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Pine bark extracts: nutraceutical, pharmacological, and toxicological evaluation
Ying-Ya Li1, Jiao Feng1, Xiao-Lu Zhang1
1Department of Regenerative Medicine (Y.-Y.L., J.F., X.-L.Z., Y.-Y.C.), Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China (Y.-Y.C.), and Institute of Medical Genetics (Y.-Y.C.), Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Pine bark extracts (PBEs) contain proanthocyanidins with significant potential for developing new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective medicines. Limited toxicological data suggest PBEs are safe for food ingredients and may serve as nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Proanthocyanidins are major compounds in pine bark extracts (PBEs).
- Research on PBEs from various Pinus species is reviewed.
- PBEs exhibit diverse physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize medical research on PBEs.
- To explore the potential of PBEs in medicine and nutraceuticals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of medical research on PBEs.
- Analysis of studies on Pinus species.
Main Results:
- PBEs contain abundant proanthocyanidins.
- PBEs show potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anticancer agents.
- Limited toxicological data indicate PBEs are safe with no reported serious adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- PBEs have considerable potential for novel pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.
- PBEs may be safe for use as food ingredients.
