The present review summarizes investigations concerning the biological activity as well as the clinical actions of an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, Pycnogenol®, on the signs and symptoms of the chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Basis for the anti-oedema and anti-thrombotic action is the maintenance of endothelial health, the capillary sealing, the inhibition of platelet aggregation and the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative action of Pycnogenol® following oral and/or local administration. The improvement of microcirculation contributes to faster healing of ulcers and haemorrhoids. The inhibition of oedema formation of the lower limbs and deep vein thromboses was demonstrated after long haul flights. The comparison with some venotonics and elastic stockings demonstrated superior effects of Pycnogenol®. Mild unwanted effects were reported with a rate of about 1 %.
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