Pycnogenol Capsule

Pycnogenol is indicated in-

• Chronic venous insufficiency (edema),
• Thrombosis (blood clot),
• Diabetes and its complications,
• Retinopathy,
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) and its complications,
• Allergy,
• Asthma,
• Endometriosis (premenstrual pain caused by endometrial tissue in places other than the uterus) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation),
• Osteoarthritis,
• Skin disorders & melasma (a dark pigmentation of the skin).

Each capsule contains Proanthocyanidins 50 mg extracted from french maritime pine bark, standardized to 65% to 75% of procyanidins.

French maritime pine bark extract is made by extraction of the outer bark of Pinus pinaster. Recent research suggests significant antioxidant activity is primarily based on its proanthocyanidin content. Proanthocyanidins prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, protects the DNA from free-radical damage, prevents stress-related blood clotting without increasing bleeding risk, increases nitric oxide synthesis leading to vasodilation, has profound anti-inflammatory activity, protects the skin from sun damage, dramatically improves wound healing while decreasing scarring, boosts many aspects of immune system function, and also lowers blood sugar while stimulating fat tissue breakdown.

Generally, one capsule (50 mg) 2 times daily with meals for 2-3 months or as directed by the physician. A repeated course or long-term use is acceptable.

• Hypertension, blood hyper-coagulation, impaired circulation: 50 mg twice daily
• Diabetes: 50 mg twice daily
• Retinopathy: 50 mg twice or thrice daily
• Asthma: 1 mg/lb of body weight/day in two divided doses or 50 mg twice daily
• Allergies: 50 mg twice daily
• As an anti-inflammatory agent: 50 mg once or twice daily
• Osteoarthritis: 50 mg twice daily
• Dysmenorrhea/Endometriosis: 50 mg once or twice daily
• Skin disorders/Melasma: 50 mg once or twice daily
• Edema in venous insufficiency: 50 mg once daily minimum 2-4 weeks (For more advanced stages the daily dosage should be higher, 50 mg twice or thrice daily for 4 weeks). Once edema and symptoms have improved, a daily maintenance dosage of 50 mg may be considered.
• As an antioxidant: 50 mg once daily

There is no reported information of drug interaction resulting from simultaneous intake of Pycnogenol with other drugs.

There are no known contraindications for Proanthocyanidins.

No serious side effects have been reported. To avoid gastric upset, diarrhea & constipation, Pycnogenol should be taken with meals. Minor adverse effects including headache and dizziness may occur.

As a general precaution, pregnant women should not take Proanthocyanidins within the first 3 months of pregnancy. Safety trials have demonstrated absence of mutagenic and teratogenic effects, no perinatal toxicity, and no negative effects on fertility. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Proanthocyanidins in children under the age of 6 years.

Herbal and Nutraceuticals

Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light. Do not use the drug after expiry date. Keep out of reach of children.