A number of companies across the US have shown increasing interest in researching extracts from the Pine Tree bark, with its unique healing properties. As a result of their work and substantial historical findings, they have developed teas and extracts to help with the proper functioning of the body. Results have evidently shown that it can improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, and enhance the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), which in turn can help support overall cardiovascular health.
In 2004 a team of researchers headed by “Liu et al,” conducted a study on Pine Bark Extract and found that this organic product has a positive impact on DNA by protecting against damage and that it could promote repair mechanisms.
The study which was published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” is titled: “Pine Bark Extract Protects against Oxidative DNA Damage in Vitro and Reduces PC12 Cell Apoptosis” (or cell death). The research examined the effects of Pine Bark Extracts on PC12 cells.
The PC12 line is one of the most commonly used in Neuroscience research. The study demonstrated that pine bark extract was able to increase the activity of enzymes involved in DNA repair. PC12 are a type of nerve cell.
While this study was conducted on PC12 cells and not on human subjects, it provided preliminary evidence that pine bark extract may have beneficial effects on DNA. However, though some studies suggest that certain compounds found in pine bark extract may have an impact on DNA; it is suggested that further research is needed to confirm these findings in human studies.
One of the main compounds found in pine bark extract is proanthocyanidin, which is a type of flavonoid. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant properties and have been shown to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to DNA, leading to mutations and potentially contributing to the development of cancer.
In one study, researchers found that proanthocyanidin from pine bark extract were able to protect against oxidative damage to DNA in rats. The study suggested that this effect may be due to the ability of proanthocyanidin to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Another study looked at the effects of pine bark extract on DNA repair mechanisms. The researchers found that pine bark extract was able to increase the activity of certain enzymes involved in repairing DNA damage in human cells. This suggests that pine bark extract may be able to help protect against DNA damage and promote DNA repair.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of pine bark tea or extract on DNA, there seems to be enough evidence to suggest that compounds found in pine bark may have a positive impact on DNA by protecting against damage and promoting repair mechanisms.
Pine bark extracts have been used for its health benefits for centuries. Some suggest that its use can be traced back to ancient civilizations including the Greeks and Egyptians, who used it for various medicinal purposes. However, the modern use of pine bark extract as a dietary supplement dates back to the 1950s in France. Pine bark extract is widely used around the world today, especially in Japan and The United States.
Listed below are some of the companies that have conducted research on Pine Bark Extracts (PBE) to better understand its potential health benefits and develop products that utilize its unique properties.
Swanson Health: US-based company offers a wide range of supplements and natural health products.
Solgar: US-based company that produces high-quality supplements and has researched PBE and its potential benefits for immune Health Wellbeing.
NOW Foods: US-based company which offers a variety of supplements and natural products.
Pure Encapsulations: US-based company that specializes in developing high-quality supplements. They have researched PBE and its potential benefits for cardiovascular health, including its ability to improve blood pressure and blood lipid levels.
Horphag Research: A Swiss-based company that conducted extensive research on PBE and developed a patented extract known as Pycnogenol.
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