Pycnogenol

[laser]

Does anyone have any 1st hand experience with the supplement Pycnogenol? It is always good to hear what others have to say.

I have also read about human studies with Pycnogenol. The lowering of blood pressure, and opening capillaries is very interesting. Along with increased energy, levels out the blood reduces blood clots, etc
I read up on supplements, I do not recall reading about one that does this much?

Going to the natural grocer today, and picking some up, going to give it a try. See how it goes with my TRT. I am looking for something that will help me along, just anxious to get fit again, and get back into exercising.
Although I am back exercising, progress is slow because of being misdiagnosed by past doctors, and ignoring my low T for a long period. I figure if I can get the old capillaries flowing good it will help clean out my system from being fatigued so long, and speed up the process.
Although I am anxious, Right now I am working on just enough to get my heart rate up daily. I was hoping on increasing exercise already, but waiting for my nerve damaged arm to catch up, it is, but slow going..The T reactivated the nerve...I am excited about it.

Here is some of the claimed benefits:
Allergies. Some research in people with allergies to birch shows that taking pycnogenol starting before allergy season begins might reduce allergy symptoms.

Circulation problems. Taking pycnogenol by mouth seems to significantly reduce leg pain and heaviness, as well as fluid retention in people with circulation problems. Some people use horse chestnut seed extract to treat this condition, but pycnogenol alone appears to be more effective.

Disease of the retina in the eye. Taking pycnogenol daily for two months seems to slow or prevent further worsening of retinal disease caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis, or other diseases. It also seems to improve eyesight.
Improved endurance in athletes. Young people (age 20-35) seem to be able to exercise on a treadmill for a longer time after taking pycnogenol daily for about a month.

High blood pressure. Pycnogenol seems to lower systolic blood pressure (the first number in a blood pressure reading) but does not significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (the second number).

Varicose veins

There is a larger list.

[austinite]

I've supplemented with this compound for a short while now. This is by far the most expensive compound in my OTC supplement list.

The reason this compound is expensive is because it comes from the French Maritime Pine tree. It's bark extract. Apparently its bark is far superior and more consistent than any other, making it unique and in high demand. Processing seems to be a very difficult task as well. The going price $3,700 for about 2 lbs. There's also a patent in there somewhere, so everyone has to get paid. Ridiculous, but that's why it's so expensive.

The benefits that concerned me are...

- Circulation Related Issues
- High Blood Pressure
- Muscle Soreness
- Erectile Dysfunction

Pycnogenol binds to collagen. It increases oxygen delivery and decreases carbon dioxide. This gives you much healthier, more elastic and less wrinkled skin. The main thing they pitch however, is it's ability to increase circulation by increasing vessel diameter; allowing blood to flow better and inevitably delivering more nutrients.

I started and finished 2 bottles. In total, 100 capsules at 60 mg each. My dosing protocol was 2 in the morning, and 2 before bed, for a total of 240 mg daily. Well, nothing really happened. No changes to the skin, no increased vascularity and no increase in my Nitric Oxide levels. And there was no huge changes in my blood pressure.

I also came off of Magnesium (my preferred muscle relaxer) for one week during this experiment, to see if my post workout soreness was relieved or shortened to some degree. This was not the case. The only thing I noticed was the lack of magnesium and I was very happy to jump back on it. So I give it a zero for muscle related relief.

I chose not to come off of cialis and everything else I take that aids with my erectile dysfunction. Mainly because I understood exactly how Pycnogenol would help me in that area, and it's no different than what I'm already doing. Would it work, however? Absolutely, but I doubt it if doses were not considerable, making it quite the expensive fix.

Now, I understand that benefits to the skin can take some time to build up, but its circulation properties are supposed to be almost immediate. I am absolutely confident that this drug can and most likely will benefit most users. But it does nothing for me since I use other products that cause similar effects. My NO levels are through the roof due to my current protocol. My blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are both under control without this drug.

The max recommended dose is 180 mg. I knew I had to increase it if I wanted to see anything from it considering what I already take. So I pretty much wasted my time with this compound. I really hate to say that I don't have long term experience with it because, who knows, maybe long term use will yield more benefits. But for now, I'm sticking to my reliable friend: Cialis.

If your supplementation protocol is already heavy in NO boosters, I wouldn't bother taking it for that effect.

I recommend this for women as it can help in these areas:

- Menopausal Symptoms
- Cramping from Menstrual Periods
- Reproductive System Issues

I also recomend it for Acne prevention/Treatment. Very effective when coupled with Zinc and B5.

[laser]

Thanks, i was taking a lot of supplements about 6 months ago, but quit all of them while I was going to the hospital for all the testing. Then to find out it was very low T. Now thinking about slowly adding on, see what works. I am already noticing a visual difference on TRT with my blood vessel diameter. It amazes me how my muscle is coming back.
highly Appreciate your knowledge.

[austinite]

Thanks, i was taking a lot of supplements about 6 months ago, but quit all of them while I was going to the hospital for all the testing. Then to find out it was very low T. Now thinking about slowly adding on, see what works. I am already noticing a visual difference on TRT with my blood vessel diameter. It amazes me how my muscle is coming back.
highly Appreciate your knowledge.

That's good, laser. Muscle has a funny way of coming back quickly Keep us posted with your progress please.

[Vinman]

I've been using Pycnogenol for over a year now, and yes it is expensive !!

My friend is a pathologist, he told me that it would improve my sinus problems, and to take 1 mg per pound of body weight. I've been taking 60 mgs three times per day, and to be honest, my sinuses have improved somewhat. I haven't noticed any other benefits though.

[austinite]

It was a hot topic at ENDO2013.

[brt]

I have taken it in the past but stopped due to the cost. I noticed an improvement in my eyesight from the increased bloodflow, which for me validated its efficacy. One of the keys I remember was to take it on an empty stomach and there was some sort of formula for the amount to take based on your weight, but don't remember the specifics.