Pine extract and CoQ10 combined for cardiovascular health
products wherever possible, Natural Health Science (NHS) has teamed
up with General Nutrition Centers (GNC) to bring PycnoQ10, a
cardiovascular health supplement to the market.
PycnoQ10 is a blend of Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, and coenzyme Q10. Both ingredients are recognized for their antioxidant properties and cardiovascular health benefits.
"With millions of Americans suffering from heart and stoke problems, the need for natural alternatives to help support cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors has been on the rise," said Victor Ferrari, chief operating officer and executive vice president of Horphag Research, the original developers of pycnogenol.
Joint research conducted at Showa Medical University, Tokyo and the State University of New York suggested that a combination of Pycnogenol and CoQ10 protected 53 percent of blood lipids from oxidation; this was reduced to 30 percent when the ingredients were used separately.
The research demonstrated that the two antioxidant ingredients in PycnoQ10 work to protect and enhance the vascular system including blood vessel integrity, blood lipid values, circulation, blood pressure and platelet function.
"This suggests that PycnoQ10 is an ideal combination for the improvement of all major cardiovascular ailments," said Dr Frank Schönlau, director of scientific communications at Horphag Research. "Biologically, the mechanisms of both ingredients work in synergy because of their powerful antioxidant activities."
According to Dr Schönlau, Pycnogenol has shown numerous cardio health benefits including the ability to reduce high blood pressure, lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, reduce blood clotting activity, relax artery constriction and improve circulation. Research also demonstrates how coenzyme Q10 supports the heart muscle, and certain clinical studies have suggested that the product has a beneficial effect on hypertension and helps prevent oxidation of bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Nutraingredients yesterday reported how a Swiss company is using Pycnogenol in a food supplement designed to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis for passengers on long-haul flights.
The formula, containing high doses of the pine bark extract and standardized ginger extract, was launched in the UK last week and is endorsed by leading vascular surgeon Dr John Scurr, an expert on travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Dr Scurr's Zinopin is thought to be one of the first natural products marketed solely to reduce risk of this condition, the threat of which is growing as more and more people travel.
