Reduction of cardiovascular disease risk factors by French maritime pine bark extract

Antioxidants, such as bioflavonoids, show activity at reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. French maritime pine bark extract in tissue culture, in animals, and recently in people, promoted vascular function. The extract lowered platelet aggregation in heavy smokers without increasing bleeding as aspirin does. The pine bark extract also protected endothelial cells, enhanced their vasorelaxation, and strengthened capillary and vascular integrity. These effects seem to be due to the extract's multiple bioflavonoids with their antioxidant activity: protecting vitamin E, scavenging free radicals, and inhibiting low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Although in a long term pilot study, the pine bark extract showed significantly inhibited tobacco smoke platelet aggregation, it does not show the increase in bleeding time observed after intake of aspirin.