New research shows that Pycnogenol (an extract of the French maritime pine tree) may help offset kidney damage caused by high blood pressure. Known to damage capillaries in the kidneys, high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney disease (a condition estimated to affect one in ten adults in the United States).

For the study, researchers recruited 55 people who had high blood pressure in addition to elevated amounts of protein in their urine (an indicator of impaired kidney function). For six months, participants were treated with either a combination of Pycnogenol and the blood pressure drug Ramipril, or with Ramipril alone. By the end of the treatment period, those taking Pycnogenol had nearly double the decrease in urinary protein levels when compared to study members who took only Ramipril. What's more, those taking Pycnogenol in conjunction with Ramipril had a greater drop in blood pressure, as well as a decrease in C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation).

In past studies, Pycnogenol has been found to preserve eyesight in people with diabetes, as well as soothe menstrual cramps.

Pycnogenol May Counteract Kidney Damage originally appeared on About.com Alternative Medicine on Thursday, March 18th, 2010 at 06:00:12.

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