Herbs And Botanicals Extracts In Anti-Aging Cream -
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®)
Other common name(s): pine bark extract, pygenol, Pycnogenol, Masquelier’s Original OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins).
Pine bark extract is made from the bark of the pine tree (Pinus pinaster), which contains naturally occurring chemicals called proanthocyanidins (also known as procyanidin, oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), leukocyanidin, leucoanthocyanin and condensed tannins, is a class of flavanols). Pine bark extract is commonly sold under the brand name Pycnogenol®. [Pycnogenol is also the name of a group of compounds that contain proanthocyanidins taken from a number of natural sources, such as grape seeds and other plants. In addition to the Pycnogenol brand, there are several other pine bark extract supplements available, which may use different types of pine bark and have different formulations.]
Pine bark extract is used for its antioxidant properties. Scientists at UC Berkeley screened many natural compounds for antioxidant activity and found that pine bark extract, marketed as Pycnogenol® (pik-nah-je-nal), is the most potent of the lot.
According to Pycnogenol® official web site, Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France in Les Landes de Gascogne. This unspoiled and natural forest environment is the unique source of Pycnogenol®. Pycnogenol® represents a natural combination of genetically programmed constant proportions of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids. The extract has four basic properties – it’s a powerful antioxidant, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and finally, it aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels.
More than 230 scientific articles and clinical trials have confirmed Pycnogenol’s safety, absence of toxicity and clinical efficacy over the past 40 years. Today, Pycnogenol® is one of the most researched ingredients in the natural product marketplace. Published findings have demonstrated Pycnogenol’s beneficial effects in (cardiovascular health, osteoarthritis), skincare, (cognitive function, diabetes health, inflammation, sports nutrition, asthma and allergy relief and menstrual disorders, among others). The Pycnogenol® brand is included in more than (700 dietary supplements), cosmetic products and (functional foods and beverages worldwide).
product contain pine bark extract: Hydroxatone AM/PM Rejuvenating Treatment SPF15