Antioxidants

Pycnogenol-a patented extract of French pine bark.  It is packed with proanthocyanidins--members of the bioflavonoid family that are also extracted from grape seeds. These proanthrcyanidins are powerful.  In tree bark or grape seeds their job is to essentially provide protection from damage.  Pycnogenol has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant as well.  Studies show that it helps keep blood vessels healthy by opening them up, and animal studies show that Pycnogenol helps strengthen capillaries.  It's also been shown to lower blood pressure and inhibit the ability of blood platelets to stick together and form clots.

Resveratrol-is a compound found in red wine and the skin of dark grapes.  It has been shown in studies to inhibit the growth of several cancer cell lines and tumors.  It's a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It ramps up detoxification enzymes in the liver and protects the heart.  Research has even shown that it may reduce insulin resistance, a factor in type 11 diabetes.

The total amount of resveratrol in a capsule isn't as important as the amount of trans-resveratrol, the particularly potent and bioactive form that has all the benefits. 

Astaxanthin-is a memeber of the carotenoid family.  It is found in microalgae and seafood, and it's what gives wild salmon their color.  It's a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  Most of the research so far as been on animals, but scientists suggest that astaxanthin may be a potent therapeutic agent against cardiovascular disease.  Animal studies have shown that astaxanthin can lower blood pressure, protect the brain, and reduce inflammation.  It's been shown to have a significant protective effect against sunburn.

Curcumin-is the general name for a group of compounds found in the spice turmeric, which gives curry its yellow color.  Curcumin has anticancer activity, it supports liver health, and it's a powerful antioxidant.  But the one property that stands out is its  power as an anti-inflammatory.  In India, where 94% of the turmeric in the world originates, curcumin is used to relieve arthritis.  It's good for muscle pain as well as joint inflammation.

There are at least 30 studies indicating tht curcumin has an antitumor effect.  One study, published in 2006 in the journal Oncogene, showed that curcumin inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells.

The downside of many curcumin supplements is that they aren't very well absorbed.  But EuroPharma has fixed that problem by coming up with a patented blend of curcumin known as BCM-95 that used micronized curcumin mixed with turmeric essential oils.

Jonny Bowden  PhD.  CNS