Study Confirms Anti-inflammatory Property of Pycnogenol

Posted: July 15, 2009

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While the pine extract is not a COX-2-specific inhibitor; it blocks the COX-2 enzyme production during inflammation only. There are COX-2 enzymes not involved in inflammation in other organs such as the kidneys, where it has important physiologic functions. 

In addition to the reduction of inflammation and pain associated with various health problems, the pine extract also has been shown to inhibit inflammation in several dysmenorrhoea studies and also a reduction in skin inflammation related to sunburn and acne. Although the pine extract is currently generally regarded as safe in the United States for food and beverage applications, perhaps it can find a future in topical applications.

^aPycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd, St. Peter Port , Guernsey.