Study Shows Pine Bark Naturally Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Diabetics
May 28, 2008
Digg This! | Send to Newsvine | Add to del.icio.usMay 28, 2008 (EurekAlert) - A new study published in the May 2008 (volume 8, issue 25) edition of the journal of Nutrition Research shows Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, reduces blood sugar in type II diabetes patients, allows people to lower their antihypertensive medication and improves cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The study, conducted at the University of Arizona, Tucson, indicates Pycnogenol may serve as a potent adjunct to prescription medications for the 20 million people in the Unites States living with diabetes.
“Most people with type II diabetes have cholesterol problems and half of those people experience hypertension. It has been documented that Pycnogenol mediates a number of beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system for diabetics and healthy individuals,” said Dr. Ronald Watson, a lead researcher of the study. “Previous studies have shown Pycnogenol supplementation to be associated with reducing platelet aggregation, lowering LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol and modifying hypertension, among others. But what really makes the study results compelling is Pycnogenol simultaneously lowered blood glucose, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in patients. Furthermore, this is the first study suggesting that Pycnogenol might also be beneficial in protecting kidney function in diabetics.”
The 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial consisted of 48 men and women, 40 to 75 years of age, with noninsulin-dependent type II diabetes, taking anti-diabetic medication with metformin, sulfonylurea and glitazones. Furthermore, they took antihypertensive medications with ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril. Despite their medication their fasting blood sugar was above healthy values (142 mg/dL) and their average systolic blood pressure was 139 mmHg subjects were randomly assigned to receive either Pycnogenol (25 mg, 5 times daily) or matched placebo. Participants were instructed to continue taking their prescription medications.
Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at baseline and at biweekly follow-up visits physicians tried to lower the patient’s individual anti-hypertensive medication with aim to keep it below 130 mmHg. At monthly follow-up visits, all unused prescription medications were collected and counted. Change from baseline at weeks four, eight and 12 were calculated after eight hours of fasting for assessing plasma glucose, LDL cholesterol and endothelin-1. Urinary protein concentration was measured from spot urine samples on a monthly basis.
In the Pycnogenol treated groups, results revealed Pycnogenol achieved blood pressure control in 58.3 percent of patients at the end of the 12 weeks with 50 percent reduction in prescription medications. Plasma endothelin-1, a very potent hormone-like arterial constrictor which is typically elevated in diabetes patients, decreased by 17.8 percent. The constriction of arteries is believed to be the cause of hypertension and the decreased endothelin-1 with Pycnogenol is suggested to be the cause for the healthier blood pressure. The mean average blood glucose decreased from high 142.3 mg/dL to a healthy value 118.6, a decrease by 16.7% after 12 weeks. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol improved significantly, declining by 11.9%.
“It is amazing to see that adding Pycnogenol to the regimen of prescription medication brought blood glucose to healthy levels, allowed half the patients to reach healthy blood pressure and enabled 58% to even lower their anti-hypertensive medication,” said Watson. “An absolutely new finding is that Pycnogenol appears to improve kidney function in diabetic people, this deserves more attention in future investigations. Pycnogenol should be standard adjunct to pharmaceutical treatment of diabetic patients to help control an array of cardiovascular problems.”
In the past four years alone, numerous studies have been published on Pycnogenol’s health benefits for people living with diabetes. In a study published in the March 2004 Diabetes Care, Pycnogenol was shown to lower blood sugar levels and not affect insulin levels. The October 2006 journal of Angiology revealed Pycnogenol reduces diabetic microangiopathy and in 2006, published research in the July journal of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis revealed Pycnogenol heals leg ulcers in patients who suffer from diabetic leg ulcerations. Additionally, Pycnogenol has been shown to reduce fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels and glycosylated hemoglobin in patients with type II diabetes. And, earlier studies with more than 1,000 diabetes patients, showed that Pycnogenol has the ability to seal leaky capillaries in the eye. This capability stops the progression of vision loss in patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-induced eye disease that ultimately leads to blindness.
Posted by dlife at May 28, 2008 11:25 AM
Comments
Yes I would like to use Pyconogenol I do know where to get it but, is it safe to use with my Glyburide/Met 1.25/250 ?
Posted by: Shirley Motoligin at July 10, 2008 08:08 AM
WHERE CAN I FIND THIS PRODUCT. IS IT SAFE TO TAKE EVEN IF MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS NORMAL AND I DO NOT HAVE HIGH TRIGLYCERIDE AND KNOW HIGH CHOLESROL CAN I STILL TAKE THIS PRODUCT IF SO WHERE TO BUY FROM?
RACHEL
Posted by: RACHEL at June 16, 2008 06:40 PM
Pycnogenol can be purchased from Puritan's Pride. www.Puritan.com. They have very good pricing and products are what they say they are.
Posted by: Karen Radzik, at June 11, 2008 10:06 PM
I would like to know if this is a medicine for type 2 diabetes.This is good news and people with this disease will have a better and good health. Where do I get this.Posted by Frances at June 11,2008 7:20 p.m.
Posted by: frances at June 11, 2008 08:21 PM
WHEN WILL THIS BE AVAILABLE TO US? I NEED IT NOW. I HAVE ALL THE PROBLEMS OF TYPE II, INSULIN DEPENDENT, DIABETICS. HOWEVER, I HAVE NEVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH ULCERS ON MY FEET OR LEGS. I HAVE BEEN DIABETIC TWELVE YEARS, AND I AM 69 YEARS OLD. I DO, HOWEVER, HAVE QUITE A LOT OF SWELLING IN MY HANDS, ARMS, FEET AND LEGS. MY PHARMACIST SAID IT WAS FROM THE LYRICA I TAKE FOR FIBROMYALGIA. THANKS. PATRICIA
Posted by: PATRICIA at June 11, 2008 07:00 PM
Another site to try online is :
SwansonVitamins.com
I have been buying from them for years and believe them to be very honest
and competitive.
Posted by: Fitz at June 11, 2008 05:42 PM
It is very a very good news to know there is alternative/additional means to contral diabetes and high blood pressure. But discussing it with doctor who does not belief in vitamines or alternative remedies, one might not be encouraged to try it out. Some doctors only wants thei patients to conform to the prescribed medications only. I reall would like to try out
pycnogenol.
Thank you for you are doing for the diabetes population.
Juliana Adekoya
Posted by: Juliana Adekoya at June 11, 2008 12:55 PM
Where is this available and how do I know how much to take.
Posted by: Dolores at June 10, 2008 09:22 PM
where do I get this? I live in Ohio Thanks you
Posted by: nancy neutzling at June 10, 2008 08:00 PM
I have read about this in a book called MIRACLE CURES BY JEAN CARPER #1 NATIONAL BEST SELLER.
I take the Grape Seed Extract that I purchased at GNC. My blood pressure has dropped dramatically to 100 over 70 or less. I can't complain and the book is amazing. It is full of natural herbal remedies. It is only $14 US. Good luck everyone with your health.
Posted by: Julie Drummond at June 10, 2008 07:22 PM
I am type 1, my wife is type 2. We have been taking a high tech form of Pycnogenol which also contains grape seed extract,red wine extract and bilberry extract. It is sold in an isotonic form which causes superior delivery and absorption as compared to pills. The name of this product is 0pc-3 and has been written up in healthier You magazine.To order or get more info go to www.marketamerica.com/marguerite and click opc-3.
Richard L
Posted by: Richard Love at June 10, 2008 07:17 PM
On GMC website the do sell this capusuls
50mg 60 capusuls
Posted by: jack at June 10, 2008 05:01 PM
I first read about pycnogenol in Diabetes Health magazine and looked it up on the web. I gave print-outs to my eye doctor as well as to the primary care. They saw nothing to worry about. Three years ago I began taking it: 100mcg per hundred pounds (about). (2/da) This has been a gradual thing, but now my blood pressure meds have reduced to half: 10mcg in place of 20. My thyroid med has lowered also. My A1C numbers are down, the daily glucose tests have improved. The diabetic retinopathy hasn't improved, but seems to be holding steady at least. Even a slow loss of wt.
Pycnogenol can be requested at a health food store, which is what I first did, but found rather expensive. Go to VitaCost.com on the computer. That is where I purchase my 100mcg capsules (300 in a bottle). Very convenient, doing everything by mail, and rapid, also.
Posted by: S.Diana Petz at June 10, 2008 05:00 PM
Where can i get pycnogenol?
Do i have to discuss with my MD first before i take it?
Posted by: Eve at June 10, 2008 05:00 PM
Hello everyone:
This is intriguing research, and I can understand why so many of you are interested. The news item above is taken off of a large news wire, so is reported and written by people outside dLife. We simply post news articles we think are of interest to the dLife audience.
If you are interested in trying Pycnogenol, you must talk to your health care professional first. Only a medical expert who knows your unique health conditions and the medications you take can tell you whether or not this is a good and safe idea for you.
Best,
Lynn
******************************
dLife Food & Nutrition Editor
Posted by: Lynn at June 10, 2008 04:46 PM
So where can we find pycnogenol? Health food stores? Online? Anywhere? Don't just give us this information and not tell us where to get this new diabetes-fighter!
Posted by: Rivercs at June 10, 2008 04:33 PM
How & where can I buy pycnogenol?
Posted by: Jos. A. Fiore at June 10, 2008 04:16 PM
Pycnogenol can be purchased at Trader Joe's.
Some years ago upon positive cimments of a pharmacist, I ordered pycnogenol and began giving it to my mother, my daughter and myself. My mother's constant cough and nose blowing disappeared as did my daughter's sinus drainage and I had much more energy. (I had not yet been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After a year, I was no longer able to get this same pycnogenol. The cough and problems returned. I highly recommend giving it a try. I intend to do so with mihe from Trader Joe's.
Posted by: Karen Davis at June 10, 2008 04:03 PM
my local vitamin store tells me pycnogenol is a trademarked name and very expensive they recommended grape seed extract which is basically the same thing(polyphenols)and much cheaper
Posted by: tom at June 10, 2008 03:56 PM
I have been feeling rather run down and shaky lately. I might add that 10 days ago, while on a camping trip I landed in the emergency room covered in hives. I was having an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. I was put on an IV of medications to control the hives and sent home with predisone. Ever since being put on the predisone, my sugar which is normally in the normal range 110 and below fasting. My sugar while on predisone shot up in the 200's plus made me very sick. After 6 days I quit taking the predisone. My sugars are getting back within normal range, but now I feel very hypoglycemic by mid afternoon. Is there any connection
Posted by: Connie at June 10, 2008 03:37 PM
How does this affect a person who is on both oral and insulin injections and still can't get under control?
Posted by: Mike at June 10, 2008 02:51 PM
Can you get this supplement at Wal-Mart or other drug stores.
Posted by: John Cook at June 10, 2008 02:50 PM
Where can we get pycnogenol????
Posted by: Sharyn Furman at June 10, 2008 02:40 PM
what form does this Pycnogenol come in and where do I find it? My zip code is 78660 or 78731
Posted by: Deanna at June 10, 2008 02:07 PM
Is this product available in U.S ?
Posted by: Cleo at June 10, 2008 01:48 PM
Is it possible to recieve this medication soon?? I am very interested in hearing more about this drug. Please keep Me updated. Thank YOu
Posted by: Doris Blair at June 10, 2008 01:46 PM
Where is this available and under what name?
Posted by: Richard Peters at June 10, 2008 01:46 PM
Is this a prescription or over the counter medication? If its a OTC where can you find it and/or is it available to the general public?
Posted by: patricia at June 10, 2008 01:44 PM
How do you get this Pycnogenol into your daily diet?
Posted by: Amy at June 10, 2008 01:36 PM
Every time I read about a new advance in diabetic care it usually is pooh-poohed by the medical community and pharmaceutical labs.
What is the general opinion from them on this seemingly wonderful break through in diabetics treatment?
Ed Baird
Posted by: Edward Baird at June 10, 2008 01:20 PM
Where and how do i get this PYCNOGENOL SOUND TO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Posted by: MICHAEL at June 10, 2008 01:12 PM
WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE DO? I NOW TAKE JANUVIA FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES. I DO NOT HAVE HYPERSTENSION BUT I DO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH TRYGLYCIREDS AND CHOLESTEROL. I AM TAKING CRESTOR WHICH CONTROLS THE CHOLESTEROL. DO YOU FEEL THAT PLYCNOGENOL WOULD ELIMINATE ALL OF THE ABOVE MEDICATIONS.
THANKS FOR ANY HELP.
Posted by: MARY CODY at June 10, 2008 01:07 PM
when will this be avalable
Posted by: betty at June 10, 2008 01:02 PM
How would I obtain this Pycnogenol? In what form is it produced? Is it available at GNC?
Posted by: Junior Abraham at June 10, 2008 12:55 PM
Just one caveat: Pycnogenol apparently lowers postprandial BGs by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase. Therefore, when taking pycnogenol, hypoglycemia should be treated with glucose tabs (AKA dextrose) only.
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977086798
Posted by: karen at June 10, 2008 12:54 PM
Is Pycnogenol still in research or is it available for us diabetic patients? This was a very interesting colume.
Posted by: Jack White at June 10, 2008 12:28 PM
I read the above letter and found it very intresting.please keep me informed,and I am going to ask my doctor if I could take this product. If it is available to me.thank you.
Posted by: judy green at June 10, 2008 12:25 PM
How do we try this?
Posted by: ginny sisko at June 10, 2008 12:08 PM
This a great article however it never indicates what form the pine bark was taken in, does it matter and how much!
Posted by: Orenda at June 10, 2008 12:06 PM
HOW CAN A PERSON GET THIS??
Posted by: Sherry Hudson at June 10, 2008 11:58 AM
Excellent article. I have had a number of procedures on my right leg. For this reason
take Plavix, Warfein and follow a asprin routine.
Would this be a contradiction for me?
thanx, cjd
Posted by: Charles Donahue at June 10, 2008 11:48 AM
Is Pycnogenol a prescription or sometime that is picked up at a Health Food Store?
Posted by: Constance Blyth at June 10, 2008 11:45 AM
i read about this in prevention mag in the 70's and wanted it for varicous veins. any research done on that? i i have already had my cerrebral?hemmorage. now left with hemi vision, but my speach and reading have returned. i even know the alphabet.
Posted by: Candace Roache at June 10, 2008 11:43 AM
Evidently pycnogenol has been used for different clinical studies at least since 2006? Is it on the market? It seems like a wonderful aid to diabetics.
Posted by: Rosina Lindsey at June 10, 2008 11:40 AM
Hello,
Do you know if this medication can be taken by Type II's having End Stage Renal Failure?
Let me know.
Thank you.
Posted by: Carol Cogell at June 10, 2008 11:38 AM
I notice that it is being sold in 50mg and 100mg tablets.
What is recomended to start?
Posted by: G Gold at June 10, 2008 11:38 AM
What is the recommended amount of picnogenal to take daily?
Posted by: Diane at June 10, 2008 11:33 AM
Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark
Where does one get this ? Is it a prescription drug?
Posted by: M Kuck at June 10, 2008 11:33 AM
Is Pcynogenol available now by perscription or over the counter? Where in Birmingham, AL can it be obtained.
This information gives me hope for preventing the many problems associated with diabetes.
Thank you!
Posted by: JOANNE bRYANT at June 10, 2008 11:26 AM
Where can I get this Pycnogenol?
Posted by: Roz at June 10, 2008 11:16 AM
I live in Washington, D. C. Where can I got pine bark from?
Thank you
Posted by: Deborah Wimberley at June 10, 2008 11:08 AM