Data published in the February issue of International Angiology show a positive link between a branded herbal extract and heart health and inflammation support.

Researchers from Chieti-Pescara University conducted a study with 93 individuals that either had high blood pressure (32), high cholesterol (31) or hyperglycemia (30). All continued their normal condition-management strategies as well as took 150 mg/day of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol, distributed by Horphag Research USA, with U.S. offices in Hoboken, NJ). Thirty-one normal healthy individuals served as a control group.

After 12 weeks, all subjects had reduced blood pressure and metabolic values, and levels were even lower in the Pycnogenol group. In addition, flow-mediated dilation increased from 5.3;3.4% at the start to 8.8;3.1% in those taking the supplement; endothelial function also improved by 66%.  Last, oxidative stress was reduced by 20% by the end of the trial.

“This open registry study shows how Pycnogenol improves endothelial function [EF] in a complex macro and microcirculatory model in preclinical, borderline subjects with alterations in EF,” the researchers concluded.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, July 2015, (online 6/11/2015)