Nutraceuticals and nootropics for anti-aging

Pine bark extract protects air travellers

The nutritional supplement called “Pine Bark Extract” — from trees such as Pinus maritima — contains substantial amounts of interesting phytochemicals, including OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), catechins, and other flavonoids. These substances have received much attention in recent years as antioxidants, cancer-fighters, and cardiovascular agents.

Many different kinds of extracts can be made from pine bark, but a particularly well-known one is called ‘Pycnogenol’. This extract, in tablet form, was recently shown to decrease the tendency of blood clots to form in the legs during long periods of inactivity — as in a long airplane flight.

Pycnogenol — and pine bark extracts in general — have also shown promise in preventing and reversing diabetic retinopathy, in ameliorating asthma, lupus, and other conditions.

Links to relevant articles:

New deep vein thrombosis treatment deserves a cautious welcome

Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial.

Pycnogenol for diabetic retinopathy. A review.

Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol.

A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology.

A historical review of pycnolgenol:

Pycnogenol