Oligopin®: 6 Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
The largest forest in France is home to a unique group of French maritime pine trees (Pinus pinaster) renowned for its array of health benefits. The trees are cultivated for their barks and are then extracted to form a natural red-brown powder known as Oligopin®. Oligopin® contains 70% oligomeric procyanidins, 20% flavonoid dimers and less than 1% tannins, which is significantly less than other pine bark extracts on the market that contain 5% tannins (5). Oligomeric procyanidins are a group of proanthocyanidin polyphenols with powerful antioxidant properties that have been linked to a range of health benefits. Due to its highly concentrated low mass molecule procyanidins, Oligopin® is the most purified pine bark extract on the market.
Health Benefits
Cardiovascular Health
In Australia, cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 14% of the total disease burden (1). High blood pressure, an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. A 5-week study (2) assessed the effects of Oligopin® on cardiovascular diseases such as lipid profile (cholesterol levels in the blood), systolic blood pressure and oxidised-Low Density Lipoprotein in subjects with high blood pressure. At the end of the study, results showed that subjects taking Oligopin® had improvement in their lipid cardiovascular profile. Oligopin® may also help:
- reduce high blood pressure
- reduce platelet activity
- reduce blood glucose levels
- improve micro-circulation
- support blood flow and help lower bad cholesterol, which can clog arteries
ADHD in Children
A randomised, placebo-controlled study (3) examined the effects of pine bark extract for children and adolescents with ADHD symptoms. Test subjects were dosed on either 25mg of Oligopin® or a placebo. Researchers concluded that pine bark extract may improve ADHD symptoms in children such as inattention and impulsivity and reduce plasma lipid peroxidation.
Postmenopausal
A trial (4) conducted on postmenopausal osteopenic women had subjects dose on either 250mg of Oligopin® or a placebo for 12 weeks. Results showed that the group taking Oligopin® demonstrated significantly favourable effects on their bone markers.
Skin Health and Beauty
Studies (5) suggest that pine bark extract may help improve skin elasticity and hydration and reduce symptoms of aged skin such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and swelling. The high antioxidant levels in pine bark extract help promote blood flow to the skin which protects it from UV damage and environmental stress, thereby reducing skin pigmentation and scar tissue. To assist with skin health and beauty, pine bark extract can be applied topically over problem areas or taken as a supplement.
Vein Health
A study (6) conducted on proanthocyanidin polyphenols and their anti-inflammatory effect on constricted blood vessels and blood pressure found that the polyphenolic compound could help reduce varicose vein symptoms such as swelling, pain and itching. Experts often recommend consuming polyphenol-rich foods to naturally reduce the chances of varicose veins developing.
Exercise Recovery
A study (7) examining the effects of pine bark extract on exercise performance and muscle soreness and damage post-exercise had test subjects dose on either 800mg pine bark extract or a placebo for 14 days. Results showed that the group taking the pine bark extract had significant protection against oxidative stress post-exercise.
Oligopin®'s natural pine bark extract boasts an array of health benefits, making it a safe and effective alternative to help boost antioxidant levels and improve overall health status. Oligopin® is available in supplement form with no reported adverse side effects. Its range of permitted indications makes it easily adaptable for different health markets.
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Lipa Pharmaceuticals has exclusivity to supply Oligopin® and can help you formulate your products with pine bark extract. For more information click here.
Reference List
2. Valls, R.M., Llauradó, E., Fernández-Castillejo, S., et al. (2016). Effects of low molecular weight procyanidin rich extract from french maritime pine bark on cardiovascular disease risk factors in stage-1 hypertensive subjects: Randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(12):1451-1461. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.08.007
3. Chen, Y., Su, Y., Piriou, Y., Yang, S., (2017). Effects of Polyphenolic Extract from Pine Bark on the Improvement of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescent. International Journal of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics. 3(116). doi: 10.15344/2456-8171/2017/116
4. Panahande, S., Maghbooli, Z., Hossein-Nezhad, A., Qorbani, M., & et al. (2019). Effects of French maritime pine bark extract (Oligopin®) supplementation on bone remodeling markers in postmenopausal osteopenic women: A randomized clinical trial. Phytotherapy Research. 33. doi:10.1002/ptr.6320
5. Dridi, W. & Bordenave, N. (2020). Pine Bark Phenolic Extracts, Current Uses, and Potential Food Applications: A Review. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 26:1-14. doi: 10.2174/1381612826666200212113903
6. Mor, D. & Dande, P. (2017). Varicose Veins: An Overview of Current and Herbal Treatments. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 8(5): 1959-66. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8
7. Aldret, R. & Bellar, D. (2018). The effects of a pine bark extract on exercise performance and post exercise inflammation, oxidative stress, muscle soreness and damage. Preprints, 2018080303. doi: 10.20944/preprints201808.0303.v1
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