French Maritime Pine Bark: Pycnogenol

It is summer “cold” season. A fever in the winter is bearable but a fever in the summer heat it is hideous. My favorite herb for colds and flu is pine bark.

The active ingredient in French Maritime Pine Bark is pycnogenol. Pycnogenol is any group of flavinoids (chemical molecules) extracted from pine bark. Pycnogenol® has become the registered trademark of supplements made from French maritime pine trees.

A French explorer discovered the benefits of French maritime pine bark extract in the 1500′s. The largest maritime pine trees forest is located in southwestern France near the Bordeaux region. This forest plantation dates back to the times of Napoleon III. The maritime pine tree can be found throughout parts of Spain, Italy, Morocco and Portugal. In the 1950′s Jacques Masquelier began to seriously research beneficial properties of pine bark.

French maritime pine bark (pinus pinaster) comes from trees that grow in the Landes Forest of southwestern France. It should not be confused with White Pine Bark (pinus strobes). White pine is also known as: Eastern White Pine, Northern White Pine, Pumpkin Pine, Soft Pine, Deal Pine, Weymouth Pine, Pin du Lord, and Pinus Alba. The White Pine is an evergreen conifer native to eastern North America and has been cultivated throughout Europe. Medicinal White Pine Bark comes from the inner bark of the White Pine tree, or from young shoots and twigs. The bark is dried, and then used in powdered form, tea, syrups, as a poultice, and in capsules.

I have never used White Pine as an herbal medicine. I am however a true believer in French Maritime Pine Bark, Pycnogenol. It helped me with a terrible case of bronchitis and a sinus infection. 

The makers of Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark (pinus pinaster), follow good agricultural practice (GAP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP). This means there is absolutely no application of pesticides to pine trees or use of toxic solvents during the manufacture.

French maritime pine bark (pinus pinaster), Pycnogenol has been researched extensively. It is used for treating circulation problems, allergies, asthma, ringing in the ears, high blood pressure, muscle soreness, pain, osteoarthritis, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disease of the female reproductive system called endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, painful menstrual periods, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an eye disease called retinopathy.

Pycnogenol is used to slow the aging process, maintain healthy skin, improve athletic endurance, and improve male fertility. It is also used for preventing disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, heart disease, and varicose veins. Anti-aging” products contain pycnogenol.

Two capsules are taken 2 hours before the flight and then again 6 hours later. Also, taking pycnogenol 100 mg before a flight, 6 hours after the flight, and the following day appears to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins during long flights, and once the next day reduces swelling and ankle swelling.

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website tells us Pycnogenol is derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. Studies have displayed effectiveness in treating many inflammatory conditions, skin disorders, and poor blood circulation. Pycnogenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in treating erectile dysfunction when used in combination with L-arginine. Recent animal studies show pycnogenol exhibits protective effects against cardiac toxicity caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, however human data is needed.

The Memorial Sloan Kettering website reports the primary constituents of pine bark extracts are procyanidins and phenolic acids. Pine bark extract acts as an antioxidant by increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes and by increasing the intracellular glutathione levels. It inhibits production the proteins that cause inflammation and atherosclerosis.

An in vitro (in the test tube) study suggests that Pycnogenol induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells causing them to die. Other in vitro studies show it reduces neuronal apoptosis (neuron death), an important factor of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are no known interactions with foods.

Scientific research has studied the following dosages by mouth:

For allergies: 50 mg twice daily.

For asthma in children: 1 mg per pound of body weight given in two divided doses.

For poor circulation: 45-360 mg daily, or 50-100 mg three times daily.

For diseases of the retina, including those related to diabetes: 50 mg three times daily.

For mild high blood pressure: 200 mg of pycnogenol daily.

For improving exercise capacity in athletes: 200 mg daily.

Special precautions & warnings:

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center tells us pycnogenol is effective for treating allergies, however for some people pyncogenol is actually an allergen. Some rare and possibly fatal allergies can develop. Signs of an allergic reaction to including wheezing or shortness of breath, rash, chest pain, and swelling of body parts including the face, hands or feet.

If pregnant or breast-feeding pycnogenol should be used cautiously or avoided as there is not enough available research. It may be safe for children when taken by mouth, short-term. If you have an autoimmune disease it’s best to avoid using pycnogenol. High doses of pycnogenol might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding conditions. High doses of pycnogenol might decrease blood sugar too much in people who are taking diabetes medication. Stop using pycnogenol at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery as it might increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery.

Because pycnogenol increases the immune system it might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants).

Avoid taking pycnogenol with aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Avoid taking pycnogenol with herbs and supplements that can lower blood sugar such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Avoid using pycnogenol with herbs that slow blood clotting such as angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and others.

http://www.pycnogenol.com/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1019.html

www.quantumhealth.com/news/pycnogenol_about.htm

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/_/search/Search.aspx?By=0&SearchBy=0&q=pycnogenol

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/pine-bark-extract

Jumpining for Joy: The mini-trampoline

I began using a mini-trampoline about five years ago after breast cancer surgery as part of my alternative wellness therapeutic approach. Rebounding was the technique my physician, who has allopathic, naturopathic and chiropractic credentials, suggested to address my sluggish lymph system. I followed her suggestion with minimal enthusiasm. The mini-tramp seemed like nothing but a boring child’s toy. 

To improve my negative outlook, I put the mini-tramp outside in the beautiful fall weather—bright blue skies, golden and red leaves, and clear, crisp air. I started jumping. Suddenly I realized the full potential of rebounding to improve my overall health. As I bounced I even noticed my stress and sadness began to dissipate.

Rebounding improves balance and coordination. Although the bouncing is low-impact it provides a good cardiovascular workout. The action quickens your pulse and works several muscle groups at once. Your heart and respiratory system work harder as both organs are forced to fight against the earth's gravitational pull. The mintramp can enhance your motor skills and help to build bone density,

A study published in "The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences"  (March 2009) reported stroke victims and elderly and fall-prone people could particularly get the benefit of mini-trampoline found it improved posture and gait, aided balance and helped to increase joint-position awareness in the ankle. A study published in the journal "Aviation, Space and Environmental Exercise"  (January 2006) found that trampoline exercise was a worthy alternative to strength training in helping to reduce neck strain and injury in pilots.

Rebounding is a type of plyometric exercise, a category that comes with a host of benefits. Plyometrics tone muscles, improve flexibility, enhance muscle response time and improve balance and posture. 

The human body needs to move for the lymph system to work. The lymphatic system is the metabolic garbage can of the body and rids the body of toxins, such as dead and cancerous cells, nitrogenous wastes, fat, infectious viruses, heavy metals. Lymph bathes every cell, carrying nutrients to the cell and waste products away. Contrary to blood, which is pumped by the heart, the lymph system depends on physical exercise to function. Without adequate movement, the cells are left stewing in their own waste products and starving for nutrients. This situation contributes to arthritis, cancer and other degenerative diseases. The rebounding motion stimulates all internal organs, moves the cerebral-spinal fluid, and is beneficial for the intestines. All cells in the body become stronger in response to the increased "G force" during rebounding. Cellular exercise results in immune cells being up to 5 times more active; immune cells are responsible for eating viruses, bacteria and even cancer cells. Rebounding directly strengthens the immune system. 

Rebounding is an exercise that reduces your body fat and is highly beneficial for diabetes and a host of other diseases, provides an aerobic effect for your heart, and gives your body energy when it's tired. Jumping on a mini-trampoline, along with yoga and deep breathing, is an excellent way to reduce stress. The bouncing person enters a trance-like state that provides a wonderful sense of relaxation. Jumping stabilizes the nervous system that helps maintain a relaxed disposition. One has increased resistance to environmental, physical, and emotional stress.

Since rebounding uses the force of gravitation to get it going, it aids weight loss efforts by raising the metabolism and burning a high number of calories. The heart is strengthened and conditioned this contributes to heart’s ability rate to regulate and beat at a slower rate. As the heart and circulatory system strengthens, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are lowered, along with blood pressure. Rebounding improves the immune system along with the circulatory and digestive systems. 

Personally, rebounding has improved the strength, coordination and stability of my knees and ankles. This is so very important for us as we age to counter the effects of osteoarthritis. For the sedentary office worker the mini-tramp is an easy, efficient way to counteract the sedentary nature of office work. For individuals who store the day’s stress in their bodies, the mini-tramp allows one to improve circulation and relax overworked, tense muscles.  It is also a joyful activity that can be done indoors or outdoors.

http://www.ehow.com/about_4565561_health-benefits-mini-trampoline.html#ixzz2619jxF8A

http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/rebounding-for-detoxification-and-health.htm

http://www.livestrong.com/article/302850-the-benefits-from-using-a-mini-trampoline/#ixzz26165PObg

http://www.urbanrebounding.com/research.html