Hay fever season? We’ve got your back.

It is estimated during spring, summer and early autumn tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen will affect around 10 million people in England with hay fever and allergic respiratory problems.

Hay fever usually begins in childhood or during your teenage years, but you can get it at any age.

A study published in the June 2010 issue of Phytotherapy Research demonstrates Pycnogenol, a unique plant extract containing French maritime bark (Pinus pinaster), which is grown in sustainable French forests, contains potent antioxidants* that protect the cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and is a natural source of proanthocyanidins, which substantially improves the symptoms of hay fever. 

60 people (between 18-65) that tested positive to birch pollen allergies by skin prick tests, were assigned to a double blind trial taking either 50mg Pycnogenol or a placebo twice daily (alongside recorded usage of any non prescription antihistamine products). In the study – approved by “Health Canada” authorities- subjects taking Pycnogenol seven weeks before onset of the birch season required very little non-prescription antihistamine medication (12.5%) compared with subjects taking the placebo (50%) 

Other studies have also revealed Pycnogenol to favourably affect patients suffering from allergies. Two earlier clinical trials showed that Pycnogenol improves symptoms and breathing ability of asthma patients. Asthma is likewise triggered by airborne allergens and Pycnogenol was demonstrated to significantly decrease leukotriene levels, an inflammatory mediator involved in asthma and hay fever alike. Human pharmacologic studies have pointed to a general anti-inflammatory potency of Pycnogenol

Recommended dosage with meals:
First week: 2 tablets twice per day (total of 4 tablets a day)
Thereafter: 1 tablet twice per day (total of 2 tablets a day) Or as directed by a physician.

Our Pycnogenol supplements are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. There are no adverse effects or contra-indications reported regarding taking Pycnogenol supplements from Pharma Nord. 

A price comparison has identified Bio-Pycnogenol as the best value for money Pycnogenol product in the UK amongst leading high street brands.

* Free radicals are substances created by our own metabolism, as well as by environmental factors (such as smoking, air pollution and UV light exposure). In excess, free radicals may be harmful in the body and are linked to many degenerative diseases. Antioxidants such as those found in Pycnogenol may be beneficial in countering free radical effects. Pycnogenol supplements contain potent antioxidants, with antioxidant activity approximately twenty times that of vitamin C. Because of the chemical structure of Pycnogenol, it can be incorporated into and protect both the aqueous (cytoplasmic) and lipid (cell membrane) phases of cells from damage by free radicals. It also promotes increased availability of vitamin C within the body.