About Pycnogenol Extracted From Grape Seeds

Grape seed extract contains pycnogenols, a generic chemical term for oligometric proanthocyanadins, found in tree bark, grapes and red wine, cocoa, apples and cranberries. Pycnogenols are a class of bioflavonoid, an important antioxidant. There is some confusion about pycogenol supplements because there is a patented product called "Pycogenol," which made from French pine tree bark. This contains pycogenols but is not the only supplement containing the product.

Grape Seed Extract

• Taking grape seed extract as a dietary supplement is one way of ensuring you are receiving sufficient quantities of pycnogenols without having to eat excessive quantities of fruit or dark chocolate. Red wine is a good source of pycnogenols, but a person needs to drink 40 glasses of wine to get 20 mg of the recommended 50- to 100-mg daily dose of grape seed extract.

Benefits

• Laboratory research into the benefits of the pcynogenols in grape seed shows that it is effective in reducing cholesterol and delays the advance of atherosclerosis. It is recommended for circulatory problems, edema and varicose veins and a general anti-aging supplement.

Theories/Speculation

• Research is ongoing into the benefits of grape seed extract in treating ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The pycnogenols in the extract help the brain to use vitamin C, which alleviates some ADHD symptoms as effectively as Ritalin, according to a study by psychiatrists in Tulsa, Oklahoma.