Pycnogenol and Endothelial Function in Coronary Artery Disease
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Pycnogenol® is a proprietary bark extract of the French maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster
ssp. atlantica). Pycnogenol® has prevented pathologic symptoms such as chronic inflammation
and increased platelet aggregation, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The
endothelium is increasingly recognized not only a target (with vascular remodelling occurring
in response to an injury and resulting in atherosclerosis), but also a mediator in the
pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Indeed, endothelial cells play an important regulatory role
in the cardiovascular system by the expression of numerous molecules and release of mediators
such as nitric oxide (NO), superoxide and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Data from animal studies, as
well as human studies indicate that Pycnogenol may improve endothelial function, which is a
powerful surrogate for clinical prognosis.