Pycnogenol helps lower Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Pycnogenol appears to improve endothelial function in individuals with borderline hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia, according to the results of an Italian study reported recently in the Journal of International Angiology.

The study found that supplementation with the natural abstract significantly improved endothelial function by 55% at eight weeks and 66% at 12 weeks.
Pycnogenol is a standardized natural plant abstract derived from French maritime pine tree bark.

Dr. Gianni Belcaro and colleagues at Chieti-Pescara University evaluated the effects of short-course Pycnogenol supplementation on altered endothelial function in borderline hypertensive, hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic subjects who did not have atherosclerotic changes in their main arteries or documented coronary artery disease.

The investigators say their results imply "an important preventive possibility" for Pycnogenol in individuals with these borderline pre-clinical conditions.

At present, there is no established treatment for endothelial dysfunction.

The study enrolled 49 individuals with borderline hypertension, hyperlipidemia or hyperglycemia ranging from 40 to 60 years of age who were prescribed Pycnogenol, at a dose of 150 mg/d, in combination with recommendations that were considered at the time to be the best management and care available for their condition per international guidelines.

OPC-3 is the only liquid form of Pycnogenol

The recommendations included daily exercise coupled with a reduction in carbohydrates, caffeinated drinks and salt.

Forty-three individuals who were instructed to follow the best available management without Pycnogenol supplementation served as controls.

Endothelial function was measured using flow-mediated dilation and laser Doppler for the assessment of the distal finger flux.

Pycnogenol significantly improved endothelial function and decreased oxidative stress
The study found that supplementation with the natural abstract significantly improved endothelial function by 55% at eight weeks and 66% at 12 weeks.

In addition, oxidative stress was decreased by 20%.

Blood pressure was normalized in subjects with borderline hypertension, cholesterol levels were reduced in participants with borderline hyperlipidemia, and fasting glucose levels were decreased in the cohort with borderline hyperglycemia.

"The findings bolster earlier data showing that Pycnogenol can improve overall endothelial function, which is an important step in preventing the progression of pre-clinical atherosclerosis," said principal investigator Dr. Belcaro. "Individuals especially likely to benefit from an improvement in endothelial function include those with borderline hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia."

Earlier research showed that Pycnogenol supplementation improved endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease.

Finally, the Italian researcher ascribed the observed improvement in endothelial function to the supplement's ability to activate the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide synthase to more efficiently generate nitric oxide from the precursor amino acid L-arginine.

Written by Jill Stein

‘Tis the Season for Sneezin’

How to Help Keep Your Kids Allergy Free without Meds

Spring has finally arrived.  But unfortunately accompanied along with the nicer weather, blooming flowers and budding trees, is allergy season.  Close to four million kids suffer from seasonal allergies every year.  Allergies are triggered by pollen or mold spores.  Many trees, grasses and weeds contain small and light pollens that are easily carried by the wind, causing allergy symptoms.  Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, nasal congestion or drainage and frequent throat clearing.

But don’t despair, allergy symptoms can be minimized.  Some tips below may offer your child a sneeze-free spring.

• Limit outdoor school and extracurricular activities in the morning when pollen counts are the highest.
• Do a thorough spring cleaning:  windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms.
• Avoid having your child play outdoors on recently mowed lawns and ball fields.
• Check pollen and mold counts.  Mold spore counts are high after a heavy rain.
• Keep the windows in your home closed especially in your child’s bedroom; avoid using fans that may draw pollen inside. If possible, use air conditioning during the warm weather to keep airborne allergens out of your home.
• Talk to your pediatrician about allergy medications that are safe for children and won’t make them drowsy.  The time to start allergy medication is before allergy season strikes.
• Wash your child’s bedding weekly in hot water.  Dry laundry indoors; sheets and clothing hanging on a clothesline are prime targets for blowing pollen.
• Have your child shower after being outside to rid the pollen from hair and skin.
• Have your child change into fresh clothing after being outside for an extended period.
• Have your child wash hands after petting animals that have been outside because pollen settles on their coat.
• Try and separate ‘indoor’ shoes from ‘outdoor’ shoes to limit tracking of pollen throughout the house
• Don’t ask kids with allergies to help with yard work. 

Hopefully following the recommendations above will lead to an enjoyable outdoor spring for your child without the hassles of seasonal allergies.