CHICAGO - November 14, 2002- In a recent clinical study, the powerful natural antioxidant, Pycnogenol helped 30 diabetics ward off one of the most debilitating affects of the disease, diabetic retinopathy involving bleedings in the eye, which can lead to blindness.  The study, which was published in Phytotherapy Research, concluded that Pycnogenol helped slow progression of diabetic retinopathy (blindness) by sealing the leaky capillaries that cause the condition. 

During the two-month a clinical study, participants showed no deterioration of retinal function and some showed a significant recovery of visual acuity in comparison to the progressively worsened condition of the ten patient placebo-treated group.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading form of blindness in people under the age of 60 in the US and affects more than 5.3 million Americans.  Some diabetics are looking to natural sources to keep their eyes healthy. Pycnogenol has shown a positive affect in five clinical studies, including more than 1,000 diabetics, in strengthening the tiny capillaries in the eye. Researchers conducted the studies because Pycnogenol has been shown to strengthen the circulatory system in dozens of studies over the last two decades.

According to Jesse Lopez, Executive Vice President of Natural Health Science, "Based on this scientific evidence and the results from four additional clinical studies, a new Pycnogenol product, Picno 30(TM), was developed by Novartis specifically for the treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy and is available in Europe."

In addition to the extensive research in diabetic retinopathy, Pycnogenol has been studied in connection with other complications associated with diabetes.  Diabetes increases the production of free radicals, which damage the body by increasing the risk of heart attack, nerve damage, cataracts, blindness and stroke.  Antioxidants are known for their combative properties against free radicals and according to the recent book PycnogenolÒ For Superior Health by Richard A. Passwater, PhD., "Diabetics need more antioxidant protection than healthy persons.  Pycnogenol is the most powerful antioxidant nutrient known at this time."

While Pycnogenol helps guard against health risks linked to diabetes, the super antioxidant also increases the body's defenses, like Vitamin C and E, to maintain general health.  Most importantly, Pycnogenol has been extensively researched for its safety and can be taken continuously without side effects. 

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Natural Health Science, LLC, (NHS) based in Hillside, New Jersey, is the North American distributor for Pycnogenol® brand French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on behalf of Horphag Research.  Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd., Guernsey, and its applications are protected by U.S. patents #4,698,360 / #5,720,956 / # 6,372.266 and other international patents.  NHS has the exclusive rights to market and sell Pycnogenol®
(pic-noj-en-all) and benefits from over thirty years of scientific research assuring the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol® as a dietary supplement. For more information about Pycnogenol® visit our web site at www.pycnogenol.com.