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Allergies and the Blood Brain Barrier
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
"Pycnogenol® has the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to directly protect blood vessels and brain cells."

"There is solid evidence that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease which means it is the result of the actions of one's own immune system on specific tissues in the body. For example when the immune system attacks collagen in the joints the autoimmune disease is called rheumatoid arthritis.

Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by inflammation and damage to tissues in the central nervous system (CNS) due to immune responses." (Van Oosten et al., 1995)

Food allergies and MS sufferers

"Diet can readily affect the brain-blood barrier through the ingestion of allergenic foods and large quantities of saturated fats. Diet is obviously found throughout the world and it is specific enough to an individual with very specific allergies to result in MS affecting only half or less of genetically susceptible individuals.

Food allergies seem to be very common and this is currently being demonstrated by ELISA blood tests which test for allergenic reactions to 190 foods. Currently all five MS patients who have had such a test have had numerous, significant food allergies. Given that it is estimated that between 1 in 50 to 1 in 100 people have significant food allergies, if the MS and food allergies were not related, the chance of a person having both would be between 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000. Current data suggest at least 1 in 2 MS patients has notable food allergies indicating that MS and food allergies are definitely related." (MS - Probable Cause and Best-Bet Treatment, by Ashton F. Embry, Ph.D., 06/15/96)

Allergy as a disorder of the immune system

"Allergy has been described as a process of inflammation now known to be a disorder of the immune system, which is made up of cells with the capacity for recognizing, evaluating and neutralizing or eliminating alien material.

Inflammatory diseases include allergies or sensitivities, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis. They all involve free radicals and, of course, Pycnogenol® quenches free radicals and inhibits the inflammatory enzymes" (The New Superantioxidant-Plus, pg. 39-40, Keats Publishing,1992.)

"Histamine is one of the more important mediators in allergic reactions. At the 1990 International Symposium on Pycnogenol, Dr. D. White of the University of Nottingham reported that it (Pycnogenol) greatly reduces the formation of histamine, and thus, reduces inflammation." (The New Superantioxidant-Plus, pg. 39-40, Keats Publishing,1992.)

MS and the Blood Brain Barrier

For a long time multiple sclerosis has been a puzzling disease. Recent experimental studies have clarified many of the problems associated with the disease.

"Historically, it has been known that MS is caused by certain white blood cells attacking the myelin surrounding the nerve cells of a person's own central nervous system.

How do the white blood cells get to the myelin in order to attack it to begin with? Under normal conditions the blood-brain barrier (BBB) provides an effective separation between the blood cells and the myelin, such that it would be irrelevant whether or not some of the white cells were programmed incorrectly.

Pycnogenol strengthens the Blood Brain Barrier

Strengthening the BBB to the extent that no further breakdowns occur would indeed help victims of MS. There are three related chemicals which have been found effective in strengthening the blood-brain barrier in animals. These are the anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins, and procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs). All three of these are variants of a common class of chemicals called "flavonoids."" (Multiple Sclerosis, The Blood Brain Barrier, and New Treatment, by Timothy R. Stout)

"MS patients have been shown to have an abnormal blood-brain barrier, presumably as a result of excessive platelet adhesiveness and aggregation. Damage to the blood brain barrier may allow the influx to the cerebrospinal fluid of substances in the blood, such as bacteria, viruses, antibodies, toxic chemicals and other compounds, that are toxic to myelin.

Lack of oxygen may also be a contributing factor in demyelination, by promoting both the release of cellular enzymes and cellular suffocation(death)." (Enclycopedia of Natural Medicine, 1991, Michael T. Murray, N.D. & Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.)

Pycnogenol protects brain cells

Pycnogenol® has the unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to directly protect blood vessels and brain cells. The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from many compounds that circulate in the blood. Brain cells are very sensitive to these compounds. The blood-brain barrier filters out as many of these nonessential compounds as it can. The nutrient known as Pycnogenol® is 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin C in vitro studies.

Pycnogenol® protects against free radical damage, protects against the effects of pollution, and compensates for nutrient depletion. Free radicals play a leading role in the effects of aging on body tissues, and in many degenerative disease conditions. Antioxidants have been shown to be effective in combating the effects of free radicals.

Cognitive and Perceptual Problems in MS

"Problems with memory, thinking, perception, and language associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are becoming recognized more and more -- twenty years ago it was thought that cognitive impairments were present in only about 3% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). More recent studies show that 43% - 65% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have some kind of cognitive impairment.

In addition, there's often a stigma associated with cognitive dysfunction. It's morally and socially OK to walk with a cane or drive a scooter -- but if you can't THINK normally, you're somehow in a different category of disability.

There's almost a medieval way of thinking here -- as though the brain is somehow the "seat of the soul" and that the person with cognitive dysfunction is spiritually damaged, or lessened in some basic essence of humanity -- silly and dangerous, but all too common." (Cognitive and Perceptual Problems in MS, by Catherine Britell, MD)

Sluggish memories may be improved

"Pycnogenol® is important to brain function, not only because it protects blood vessels, but also because it is one of the few dietary antioxidants that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells." "Protection of brain cells will help memory and reduce senility. There are indications that even sluggish memories are improved, perhaps due to better circulation and cell nourishment." (The New Superantioxidant - Plus, Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., page 38)

Pycnogenol reduces free-radical damage

"As an antioxidant, Pycnogenol, a blend of special bioflavonoids, reduces free radical-caused tissue damage many times more effective than vitamin E, potentiates the health giving effects of vitamin C, and protects brain and nerve tissue with its nearly unique ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier.

It also reduces inflammation and improves circulation, both relieving the distresses of arthritis, diabetes and stroke and promoting prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. And its ability to bond to collagen promotes renewed youthfulness , flexibility and body integrity..." (The New Superantioxidant-Plus, Keats Publishing,1992.)

Pycnogenol®’s Outstanding Safety

"The safety of Pycnogenol has been reviewed in depth by Dr. Peter Rohdewald of the Pharmacology Institute of the University of Munster in Germany during the 1990 International Pycnogenol Symposium in Bordeaux. Dr. Rohdewald stated Pycnogenol is a safe natural product with no adverse side effects whatsoever." (The New Superantioxidant-Plus, Keats Publishing,1992.)

"Although we have traced the history of Pycnogenol through more than 450 years, and although it has been used for decades, it seems destined to wider popularity and utility as researchers understand more about it. We have just scratched the surface." (The New Superantioxidant-Plus, Keats Publishing,1992.)

Not All Pycnogenol® Are Created Equal...

Not all Pycnogenol® are created equal... The excipients, flow agents, and binders used in preparing Pycnogenol® tablets make all the difference in how it is absorbed by the body. Many companies use low quality cellulose to hold the tablets together, and excipients that make the Pycnogenol® practically non-absorbable. A formulation that enhances rather than detracts from the body's ability to absorb the Pycnogenol® is the difference felt by people trying Pycnogenol®. Many brands in North America test only 10% or 12% bio-available, and none of the other brands test over 30% bio-available.

Special formulation enables 95% absorption of Pycnogenol®

Our exclusive proprietory formulation (protected with a second patent) enhances rather than detracts from the body's ability to absorb the Pycnogenol® (this is bioavailability). Each 20mg tablet is 95% bio-available.

"The special formulation of this Pycnogenol® compound has been proven to bring amazing results in numerous clinical conditions. There are now many companies in the United States now selling Pycnogenol® and many others now illegally infringing on the registered trademarked name, selling grape seed extract compounds and mixing it with pine bark extract.

There has been no scientific research done on these extracts that can compare with the research done on Pycnogenol®. The results that I have had with this product, are from only one company, and it has the compound with the special formulation that Charles Haimoff (president of Horphag Research Ltd., the Pycnogenol® patent owner) has granted them exclusively." -Dr. W. LaMar Rosquist, Aging Long Life & Better Health

13 Doctors Talk About Pycnogenol®:
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*NOTE: Always consult a health professional should the need for one be indicated. Much of the information here presented has been addressed by literally hundreds of individuals seeking the same solutions, to the same answers, with which you are now engrossed. Such materials have been compiled, reviewed and corrected to the best of the authors ability. It is presented for educational purposes only. It is your personal responsibility to determine the validity of any and all information presented. Pycnogenol® and proanthocyanidins are NOT drugs and NOT represented as having any medicinal value, Pycnogenol® is a nutritional supplement and NOT a drug. Pycnogenol® is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The author hereby declares that this writing is made without any statement or declaration which would represent that he/she is a doctor**, licensed medical professional, or other type of medical counselor. **NOTE: IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS THAT COME TO MIND THAT MAY NOT BE EASILY ANSWERED THROUGH YOUR RESEARCH AND THE HERE INCLUDED CITATIONS, PLEASE CONSULT THE APPROPRIATE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. The materials presented here are done so under the benefit and authority of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the united States of America and said authority pertains to that Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press, ordained and preserved to the benefit of all peoples.