Pycnogenol significantly improved endothelial function and decreased oxidative stress
Pycnogenol is a standardized natural plant abstract derived from French maritime pine tree bark.
The investigators say their results imply "an important preventive possibility" for Pycnogenol in individuals with these borderline pre-clinical conditions.
At present, there is no established treatment for endothelial dysfunction.
The study found that supplementation with the natural abstract significantly improved endothelial function by 55% at eight weeks and 66% at 12 weeks. In addition, oxidative stress was decreased by 20%.
Blood pressure was normalized in subjects with borderline hypertension, cholesterol levels were reduced in participants with borderline hyperlipidemia, and fasting glucose levels were decreased in the cohort with borderline hyperglycemia.
"The findings bolster earlier data showing that Pycnogenol can improve overall endothelial function, which is an important step in preventing the progression of pre-clinical atherosclerosis," said principal investigator Dr. Belcaro. "Individuals especially likely to benefit from an improvement in endothelial function include those with borderline hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia."
Earlier research showed that Pycnogenol supplementation improved endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease.
Pycnogenol is a standardized natural plant abstract derived from French maritime pine tree bark.
The investigators say their results imply "an important preventive possibility" for Pycnogenol in individuals with these borderline pre-clinical conditions.
At present, there is no established treatment for endothelial dysfunction.
The study found that supplementation with the natural abstract significantly improved endothelial function by 55% at eight weeks and 66% at 12 weeks. In addition, oxidative stress was decreased by 20%.
Blood pressure was normalized in subjects with borderline hypertension, cholesterol levels were reduced in participants with borderline hyperlipidemia, and fasting glucose levels were decreased in the cohort with borderline hyperglycemia.
"The findings bolster earlier data showing that Pycnogenol can improve overall endothelial function, which is an important step in preventing the progression of pre-clinical atherosclerosis," said principal investigator Dr. Belcaro. "Individuals especially likely to benefit from an improvement in endothelial function include those with borderline hypertension, hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia."
Earlier research showed that Pycnogenol supplementation improved endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease.