Pycnogenol to Slow Aging

In the winter of 1535 the French fleet of explorer Jacques Cartier, lay frozen solid at the mouth of what is now known as the St. Lawrence River in Canada. Adding to their plight, scurvy broke out resulting in the death of twenty-five crew members. As their provisions dwindled the remaining crew went onto the Quebec Peninsula to hunt and trap game, but without fresh fruit and vegetables they were in danger of dying from scurvy and malnutrition.

The remaining eighty-five crew members, growing weaker, were eventually rescued by friendly Quebec Indians. The Indians being experts on the medicinal properties of plants and trees offered them a tea made with the needles and bark of pine trees growing in the area.

Unsure of the results of the tea, it was given to only two of the sickest crew members, who began showing recovery so fast that within a week the tea was given to all the crew members with lifesaving results.

Four hundred years later a professor visiting Quebec for research on flavonols in pine bark and grape skins, was informed of Cartier's experience. With continued research he discovered that the Maritime Pine, which grows along the southern coast of France, contains the richest supply of assorted bioflavonoid.

Further research resulted in a blend of flavonols that is patented under the name of Pycnogenol.

Pycnogenol is a blend of special bioflavonoids, called proanthocyanidins. It is a powerful anti-oxidant, that reduces free-radical tissue damage and is much more effective than vitamin E, C, Carotene, Selenium or any other known source of flavonols. Many free-radicals are environmental such as: cigarette smoke, alcohol, air and water pollutants, pesticides, radiation, anesthetics, and microwave ovens among others.

Pycnogenol has cosmetic value by attacking free radicals, which makes it an anti-aging tonic. It reduces inflammation of the lymphatic system, and by restoring collagen, pycnogenol helps return flexibility to skin, joints, arteries, capillaries and other tissues.

Pycnogenol has also been successful for allergies, atherosclerosis, cancer, circulatory problems, diabetic retinopathy, heart disease and many others. It can be purchased in the form of capsules at most vitamin supply stores and on the Internet.

This wonderful herb offers the potential to improve the quality of life, however this article is for your reference only and you should always seek the advice of your doctor before considering using any natural or commercial products.

Sources: The Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason, N.D. and Wikipedia.org