Pycnogenol Produces Anti-Aging Results

HOBOKEN, NJA recent study conducted by the Leibenz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Dusseldorf, Germany, (IUF) found French maritime pine bark extract (as Pycnogenol, from Horphag Research) improved several parameters of skin aging. The results were recently published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2012;25:86-92).

The study looked at 20 healthy women, aged 55 to 68 years, who were given 75 mg of Pycnogenol® per day for 12 weeks. At he start of the trial, as well as at the six- and 12-week mark, researchers assessed skin hydration, skin elasticity and skin fatigue using non-invasive biophysical methods. Further, at the beginning and end of the intervention period, they performed biopsies to assess gene expression of HAS-1 and COL1A1/COL1A2, which are related to hyaluronic acid and collagen, respectively.

Analysis showed Pycnogenol intervention increased COL1A1 by 29 percent, COL1A2 by 41 percent and hyaluronic acid production by 44 percent. Hyaluronic acid binds large quantities of water in the skin and in other tissues, such as cartilage. Thus, the increased amount of hyaluronic acid explains the increased skin hydration, higher elasticity and overall smoother skin appearance found in women taking Pycnogenol.

The supplement also improved skin elasticity by 25 percent, while decreasing skin fatigue significantly. Further, Pycnogenol reduced skin wrinkles by three percent, but increased skin smoothness by six percent.

According to lead researcher Jean Krutmann, Ph.D., Pycnogenol is the only natural supplement to date that stimulates hyaluronic acid production in human skin. "And, we are encouraged by the molecular evidence confirmed in this study that shows nutritional supplementation with Pycnogenol® benefits human skin."

Victor Ferrari, CEO of Horphag Research, said,  This exciting and technically advanced investigation with women representing actual consumer profiles greatly supports our efforts for targeting the skin beauty category for both dietary supplements and functional foods."  He noted beauty from within has been a driver in Horphags business for the last several years, with Asian markets providing numerous Pycnogenol products in the skincare field.