracts in the world — with over 400 published studies. Its oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are 50x more potent as antioxidants than vitamin E and 20x more than vitamin C. Anti-cancer mechanisms include inhibition of NF-κB (reducing tumour-promoting inflammation), inhibition of VEGF (blocking angiogenesis), induction of apoptosis in colon and breast cancer cells, and potent DNA protection. Clinical studies show Pycnogenol significantly reduces oxidative stress during chemotherapy and radiation, protecting healthy cells while sensitising cancer cells. It also improves microcirculation, reduces post-surgical oedema, and decreases cancer-related fatigue. French maritime pine bark extract has been used medicinally since Jacques Cartier's 1535 expedition when indigenous peoples used pine bark tea to treat scurvy.