Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Background:

• Cigarette smoking significantly increases platelet aggregation and reactivity.
• Platelet hyperaggregability is a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
• French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) is a bioflavonoid mixture with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term effects of Pycnogenol® on platelet aggregation in cigarette smokers.
• To investigate the impact of Pycnogenol® on smoke-induced changes in platelet function.
• To determine if Pycnogenol® influences thromboxane A2 (TxA2) levels in smokers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving cigarette smokers and nonsmokers.
• Platelet aggregation was measured before and after smoking, and after 2 months of daily Pycnogenol® supplementation (200 mg/day).
• In vitro platelet aggregation stimulated by platelet-activating factor (PAF) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) levels were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Two months of daily Pycnogenol® supplementation (200 mg/day) significantly reduced smoke-induced platelet aggregation in smokers to levels observed in nonsmokers.
• Pycnogenol® prevented the smoking-induced increase in thromboxane B2 (TxB2) levels.
• Pycnogenol® did not alter platelet aggregation in nonsmokers or affect in vitro aggregation stimulated by PAF.

Conclusions:

• Long-term consumption of Pycnogenol® effectively reduces platelet aggregation stimulated by tobacco smoke in smokers.
• Pycnogenol® supplementation may mitigate a significant cardiovascular risk factor associated with smoking.
• The mechanism of action appears related to the modulation of thromboxane production rather than direct effects on platelet aggregation pathways.