As an antioxidant, studies have shown that Pine Bark is 50 times more powerful than Vitamin E and 20 times more potent than Vitamin C. It is one of the most potent free radical scavengers yet discovered. In March 1994, The Alliance for Aging Research announced that "a diet rich in anti-oxidants is effective in guarding against heart disease, cancer, cataracts, and other conditions associated with aging."

Antioxidants are most abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables. Sadly, studies show that at least 80% of Americans do not get enough daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Even if we do eat well-balanced meals, often the food is nutrient-poor due to over-farming, chemical farming, processing, and refining. As a treatment for hay fever and related allergies, Pine Bark has been highly successful because, unlike anti-histamines which simply interfere with the binding of a histamine to cells after its release in the body, Pine Bark prevents histamines from being released in the first place.

Bioflavonoids are a group of naturally occurring com-pounds produced by plants that give them their color and flavor. Bioflavonoids have a wide variety of antioxidant properties, and water soluble bio-flavonoids may help us absorb and utilize vitamins more efficiently.

As a possible treatment for ADD, Pine Bark is a promising alternative to powerful drugs like Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Cylert. These drugs can have undesirable side effects like loss of appetite, insomnia, headaches, and depression. Though the human studies are not complete, Pine Bark has provided many children as well as adults dramatic relief from ADD.

Pycnogenol and grape seed exact are rich in flavonoids-powerful antioxidants that protect against free radical cell damage. Readers Digest, December 1997 reports that 'Pycnogenol and grape-seed extracts seem to ease the symptoms of inflammatory diseases and relieve allergies. Grape-seed extracts may also offer the cardio-protective benefits associated with red wine-but without the alcohol.' (p. 154)