PureBulk

Related Products:

Pine Bark Extract powder, Grape Seed/Pine Bark Capsules

What is Pine Bark Extract?

Pine bark extract is a bioflavanoid complex extracted from the bark of the Pinus massoniana Lamb pine tree. It is a powerful antioxidant.

Antioxidants play a crucial role in repairing and protecting cells in the body. They help shield against free radicals, which are harmful byproducts of metabolism and exposure to environmental pollutants.

Popular antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and the mineral selenium. Researchers have termed the group of antioxidants found in pine bark extract oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or simply OPCs.

OPCs (also referred to as PCOs) are some of the most potent antioxidants available.

Another OPC supplement on the market is grape seed extract, one of the cheapest and most widely used sources of OPCs today. Although both contain proanthocyanidin they are two distinct, chemically different substances.

Pine bark extract has been shown to help strengthen and repair tissues made of collagen, a protein that builds blood vessels, skin and connective tissue.

Pine bark extract has been shown to be a more effective antioxidant than either vitamin C or vitamin E, because absorption in the bloodstream only takes 20 minutes and works for up to 72 hours.

Pine bark extract also works synergistically with vitamin C to assist the body in recycling vitamin E, and is one of the select antioxidants that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier to help protect brain tissue.

Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract

Pine bark extract is valued for its high levels of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), antioxidants that can scavenge free radicals from the human body. Protective effects from environmental stresses such as cigarette smoking and pollution have been noted, as has an enhancement of normal metabolic health processes.

Pine bark also appears to recycle ascorbyl and tocopheryl radicals, thus helping to preserve healthy vitamin C and E levels.

It is difficult to get the amount of OPCs needed for antioxidant protection from dietary sources alone. Supplementation is generally recommended.

Purity and Concentration of Pine Bark Extract Capsules

These PureBulk capsules contain only food-grade pine bark extract powder. It contains no fillers, taste additives or anti-caking agents. It is assayed by the manufacturer to contain more than 70% of the active components, procyanidins. The vegetarian capsular material is cellulose. The gelatin capsular material is a bovine source gelatin.

Suggested Use of Pine Bark Extract

The suggested serving size for pine bark extract is one 500 milligram capsule daily, depending upon individual needs.

Potential Side Effects of Pine Bark Extract

Pine bark extract is safe at suggested serving sizes. Its effectiveness may be increased with the use of other antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium. Diets rich in foods that contain antioxidants and bioflavonoids, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, may also contribute to its effectiveness.

How should I store it?

Store in a cool, dry, dark location. Reseal tightly between uses.

References & Further Research

Wikipedia: Proanthocyanidin

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.