Pine Bark Extract: Oxygen Supply for Muscles and More

An antioxidant from the pine tree extract may enhance healthy nitric oxide (NO) production that provides oxygen supplies for muscles and also increases blood flow, according to a recent study.

The blood flow increase delivers larger amounts of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, and offers them resistance when it comes to increased physical activity. The nitric oxide is a chemical compound produced by the body that increases blood flow.

The study, conducted at the Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Japan, showed that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from pine tree, may play a key role in the nitric oxide production.  

The participants were divided into two groups. The first group took had 180mg of Pycnogenol per day during a week and the other group had a placebo. The participants were also given a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine in order to identify the Pycnogenol`s effects on nitric oxide release.

When people perform intense physical activity, the nerves release acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that expands arteries and also requires higher amounts of nitric oxide.

The results showed that in two weeks, the blood flow increased by forty-two percent as a result of the Pycnogenol supplementation and acetylcholine. The placebo group didn`t showed a significant increase to the blood flow, compared to the Pycnogenol group.

Previous research on the connection between Pycnogenol and sport nutrition proved that Pycnogenol may support intense muscle activity, improve blood circulation, and alleviate muscular pains in athletes. Pycnogenol may also lead to a faster physical recovery and enhance muscle performance for athletes.