Maritime Pine Bark Extract Tablets 150mg

Maritime Pine Bark Extract has a high content of compounds known as OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) and it is this OPCs content that is the active compound. Our Pine Bark Extract has a guaranteed minimum OPCs content of 95%, which is the figure you should look for. OPCs have been declared a potent antioxidant, are non-toxic, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and free of side effects. OPCs have an antioxidant power 20 times stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E and have the ability to neutralise free radicals, which play a major role in degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, impaired vision, sun damage and premature ageing.

Improved formula - now with 150mg Pine Bark Extract per tablet

Due to new evidence and recent research, we have now standardised our Pine Bark Extract tablets at 150mg, this being the optimum amount for retinopathy, venous insufficiency, smoking-related illnesses, etc.

Note that the most effective Pine Bark Extract is extracted from the bark of the French Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster, or Pinus maritima) using a water-based extraction process.

The following statements are made as a result of a limited number of trials of Pine Bark Extract from the French Maritime Pine. Many more clinical trials are underway and the list below may be added to as further results are announced.

• Cardiovascular Diseases
  OPCs help strengthen capillaries, arteries and veins, and has the ability to stabilize the walls of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and generally support tissues containing collagen and elastin.
• Atherosclerosis
  It has been proved that the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol) plays an important role in atherosclerosis. OPCs eliminate damages that free radicals do to the arteries, thus preventing or reversing atherosclerosis.
• Venous Insufficiency (Varicose Veins)
  Varicose veins appear when blood pools in the legs, causing pain, heaviness, swelling, fatigue, and unsightly visible veins. By strengthening capillary walls and reducing capillary osmosis, OPCs can relieve the pain and swelling of venous insufficiency. Similarly, OPCs are recommended as a treatment for haemorrhoids. There is also some evidence that OPCs can be useful in reducing swelling that often follows injuries or surgery. OPCs appear to speed the disappearance of such swelling by strengthening damaged blood and lymph vessels that are leaking fluid.
  One study found that OPCs can significantly improve major symptoms, including heaviness, swelling, and leg discomfort.
• Retinopathy/Vision Improvement
  The capacity of OPCs in strengthening capillaries and reducing capillary osmosis is effective for patients suffering from stroke and retinopathy. OPCs have been proved to improve retinopathy caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammation and ageing. It has also been reported that OPCs can improve the visual acuity of those who suffer from eye fatigue because of excessive computer use.
• Tinnitus
  Pine Bark Extract has shown promise in recent tests at reducing the severity of tinnitus
  
• Aging/Alzheimer's Disease
  Because OPCs can easily pass the Blood-Brain Barrier, it can effectively inhibit the damage that free radicals do to the brain, so that Alzheimer's Disease may be prevented and reversed.
• Skin Care
  Because of its antioxidant activity, OPCs are thought to protect the skin from excessive ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Considerable evidence indicates that OPCs protect and strengthen the collagen and elastin of the skin, so that wrinkles are prevented and elasticity of the skin is maintained. Pine Bark Extract is increasingly being used in many skin care)products.
• Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammation and Anti-allergic Activity
  Since free radicals play a vital role in tumour formation, OPCs are also used for their anti-cancer activity. OPCs are also helpful for all kinds of arthritis. The anti-allergic activity of OPCs is thought to be the result of its anti-histamine content. Compared with other anti-allergic drugs, OPCs have the same efficacy and do not have the side effects such as drowsiness. They also provide effective relief from night cramps.
• Smoking-related Illnesses
  Pine Bark Extract has been found to reduce the clumping together of platelets in the blood. This may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
  Pine Bark Extract, due to its ability to dilate blood vessels, is particularly good when taken before long-haul flights or when you are forced to sit for an extended period of time.
  

Recommended dosage:

For use as a general antioxidant, 150mg of OPCs daily is ideal. A higher dosage of up to 300mg daily is generally used for treating specific diseases such as varicose veins.

OPCs have been extensively tested for safety and are generally considered to be non-toxic. Side effects are rare, but when they do occur they are limited to occasional allergic reactions and mild digestive distress.