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Horphag named American Botanical Council's Tyler Award recipient

25-Feb-2013 - Last updated on 26-Feb-2013 at 00:03 GMT

The American Botanical Council has announced Pycnogenol producer Horphag Research as the recipient of its annual Varro E. Tyler Commercial Investment in Phytomedicinal Research Award.

Pycnogenol – a combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids extracted from the bark of the maritime pine – is included in more than 700 dietary supplements, cosmetic products and functional foods and beverages worldwide.

Sales of Pycnogenol products to consumers now exceed $500 million annually and are sold in more than 80 countries around the world.

The ingredient has been the subject of scores of clinical studies suggesting benefits covering everything from cardiovascular, joint, cognitive and eye health to the relief of hay fever, PMS, tinnitus, hemorrhoidal pain and menopause symptoms.

“Horphag Research and its entire team are, of course, very honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Victor Ferrari, CEO of Horphag Research. “It is an important recognition for the scientific work that has been established over so many years on one single and unique product – Pycnogenol.”

Frank Schonlau, PhD, scientific director for Horphag Research, added that the company has been investing in research for 40 years to ensure the safety and efficacy of the ingredient.

“For more than a decade, I have personally overseen much of the research as we have built upon that commitment. I am extremely proud to see the team recognized for its dedication to making Pycnogenol one of the most well-researched natural health supplements available today,” added Dr Schonlau.

Probably over-due

Mark Blumenthal, ABC’s founder and executive director, congratulated Horphag Research for this “most well-deserved and probably overdue honor.

“Horphag Research is the epitome of a research-based natural products company, investing millions of dollars in scores of clinical research trials on its key product, Pycnogenol.

“Professor Varro Tyler was one of my key mentors for about 20 years. He repeatedly emphasized his desire to see herb companies invest in scientific and clinical research on their herb and phytomedicinal products. I have no doubt that if he were alive today, he would fully endorse ABC’s choosing Horphag this year to receive his eponymous award,” continued Blumenthal.