Pycnogenol procyanidins

Pycnogenol (procyanidins extracted from Pinus maritima)... 

Details about structure, biosynthesis, and classification of phenolics are described in the other chapters in this handbook. Plant phenolics have a distinctive ability to form non-covalent, intermolecular complexes with each other and with both large and small molecules. Recognition of the antioxidant activities of many polyphenols has established correlation with the health benefits by such compounds [34]. This leads to the development of commercial products containing free-radical-scavenging phytochemical mixtures, for example, Pycnogenol (procyanidin extracted from Pinus maritima). Table 82.2 represents a list of polyphenolic compounds used in nutraceuticals and their biologic effects on human health. 

Grape seed extract, which is another widely used plant extract similar to pycnogenol, contains procyanidins, which have a strong antioxidant activity. 

The effects of pycnogenol on circulation can be seen as the outcome of two different activities — relaxation of arterial walls and increase of capillary resistance. The combination of these effects results in an increase of peripheral blood flow and a facilitation of microcirculation. Early studies suggested a strong vasoactivity of procyanidins extracted from sources such as wine and grape seed, which have recently been confirmed for pycnogenol. 

Packer, L., Rimbach, G., and Virgili, F. Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus martima) bark, pycnogenol, Free Radic. Biol. Med., 27, 704—724, 1999. 

Even though the unique and very complex chemical composition of Pycnogenol has not been completely elucidated, its main constituents are known to be phenolic compounds, broadly divided into monomers (catechin, epicatechin, and taxifolin) and condensed flavonoids classified as procyanidins/proanthocyanidins. Pycnogenol also... 

Virgin, F., Kobuchi, H., and Packer, L., Procyanidins extracted from Pinus maritima (Pycnogenol) scavengers of free radical species and modulators of nitrogen monoxide metabolism in activated murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Free Radical Biol. Med., 24, 1120-1129,1998. 

Moreover, monomers and dimers were shown to repress NO production, TNF alpha secretion, and NF-kB-dependent gene expression induced by interferon y, whereas the trimeric procyanidin C2 and Pycnogenol enhanced these parameters. In addition, in unstimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, both procyanidin C2 and Pycnogenol increased TNF gamma secretion in a concentration and time-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that procyanidins act as modulators of the immune response in macrophages [105]. 

Moini H, Guo Q, Packer L. Enzyme inhibition and protein-binding action of the procyanidin-rich French maritime pine hark extract, pycnogenol effect on xanthine oxidase. J Agric Food Chem 2000 48 5630 9. 

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