Pycnogenol prevents haemolytic injury in G6PD deficient human erythrocytes

Pycnogenol® in chronic venous insufficiency and related venous disorders

The present review provides an update of the biological profile of Pycnogenol in the light of its use in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and related venous disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), post-thrombotic syndrome, long haul air-travel-related leg oedema, venous ulcers and acute haemorrhoids. Pycnogenol is a French maritime pine bark extract produced from the outer bark of Pinus pinaster Ait. subsp. atlantica. Its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasodilator activities, antithrombotic effects and collagen stabilizing properties make it uniquely able to target the multi facet pathophysiology of CVI and related venous disorders. Clinical studies have shown that it can reduce oedema of the legs in CVI, reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis during long haul flights and enhance the healing of venous ulcers and haemorrhoidal episodes by topical application and/or oral administration. This review highlights clinical research findings on the safety, compliance and efficacy of Pycnogenol, including its use in combination products.

The effect of Pycnogenol on fluoride induced rat kidney lysosomal damage in vitro

Pycnogenol (PYC) is a procyanidin-rich extract of the bark of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) with a potent ability to scavenge free radicals. Lysosome-rich fractions from rat renal cortices were incubated with varying amounts of PYC and challenged with noxious doses of fl uoride. Controls were also included. The release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) isozymes in the supernatant was estimated by spectrophotometric methods. The protein content of the renal cortex was also determined. Our results show that fluoride in unhealthy doses can cause a concentration dependent release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) isozymes from the renal lysosomes. This may be related to its known ability to initiate free radical formation or direct damaging effects on the lysosomal membrane. As a blend of bio flavonoids pycnogenol has a potent ability to scavenge free radicals. In our study PYC was effective in preventing fluoride induced release of NAG isozymes from the renal lysosomes.