Pycnogenol

We've a new supplement that Mom bought for us and the entire family - meaning Mom's parents. Mom and Dad don't take any of the dozen supps in the fridge except for Vitamin B12 from Garden of Life. They're all for us and the grams.

So this new supp is Pycnogenol which is a product derived from the pine bark of a tree known as Pinus pinaster. Mom was introduced to it from when she did distant Rei-ki for her friend's dog (an 8 years young Mini Schnauzer, just a year younger than me) and one of the messages Mom related to her friend was to take note of his eyes. So when her friend took her dog to the vet for a check-up, the vet said that his eyes are at an early stage for cataract and he recommends Pycnogenol (which he himself takes it everyday for its numerous benefits) to slow down the process of his cataract.

It's also not harmful when overdosed as it gets peed out according to him. But Mom feels its a waste of money to overdose so she just feeds us half a capsule each which is already ALOT. The capsule is SO TINY too for being 100mg. You'll see the comparison pix below. Altho we've no health issues to take Pycnogenol, Mom just thought its a good supp for general health and to hopefully prevent cataract for us, and the grams. We received the supps on 16 May today and began on it right away. It's quite costly but more discounts are given with more bottles bought together. Overall after discount, it cost USD62.99 each and Mom bought 3 bottles (USD188.97) at 12% disc for USD170.29 (SGD219.12). Each bottle contains 120 veggie caps. Very ex but worth it overall.

So if any of you or your dogs/cats are having any of the issues listed below, consider Pycnogenol as its a very safe and beneficial herb. Even if there's no health issues, its good to consume it for general health if you can afford it.

For ease of reading, Mom will paste the entire of three websites here.

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

What is it?

Pycnogenol is the US registered trademark name for a product derived from the pine bark of a tree known as Pinus pinaster. The active ingredients in pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed, and witch hazel bark.

Pycnogenol 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.

It is also used for preventing disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, heart disease, and varicose veins.

Pycnogenol is used to slow the aging process, maintain healthy skin, improve athletic endurance, and improve male fertility.

Some people use skin creams that contain pycnogenol as “anti-aging” products.

How effective is it?

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

The effectiveness ratings for PYCNOGENOL are as follows:

Possibly effective for...

• Allergies. Some research in people with allergies to birch shows that taking pycnogenol starting before allergy season begins might reduce allergy symptoms.
• Circulation problems. Taking pycnogenol by mouth seems to significantly reduce leg pain and heaviness, as well as fluid retention in people with circulation problems. Some people use horse chestnut seed extract to treat this condition, but pycnogenol alone appears to be more effective.
• Disease of the retina in the eye. Taking pycnogenol daily for two months seems to slow or prevent further worsening of retinal disease caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis, or other diseases. It also seems to improve eyesight.
• Improved endurance in athletes. Young people (age 20-35) seem to be able to exercise on a treadmill for a longer time after taking pycnogenol daily for about a month.
• High blood pressure. Pycnogenol seems to lower systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) but does not significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (the second number).
• Asthma in children.
• Varicose veins.

Possibly ineffective for...

• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...

• Blood clots in the vein (deep vein thrombosis, DVT). There is some evidence that taking a specific combination product (Flite Tabs) might help to prevent DVT during long-haul plane flights. The product combines a blend of 150 mg of pycnogenol plus nattokinase. Two capsules are taken 2 hours before the flight and then again 6 hours later.
• High cholesterol. Pycnogenol seems to lower “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol).
• Pelvic pain in women. There is preliminary evidence that pycnogenol might help reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis or severe menstrual cramps.
• Pain in late pregnancy. Preliminary research suggests that taking 30 mg of pycnogenol daily reduces lower back pain, hip joint pain, pelvic pain, and pain due to varicose veins or calf cramps in the last three months of pregnancy.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED). Limited research suggests pycnogenol, used alone or in combination with L-arginine, might improve sexual function in men with ED. It seems to take up to three months of treatment for significant improvement.
• Aging.
• Heart disease.
• Stroke prevention.
• Muscle soreness.
• Leg cramps.
• Circulation problems in diabetes.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Menopausal symptoms.
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate pycnogenol for these uses.

How does it work?

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Pycnogenol contains substances that might improve blood flow. It might also stimulate the immune system and have antioxidant effects.

Are there safety concerns?

Pycnogenol is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in doses of 50 mg to 450 mg daily for up to 6 months. Pycnogenol can cause dizziness, gut problems, headache, and mouth ulcers.

Special precautions & warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Preliminary research suggests pycnogenol might be safe in late pregnancy. But until more is known, pycnogenol should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Pycnogenol might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using pycnogenol.

Are there interactions with medications?

Moderate

Be cautious with this combination.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Pycnogenol seems to increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, pycnogenol might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there interactions with foods?

There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

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.

http://dogshealthtips.blogspot.sg/2010/12/pycnogenol-for-dog-allergies.html

Pycnogenol is an herbal supplement made from bark of the French maritime pine. The pine bark produces a water extract thats said to have strong antioxidant properties similar to those in grape skins, among other fruits and vegetables. Throughout history, people have relied on pine barks healing properties to cure all sorts of illness, including scurvy. Today its credited for its inflammatory and anti-aging properties as well as helping to lessen the symptoms of allergies.

About Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol contains a high concentration of bioflavonoid called proanthocyanidins, which makes it so sought after for its superior healing properties.

Pycnogenol Healing Properties

According to the manufacturers website, Pycnogenol has four basic properties. Its an antioxidant. It reduces inflammation in the nasal passages and other irritated parts of the body. It connects collagen and elastin, restoring skins youthful look. And it constrains blood vessel walls and capillaries, which swell and become inflamed when a person with a dog allergy is exposed to a dog.

About Canine Allergies

Pet Education indicates 15 percent of the population suffers from dog or cat allergies. Dog sensitivities usually occur when a person is exposed to the dogs dander (e.g., dead skin), saliva and/or urine.
The DaVinci Natural Therapy Center says an allergy is an inappropriate reaction by the bodys immune system when exposed to a substance that otherwise isnt dangerous. In this case, when a person comes in contact with a dog, his immune system elicits mast cells that begin releasing histamine and serotonin in an effort to eliminate the foreign object (e.g., dander). As a result, the person begins to sneeze, nasal passages swell and run, eyes itch, a rash develops and/or breathing difficulties ensue.

Pycnogenol Effects on Canine Allergy Sufferers

Pycnogenol is one of many natural substances that ease allergies symptoms. Additional substances include amino acids, certain vitamins (such as B6 and C) and sulfuric compounds. Pycnogenol helps calm the cell membranes of mast cells. As mast cells stabilize, they dont go after invaders and generate histamine. In essence, when the person takes Pycnogenol the bodys immune system builds resistance to the allergen. Upon exposure to a dog, a person with canine allergies therefore becomes less likely to have an allergic reaction.

Use

According to its manufacturer, Pycnogenol is safe to use and isnt known to produce any serious side effects. While infrequent, users have reported mild side effects, such as headache, nausea, dizziness and gastro-intestinal discomfort. Allergy sufferers should take one tablet daily or follow the dosing instructions appropriate for their weight located on the supplement's packaging.

http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/SuperExciting/pets.html

Scientific studies have concluded that products containing Pycnogenol can significantly improve the health of animals.
Experience health improvements for your PETS & ANIMALS (mammals such as cats, dogs, horses, etc.) Feed your pets & animals the Powerful Nutrient Supplement.
CURRENT HEALTH PROBLEMS will often be greatly improved. Quality of life & vitality are usually improved dramatically.
MANY FUTURE HEALTH PROBLEMS will either be prevented or tend to be greatly reduced in severity (saving costly veterinarian expenses). So begin Pycnogenol Supplementation As Soon As Possible.
Simply FEED your pet or animals PYCNOGENOL..by adding it to their food or drinking water. Same dosage per pound of body weight as with humans.
PET BENEFITS = IMPROVEMENT OR RELIEF FROM...

• Degenerative Heart Disease
• Low Energy
• Lame Legs
• Premature Aging Syndromes Arthritis
• Cataracts
• Rheumatism
• Improves Joint Flexibility Swollen Extremities Vascular Problems

ONE RECOVERY....among thousands and growing...

"Temp, a 21 year old National Champion Saddle-bred, was so lame he could not place any weight on his right front leg. The Vet's examination revealed a severely bowed tendon. On a younger horse, it would have been at least two weeks before the vet would know the final outcome. Because of Temp's age, his prognosis was very guarded and the Vet even tried to prepare us for the worst, that of putting him away. Horses do not do well with these types of injuries, particularly when they are this age. The treatment of choice was DMSO, plus a liniment salve and to wrap the injury. Then keep Temp in his stall for at least 10 days where he could not move about. But on the second day, the DMSO, the liniment, and the pain medication were all stopped! Instead, we decided to give Temp one complete bottle of Pycnogenol and a cream containing ground up Pycnogenol, which was applied each day. The Vet came back on the 3rd day and was totally shocked to see Temp moving about like a 10-year-old horse. The Vet walked Temp around and X-rayed him. He couldn't believe his eyes when the X-ray showed the area around the bowed tendon was not inflamed or was it even remotely tender. When Nick told the Vet he had stopped all the medication, the Vet did not believe him. However, the Vet continued to stop in to see Temp several more times on his own and is still amazed. Temp still gets one bottle of Pycnogenol a day. Temp is "on the Pine and Feeling Fine" just like when he was 9. *Note: The Vet is now using Pycnogenol for himself".

In the promotion of PYCNOGENOL for Pets & Animals, we are not bound by FDA regulations relating to claims. We have tried PYCNOGENOL on cats, dogs, lame horses, ducks, and chickens (egg whites are much clearer, the yolks are more yellow, and stand up more firmly, & the shells are stronger). The effects have been PHENOMENAL. We can say with confidence that your PETS will be healthier, more energetic, happier, and they will tend to live longer with the addition of PYCNOGENOL to their diets! Our remarkable product will beneficially effect all of the diseases associated with the AGING PROCESS in animals.

 

On a sidenote, Chlorella is also a good supp but its in a tablet form so Mom blends 3 tabs along with our daily veg for us. Once chlorella is finished, she alternates it with spirulina. Chlorella can be taken 6 tablets or more daily for adults so we get 1.5 tabs each (3 tabs total) blended for us everyday. If you or your dogs don't consume enough raw vegetables everyday, having chlorella is a good form to at least have your phyto-nutrients intake.

Lastly, the supplements Mom feeds us are mainly Garden of Life (GOL) which are organic supps derived from whole-food aka whole-food grade supplements. Avoid feeding synthetic or phamaceutical grade supplements as those will take a toll on your body. Whole food supps on the other hand are made from whole food and are bioavailable and ''recognizable'' to the body.

To know more about synthetic supps VS whole food supps, visit these three websites below:

http://blog.healthkismet.com/synthetic-vitamins-supplements-not-good-for
http://blog.healthkismet.com/whole-food-synthetic-vitamins
http://www.doctorsresearch.com/articles4.html (a must read)