Information for health professionals. Your guide to the power of Pycnogenol. Natural, versatile and proven Brought to you by:

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1 Your guide to the power of Pycnogenol. Natural, versatile and proven Brought to you by:

2 Pycnogenol contains a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive and proven natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 340 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient.

3 What is Pycnogenol? Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all) is a premium herbal supplement ingredient extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It is a blend of active bioflavonoids, also found in fresh fruits and vegetables. 40 years of research have been dedicated to establishing the safety of Pycnogenol and its benefits for human health. Where does Pycnogenol come from? The source of Pycnogenol is Europe s largest forest in southwestern France near the famous Bordeaux region. The forest is a plantation of French maritime pine trees (pinus pinaster), dating back to the times of Napoleon III, which are harvested for timber purposes after a period of years. Neither pesticides nor herbicides are used in the forest. French forestry legislation provides that fallen trees are to be replaced every year. How does Pycnogenol work to improve health? As one of the most potent natural scavengers of free radicals, Pycnogenol mops-up aggressive radicals before they cause damage by oxidative stress. Its superantioxidant capabilities help boost the immune system and it strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries. It supports a better circulation by preventing stressinduced constriction of arteries and blood clotting. Free radicals - why fight them? In every day life our body generates free radicals, especially in case of stress. These chemically unbalanced radicals damage cells by oxidizing them, in the same way as metal becomes rusty and destroyed. Hence, free radicals are dangerous and scientists believe the continuous exposure to free radicals is a major cause of ageing and many degenerative diseases. As a superantioxidant, Pycnogenol is believed to counteract that danger in two ways: It stimulates our cells to double their antioxidative power It catches free radicals in the blood stream. That double defence makes Pycnogenol unique. Is Pycnogenol safe? Pycnogenol is one of the most researched food supplements and has passed extensive safety tests. Toxicity test results demonstrate that Pycnogenol is safe, even at high doses for long periods of time. To date, no serious adverse side effects have been observed or reported in clinical trials. 3

4 Pycnogenol Life Cycle Holding a tablet in your hand, it s hard to grasp that a few months prior, that finished product was a piece of tree bark. Not just any tree bark, but French maritime pine tree bark grown in a quiet, pristine forest in France. A specifically indentified local species, the French maritime pine is grown over a cycle of 50 years. As soon as mature tress are cut down, they are replaced. The trees are a sustainable, cultivated plant and are grown entirely without pesticides. Pycnogenol consists solely of the pure extract of the bark of the French maritime pine and contains no additives. The Basics Powerful antioxidant Pycnogenol is a potent blend of antioxidant compounds including procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids. Scientific research tells us Pycnogenol combats and neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals, enabling the body to better heal and repair itself. Natural anti-inflammatory Inflammation in the body can be a result of allergies, asthma, arthritis, stress or wound infections. A study published in the Journal of Inflammation demonstrated the effectiveness of Pycnogenol in reducing harmful inflammation in the body. Selectively binds to collagen and elastin Research has shown Pycnogenol acts as a collagen stabilizer by binding to collagen and elastin in the skin. This mechanism inhibits the degradation of the collagen and elastin by destructive enzymes resulting in increased skin elasticity and smoothness. Supports production of vascular mediator nitric oxide Nitric oxide (NO) released by cells lining blood vessels, relaxes constricted arteries which play a key role for maintaining normal platelet function, healthy blood pressure and blood flow. Clinical investigations have shown Pycnogenol restores healthy production of nitric oxide and consequently supports cardiovascular health and vascular function with enhanced adaptation to higher oxygen demand, such as of muscles during physical exercise. 4

5 Why choose? Accept no substitutes! The Best Ingredients - Contains 40mg of Pycnogenol per tablet. Safe and Effective - Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards. 100% Active - Blister packing protects the active ingredients. Certified Quality - Documented product quality and bio-availability. Value for Money - Best value for money Pycnogenol product on the market. Plant Extract - Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Pycnogenol is an extremely potent antioxidant. It s a source of proanthocyanidins, which are chemical substances belonging to one of the most beneficial group of plant flavonoids. People often know them from the skin of purple fruit, like blueberries. I see Pycnogenol as my blueberry pill, but even more potent. Pharma Nord lead the field when it comes to bio-availability. is no exception. It s safe, easy to take, and readily absorbed. The longer you take, the more effective it becomes. Babi Chana BSc. Nutritional Medicine 5

6 Value for money A price comparison has identified as the best value for money Pycnogenol product in the UK amongst leading high street brands. Exceptional quality and the best value on the market* *Internal price comparison. All prices are based on online retail prices from official company websites. W/C 10/03/2014. Endorsed by experts With 40 years of research, 300 scientific publications, 130 clinical trials and more than 7,000 patients tested to date, Pycnogenol is viewed as one of the most safe, high quality, evidence-based and efficacious health ingredient in the world. Pycnogenol is unique and versatile. It helps with blood circulation, skin care, joint health, vision, sports, women health and many more key health benefits. Prof. Dr. Peter Rodhewald, Ph.D. I have used Pycnogenol for over 20 years with my customers and for my own health. The many health benefits stem from its potent bioflavonoid content and its ability to help us improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. I recommend it to anyone who wants healthy skin, vision, hay fever relief and improved circulation throughout their entire body. Pycnogenol keeps your veins healthy and blood flowing, delivering nutrients and maintaining health from your eyes to your ankles. Its recognised by the body, well absorbed, safe and the research is remarkable. I see its effects in my customers every day. represents the gold standard in terms of preparation, packaging and value. Dennis Gore, Phc M.P.S M.R.S.H 6

7 Cardiovascular system Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in most countries of the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 17 million people die of cardiovascular disease - particularly heart attacks and strokes every year. Why it is important to keep a healthy cardiovascular system? Keeping a healthy cardiovascular system is key for maintaining good vitality, physical strength, mental health and for general well being. There are a number of risk factors related to vascular function problems, such as cigarette smoking, obesity, sedentary life-style as well as hypertension, high levels of cholesterol or high blood sugar. Lowering the risk Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract may significantly contribute to the improvement of some risk factors, with the normalisation of blood pressure and platelet function, improvement of blood lipids as well as blood sugar values. An important number of clinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of Pycnogenol for keeping cardiovascular health problems at bay. Pycnogenol was investigated in healthy people, individuals with borderline high risk factors but also as an adjunct in people taking prescription medicine for cardiovascular health issues. individuals maintain healthy circulation by increasing vasodialation of blood vessels, thus improving blood flow. Pycnogenol helps make blood platelets less sticky, helping to reduce blood clots. Blood pressure Studies have also shown that Pycnogenol enhances the body s own response to counteract blood vessel constriction. Normalising blood vessel diameter naturally helps maintain blood pressure that is already in the normal range. Cholesterol Finally, studies demonstrate that Pycnogenol is a natural option for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. In clinical trials, supplementing with Pycnogenol was found to lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol while increasing the good (HDL) cholesterol. Pycnogenol improves major risk factors for cardiovascular health Circulation Research has found that Pycnogenol helps 7

8 Skin & Beauty Your skin is your first line of defence against the daily rigors of life. Pycnogenol binds with collagen and elastin and protects skin from harmful enzymes. A unique combination of pharmacological functions of Pycnogenol provides an unmatched variety of health benefits for skin health. Wrinkles Pycnogenol binds with skin proteins collagen and elastin, and protects skin from various harmful enzymes helping to rebuild elasticity, essential for a smooth, younger look. Hyper-Pigmentation & brown spots Pycnogenol helps promote the glow and reduce over-pigmentation for a more even complexion (brown spots). and stimulates genesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid in human skin. Pycnogenol has a high affinity to the amino acid hydroxy-proline, which is present exclusively in matrix proteins collagen and elastin. In consequence, Pycnogenol (and also its metabolites) protects these proteins from free radical damage and enzymatic degradation. Recent research identified enhanced collagen synthesis with Pycnogenol in skin of human volunteers. Pycnogenol further increased synthesis of hyaluronic acid in women s skin, corresponding with better skin elasticity and water retent. Pycnogenol modes of action Suncare Sunburn is an inflammation caused by free radical induced tissue damage. By neutralizing these free radicals, Pycnogenol helps protect skin from the stress and damage of sunburn and photoaging. Scar Formation Several clinical studies have shown that Pycnogenol protects the collagen matrix and increases skin stability during healing. Pycnogenol binds and protects collagen and elastin Pycnogenol protects elastic tissue proteins 8

9 Joint care Our joints are subject to wear and tear and with increasing age the lining of joints - the cushioning cartilage - gradually degenerates. When cartilage has reached a significant abrasion, the articular tissue will be affected and this tissue trauma initiates a local inflammation. The consequence is a reduced flexibility of joints and pain which, left untreated, may reach excruciating levels. A majority of people over the age of 65 years show signs of osteoarthritis. According to statistics women are more frequently affected than men. It is now understood that mechanical rupture triggers inflammatory mechanisms which, in concert with repetitive injury to joints, causes a progressive degradation of cartilage. More mobility, more flexibility, less pain, less drugs. In various studies, Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract demonstrated its ability to promote joint mobility and flexibility and naturally relieve the aching. It was also shown that after supplementing with Pycnogenol, joints were more flexible and less medication was required. In addition Pycnogenol has been found to lower inflammatory markers of joint soreness. and lowers inflammatory markers in osteoarthritis. Consumption of Pycnogenol was shown to limit the activation of the pro-inflammatory master switch NF-kB by 15.8%. This master switch commands the mobilization of all proinflammatory molecules, which play a destructive role in arthritis. As a consequence, Pycnogenol consumers generate less matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes, which are responsible for degenerating cartilage collagen in osteoarthritis. In addition, Pycnogenol consumption was found to naturally inhibit generation of COX-2 enzymes during inflammation in humans, thus providing a significant contribution for lowering joint pain. Pycnogenol potently inhibits inflammation in arthritis How Pycnogenol potently inhibits inflammation in arthritis 9

10 Respiratory health Airway obstruction and symptoms in asthma and hay-fever alike are the result of inappropriate responses of the body s immune system towards instances which are mistakenly perceived as harmful. Allergens causing these reactions to the respiratory system are most commonly pollen, dust, animal hair, chemical irritants such as tobacco smoke or car exhaust and medications. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, a particular subset of the immune system, the mast cells, release the tissue-hormone histamine. During this immediate reaction histamine triggers the spectrum of symptoms so common to allergies: sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, itching, and bronchial swellings. Essentially the same mechanisms prevail in allergic asthma which causes episodes of wheezy breathlessness. Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract helps fight against hayfever and asthma. Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract was demonstrated to help asthmatics improve their breathing ability. Pycnogenol allows easier breathing Did you know Pycnogenol has antihistaminic potency? One in three people suffer from allergies; which are an overreaction of the body s immune system toward substances it considers harmful. According to studies, Pycnogenol was found to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells that were aggravated by an irritant. And, since this powerful antioxidant is an anti-inflammatory, it inhibits production of pro-inflammatory mediators helping to relieve swelling and making breathing easier. Pycnogenol offers help for the management of hay-fever and asthma: Demonstrated immune modulation in humans Controlled clinical trial with asthmatic patients Controlled clinical trial demonstrating efficacy in childhood asthma 10

11 Marie Robson: Case Story Hay fever season?...bring it on! Thirty-five year-old Marie Robson has suffered with hay fever since being a teenager and was officially diagnosed with asthma - which is triggered by her allergies - when she was 22. At its peak, how debilitating is the condition? Hugely. Because I also have asthma, it would cause breathing difficulties. Not to mention having to be armed with tissues 24/7! It would disturb my sleep too, which was problematic, making work really tiring. Which remedies have you tried to help your hay fever? For many years all I was told to take was my inhaler and antihistamines. I ve never liked having to use medication all the time, but nobody could offer any help that worked. Eventually I thought that I was building up an immunity to the antihistamines! Describe your experience with Bio- Pycnogenol? When I first took it, I would have two tablets twice a day, and then when I could feel it working, I dropped down to two I was able to have a summer wedding thanks to. I wouldn t have been able to enjoy it if I d been worrying about hay fever. a day in total. All the Pharma Nord products are in blister strips, so I could cut some off when I travelled and still keep them fresh. How does it work and what effect has Pycnogenol had on your condition? I read the research which shows how the pine bark extract is one of the worlds most powerful antioxidants. After a few weeks I noticed I was leaving my inhaler behind more often and the same with the antihistamines. Now I only keep the antihistamines handy for really extreme situations. 11

12 Eyes & Vision The natural ageing process affects sharpness of vision. Everyone experiences decreased accommodation of the lens in order to be able see clearly close-up as they get older. Apart from gradual stiffening, the lens will develop opacities. The light sensing cones and rods may also lose function with increasing age. The progression may occur more rapidly in some individuals than others. In addition to hereditary factors, lifestyle and dietary factors define the speed with which oxidative stress and metabolic factors cause cumulative damage to ocular tissues. fatty acid-rich retina. Five clinical studies with more than 1200 participants have demonstrated that Pycnogenol improves the vascular system of the eyes to preserve healthy eyesight. Under laboratory conditions Lutein and Pycnogenol were investigated for their antioxidant protective effect of the retina. Further to their potent individual antioxidant contributions the combination of Lutein and Pycnogenol showed additional synergistic protection of retinal lipids from oxidation by 60%. Antioxidant synergy The retina is the tissue with the highest metabolic turn-over in the body, with the consequence of generating the highest oxidative stress. Furthermore, ocular tissues are exposed to energetic UV rays which generate reactive oxygen species. Metabolic conditions such as diabetes involve a pathologic oxidative stress known to deprive antioxidant vitamins. How does Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract help protect the eyes? The eye is characterised by a unique aqueous-lipid barrier which requires water-soluble antioxidants for the aqueous phase and lipid soluble antioxidants, predominantly carotenoids, for protection of the polyunsaturated 12 How does Pycnogenol protects retinal capillaries? Pycnogenol strengthens retinal capillaries to helps control leakage of fluids and blood into the retina. In individuals with early stage retinopathy Pycnogenol was shown to stop leakage and improve retinal perfusion with corresponding significant restoration of vision.

13 PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) Much of women s suffering during the menstrual period results from inflammatory processes involved. Pycnogenol can help owing to its natural anti-inflammatory virtues without side-effects. Multiple clinical studies have documented that Pycnogenol can naturally soothe the discomfort associated with menstrual symptoms. Pycnogenol was found to alleviate the cramping and abdominal pain sensation. Pycnogenol gradually decreases menstrual pain How does Pycnogenol help relieve menstrual pain? Research presented in the European Bulletin of Drug Research concludes that Pycnogenol reduces abdominal discomfort by 80 percent and cramping by 77 percent with women experiencing troubled menstrual periods. Dr. Nobutaka Suzuki completed a multi-center field study on Pycnogenol for menstrual discomfort. Results showed that Pycnogenol treatment lowered tenderness during menstruation, which was reflected by a significant reduction of medication required. Pycnogenol soothed the discomfort after one month and provided further relief after the second month. Pycnogenol may help improve endometriosis The possibility of improving suffering of endometriosis with Pycnogenol was investigated and published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Treatment with Pycnogenol gradually decreased menstrual troubles from initial severe discomfort to moderate aches at trial end. The discomfort score was lowered significantly by 33% during the treatment period covering 48 weeks. Pycnogenol did not effect women s hormonal level of oestradiol. Interestingly, five women got pregnant during the trial which was encouraging result since it can be more difficult to get pregnant with endometriosis. Peri-menopause hot flash relief Studies reveal Pycnogenol naturally reduces climacteric symptoms associated with peri-menopause. Such as hot flashes, depression, panic attacks and other common symptoms associated with women entering menopause transition. 13

14 Sports Physical exercise is important to overall health and at the same time increases our body s need for oxygen. Research indicates Pycnogenol may play an important role with physical activity because it was shown to aid the body in producing nitric oxide (NO), thus enhancing blood microcirculation and improving blood flow to the muscles. This helps the body achieve peak muscle performance and speeds recovery after exercise, which may result in reduction of muscular aches in both athletes and healthy individuals. Pycnogenol increases endurance on a treadmill How does Pycnogenol act as an energy enhancer? The link between Pycnogenol and sports endurance was first studied several years ago at California State University. Recreational athletes showed an increase of athlete endurance while supplementing with Pycnogenol as compared to endurance recorded from participants taking the placebo. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design, recreational athletes were supplemented with either Pycnogenol or placebo for 30 days and were then crossed over to the other group for an additional 30 days. The athletes performed under controlled conditions on a treadmill with individual settings adjusted to 85% of a person s maximum oxygen consumption to prevent too rapid exhaustion and reduce anaerobic metabolism. Results of the study showed a statistically significant increase of athlete 14 endurance while taking Pycnogenol as compared to endurance recorded from participants taking the placebo. Pycnogenol aids in muscle recovery and alleviates cramping. An increase in physical activity can lend itself to sore muscles and fatigue which can take several days to subside. Pycnogenol was shown to significantly reduce muscular pain and cramps in athletes and healthy, normal individuals. Poor circulation in the muscle is known to cause cramps and the antioxidant improved the cramping in patients due to a stimulation of blood flow to their muscle tissue. The findings indicate that Pycnogenol can play an important role in sports by improving blood flow to the muscles and hastening post-exercise recovery. This is great news to the millions of athletes worldwide and extremely significant for all individuals interested in muscle cramp and pain relief with a natural approach.

15 Travel Restlessness and the age-old question Are we there yet? aren t necessarily the only side effects of long trips. The dangers of travel related health problems have attracted attention in recent years due to the expanding number of cases being documented. Several health complications may arise on long airplane flights or car rides due to the body being in a cramped position for hours at a time. Complications can occur in just about any environment of prolonged sitting. lasting 7-12 hours. Published in Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, researchers tested in-flight ankle swelling of 169 participants and found that passengers who supplemented with Pycnogenol experienced less leg and ankle swelling and discomfort. Both symptoms are commonly associated with long distance travel. Rate of ankle swelling Pycnogenol : The Indispensable and Healthy Travel Companion As we navigate and rush through crowded airports, staying healthy becomes a priority. While traveling it is important to be conscious of our venous health. Long periods of immobility, decreased fluid intake and water loss in dry compressed airplane cabins are contributing factors of swelling due to insufficient blood circulation, with fluids accumulating in tissues throughout the legs. Most people will notice the effects of in-flight swelling if they take their shoes off and have difficulty getting back into them at the end of the flight. Leg and ankle swelling can lead to dangerous conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis. One of the more recent clinical studies on swelling found that Pycnogenol can have a positive effect on leg swelling (edema) during long airplane flights Other notable research includes a study of 211 passengers on a long-distance flight (7-12 hours) which demonstrated Pycnogenol s ability to help prevent thrombosis. Passengers took two 200mg of Pycnogenol two to three hours prior to departure and another two capsules six hours later during the flight. Another 100mg was taken the following day after arrival. While there were five cases of thrombosis in the control group taking the placebo, none of the passengers supplementing with Pycnogenol developed thrombosis during the flight. 15

16 Other Pharma Nord products containing Pycnogenol : Lady Prelox For women who want more! Prelox Patented male sexual enhancer evelle For skin, hair and nails Q10 Revitalizing Day Cream (50ml) Lady Prelox is a patented, natural, science-based female sexual function supplement. It boasts proven effectiveness, thanks to a combination of four proven natural, ingredients which work in synergy to improve blood flow throughout the body. Healthy blood flow is important for comfort and sensation during sex. The unique interaction between L-Arginine and Pycnogenol may help to maintain healthy blood vessels and sustain blood flow to the genital area aiding the body s ability to achieve sexual pleasure. It can be used by men of all ages, remaining effective after prolonged use. evelle is specially formulated to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. The 10 active ingredients are selected for their biological properties and contribute to the protection of body cell constituents from oxidative damage. Based on published research! The appearance and condition of the skin depends largely on the health of skin cells. Q10 Revitalizing Day Cream has been developed to suit the specific needs of mature skin and address the problems of dry skin and loss of collagen. For more information please contact customer services: Tel: +44 (0) uksales@pharmanord.co.uk Visit: Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd, Telford Court, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2DB. Reg. Number