HOBOKEN, NJ - February 27, 2006 - A recently published review demonstrates the symbiotic effect of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and pine bark extract for promoting cardiovascular health. In the research overview, the data show patients who supplemented with the pine tree bark extract known as Pycnogenol(r) (pic-noj-en-all) and CoQ10 in combination benefited from the collaborative antioxidant effects. The assessment was published in the February issue of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine.
The analysis reviewed the extensive research on CoQ10 and Pycnogenol individually as well as in combination. CoQ10 supports healthy heart and blood vessel function and exists in the cells of the human body. As people mature, the amount of CoQ10 in the body may diminish. Pycnogenol supplies proanthocyanidins, active compounds that provide antioxidant protection from cell-damaging free radicals, and helps to maintain a healthy capillary circulatory system.
"With millions of Americans suffering from heart and stoke problems everyday, the need for natural alternatives to help support cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors has been on the rise,"
said Ronald R. Watson Ph.D., the lead author of the article. "In the prevention and treatment of disease, two or more dietary supplements when working in harmony should be more effective than each individual alone. That is the case, based on the extensive research collected, for Pycnogenol and CoQ10."
Joint research conducted at Showa Medical University of Tokyo, Japan and the State University of New York, Buffalo, indicate the co-action of Pycnogenol and CoQ10 protect 53 percent of blood lipids from oxidation as opposed to less than 30 percent as individual ingredients. Study results show these two antioxidant ingredients have synergistic effects on the body and work to protect and enhance the entire vascular system including blood vessel integrity, blood lipid values, circulation, blood pressure and platelet function.
"This survey of medical literature conducted on both ingredients strongly suggests that Pycnogenol and CoQ10 is a seamless combination for improvement of all major cardiovascular ailments. Biologically, the mechanisms of both ingredients work in synergy because of their powerful antioxidant effect," said Dr. Watson.
According to Dr. Watson, research on Pycnogenol has shown numerous cardio benefits including reducing high blood pressure, improving vein health, lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol, reducing platelet activity, relaxing artery constriction and improving circulation. The research widely documents CoQ10's support to the heart muscle yielding improved ejection fraction, exercise tolerance and cardiac output. Further clinical studies suggest that it has a beneficial effect on hypertension and helps prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
This natural product combination is available through GNC in an exclusive formula called Pycno Q-10(tm) that combines Pycnogenol(r) and CoQ10, creating a safe and effective product and providing consumers with a natural alternative to incorporate into their daily lifestyle and heart health routine.
Pycnogenol(r) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the Maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 35 years and has more than 220 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol(r) is available in more than 400 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information or a copy of this article, visit www.pycnogenol.com.