A new study indicates that aside from its therapeutic potential against diabetes, diabetic leg ulcers and ADHD, Pycnogenol®, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, also improves blood circulation by enhancing nitric oxide (NO) production, and thus increasing the blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles.

"This study suggests that when taking Pycnogenol®, more NO is provided in response to neurotransmitters allowing for better expansion of arteries to carry more blood. This process serves to meet the enhanced oxygen demand of the performing muscle and avoid anaerobic metabolism," said Dr. Yukihito Higashi, lead researcher of the study. "These results also lead me to determine that Pycnogenol® will be a useful natural alternative therapy in various diseases in which oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis."

These findings may be of interest particularly to athletes, as they suggest that Pycnogenol® is effective for enhancing and prolonging muscle performance during sport, supports muscle adaptation to higher work-load and allows for faster physical recovery.