Pine Bark (2007) - hypertension

2007

A number of diseases involve inflammation and impairment of endothelial layers: these include not only some vision conditions but hypertension and heart disease. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels. Such dysfunction is generally defined as there being an imbalance between the ability of blood vessels' ability to contract and expand.

Various studies have determined that the relationship between obesity, inflammation and other risk factors is a critical factor in such endothelial dysfunction which causes circulation problems such as hypertension.

A two week study found that extract of French maritime pine bark (pycnogenol) supported the ability of blood vessels to appropriately dilate for adequate blood supply. However, placebo used in the study did not affect vasodilation.

The researchers concluded that pycnogenol would be useful in treating diseases involving endothelial dysfunction.

Researchers: K. Nishioka, T. Hidaka, et al
Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humans, Hypertension Research, September, 2007.