Arginine and pycnogenol: 1 + 1 = 3

Pycnogenol® supports the body in achieving peak performance and accelerates recovery after exercise, which can lead to a reduced muscle load in athletes.What role does arginine play in this process?

Claudia Smet Updated on Aug 22, 2021

Better blood flow during endurance sports

L-arginine is an amino acid that plays a role in the synthesis of nitric oxide and, among other things, ensures greater blood flow in the vessels, which results in better transport of blood and nutrients to the muscles. Extra blood flow to the muscles can help to to increase endurance. In addition, it becomes easier for the body to remove and eliminate harmful substances that accumulate in the muscles during training.

What is Pycnogenol®?

Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract derived from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of south-west France and contains a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids. Three natural raw materials with a number of health benefits.

Why can Pycnogenol play an important role in physical activity?

Physical exercise is important for overall health and at the same time increases our body's need for oxygen. Research suggests that Pycnogenol® can play an important role in this physical activity, as this patented extract supports the body in producing nitric oxide NO, which improves blood circulation (particularly blood flow to the muscles). Pycnogenol® supports the body in achieving peak performance and accelerates recovery after exercise, which can lead to a reduced muscle load in athletes.

How can Pycnogenol® relax blood vessels and improve blood flow?

Pycnogenol® stimulates the enzyme “endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)” for improved production of NO from the precursor molecule L-arginine.

How does Pycnogenol® work to increase energy?

The relationship between Pycnogenol® and an athlete's endurance was studied several years ago at the University of California. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, recreational athletes were supplemented with either Pycnogenol® or placebo. Both groups were monitored for 30 days. Both groups were then switched to the other program for another 30 days. The athletes exercised on a treadmill under controlled conditions with individual settings (set at 85% of their maximum oxygen consumption) to prevent the body from becoming exhausted and to reduce anaerobic metabolism.