The body’s immune system plays a very important role in respiratory health, specifically in conditions like hay fever/allergies and asthma. Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander or dust, can cause the immune system to be triggered, igniting inflammatory responses which in turn lead to a series of uncomfortable symptoms we know all too well.
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree which grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. The extract is a combination of procyandins, bioflavonoids and organic acids and has been clinically studied for a wide range of benefits. Pycnogenol® has been shown to help in a variety of health areas due to its four basic properties: acting as a powerful antioxidant, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binding to collagen and elastin and aiding in the production of nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels.
Mostly due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Pycnogenol®has a defined role in respiratory health, specifically with asthma and allergies. In human studies, it has been shown to help normalize the immune response by inhibiting Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and lowering the sensitivity level for triggering an immune response. Pycnogenol® has also been shown to inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, these cells release histamine which triggers the onset of symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, itching, etc. – also referred to as hay fever. Hay fever is a huge concern, but many of the prescription drugs have unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, and consumers are looking for that natural alternative. Pycnogenol® has been shown in human clinical studies to block histamine release and thus decrease these allergic response symptoms. Additionally, other research identified Pycnogenol’s effects of improved breathing for people suffering from allergic asthma.
nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of antioxidants bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark extracts(pycnogenol), and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants.
