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Pycnogenol and stroke recovery
You wrote recently about Pycnogenol in cosmetics and how this antioxidant can help protect the brain, spinal nerves and connective tissue. I have suffered a stroke and wondered if it was available in capsule form as well as face creams?
Pycnogenol is the US-registered trademark name for an extract derived from French Maritime Pine Bark (Pinus pinaster) which contains a group of powerful anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids called procyanidins which are also found in peanut skins, grape seed and witch hazel bark.
There is some early evidence that taking 150mg, three times a day for four weeks can improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots and in test tube trials, it has been shown to lower the risk of platelet aggregation, which is common in smokers. We know that bioflavonoids have an extraordinary ability to maintain collagen, the most abundant protein in the body which is itself responsible for the support of healthy skin and blood vessels. This explains why the health properties of pyconogenol can be harnessed in a diverse range of uses from cosmetics and to lowering the risk of cardiovascular problems including stroke.
Pycnogenol, by the way, has also been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of endometriosis in women thanks to the presence of the procyanidins. You can buy capsules from the Nutricentre (0800-587 2290) and for more information on its use in anti-ageing face creams and asthma, type 'pycnogenol' into the search panel on the right hand side of the page.
The other supplement you should investigate is the Chinese herb Erigero Breviscapinus which is sold in the UK as Lifeflower. In clinical trials in China, over 80% of stroke patients reported improved functioning as a result of taking this herb which, as well as enhancing cerebrovascular flow, can also help lower high blood pressure. In the UK, it is now available from Victoria Health 0800-413596 where 30 x 200mg capsules cost £29.95. Take as directed on the bottle.