Pine bark extract’s benefits for the cardiovascular health of smokers.

The long-term effects of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) is studied here, and the results show that taking Pycnogenol® three hours prior to a smoker’s first cigarette of the day significantly reduced smoke-induced platelet aggregation to the level of nonsmokers. These observations suggest that the bioflavonoids in Pycnogenol® reduces the platelet aggregation caused by tobacco smoke and reduces the risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.