Pycnogenol® in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders.

The present review provides an update of the biological actions of Pycnogenol® in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and related disorders such as obesity, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and hypertension. Pycnogenol® is a French maritime pine bark extract produced from the outer bark of Pinus pinaster Ait. Subsp.

Pycnogenol® in chronic venous insufficiency and related venous disorders.

The present review provides an update of the biological profile of Pycnogenol in the light of its use in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and related venous disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), post-thrombotic syndrome, long haul air-travel-related leg oedema, venous ulcers and acute haemorrhoids. Pycnogenol is a French maritime pine bark extract produced from the outer bark of Pinus pinaster Ait. subsp.

Use of botanicals in food supplements. Regulatory scope, scientific risk assessment and claim substantiation. 2005.

Background/aims: In the European Union, an elaborate legal framework regulates botanical products both under food and medicinal law. The decision as to which legal framework applies to an individual product may differ between the Member States. In the case of botanical food supplements, all food law provisions apply to their manufacturing, composition and marketing, including the new claims legislation.

Legislation relating to nutraceuticals in the European Union with a particular focus on botanical-sourced products.

Nutraceuticals are food or food ingredients that have defined physiological effects. They do not easily fall into the legal categories of food or drug and often inhabit a grey area between the two. These products in general terms cover health promotion, "optimal nutrition" the concept of enhanced performance--both physically and mentally--and reduction of disease risk factors.

Zinopin--the rationale for its use as a food supplement in Traveller's thrombosis and motion sickness.

Venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) has been associated with periods of prolonged immobility during air, sea and road travel. Motion sickness (MS) has also been reported during both long and short journeys. Current prophylactic therapies for both these indications are generally associated with side effects.