Indication: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

Source: Lipids, 2002;37(10):931-4.

Research: The aim of this study was to test the effect of Pycnogenol supplementation on measures of oxidative stress and the lipid profile in humans. Twenty-five healthy subjects received 150 mg of Pycnogenol a day for six weeks. Fasting blood was collected at baseline, after three and six weeks of supplementation, and again after a four-week washout period.

Results: After six weeks of supplementation with Pycnogenol, a significant increase in plasma polyphenol levels was detectable, which was reversed after the four-week washout phase. The antioxidant effect of Pycnogenol was demonstrated by a significant increase in oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) in plasma throughout the supplementation period. The ORAC value returned to baseline after the four-week washout period. Moreover, in addition to its antioxidant effects, Pycnogenol significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels and increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in plasma of two-thirds of the subjects. While the LDL changes reversed during washout, the HDL increase did not. There was no significant difference in LDL oxidizability or plasma lipid peroxides following Pycnogenol supplementation.