Pine Bark Extract Supports Blood Glucose, Endothelial Health In Diabetics

BEIJING--Extract of French Maritime pine bark administered in conjunction with standard anti-diabetic treatment lowered blood glucose and improved endothelial function in Type II diabetic patients, according to a study published in the October issue of Life Sciences (75, 21:2505-13, 2004).

In the double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multi-center study, 77 Type II diabetic patients were administered 100 mg/d of French Maritime pine bark extract (as Pycnogenol<\#168>, supplied by Geneva-based Horphag Research) for 12 weeks, as an adjunct to conventional anti-diabetic therapy. Pycnogenol significantly lowered plasma glucose levels as compared to placebo. In the Pycnogenol group, various markers of endothelial function showed improvement; endothelin-1 was significantly decreased, while 6-ketoprostaglandin F(1a) in plasma was elevated compared to placebo. Nitric oxide levels in plasma increased during treatment in both groups; however, differences did not reach statistical significance. Pycnogenol was well tolerated, with factors including electrolytes, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen remaining unchanged in both groups. Mild and transient adverse effects were reported for both groups without significant differences.

The researchers concluded supplementation with Pycnogenol in conjunction with conventional diabetes treatment lowers glucose levels and improves endothelial function.