Company Description

Horphag Research Ltd. is an established global researcher and developer of natural nutritional product ingredients and is the exclusive supplier of Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract. Founded in 1925, Horphag has major offices and representations worldwide. Over the last thirty-five years, Horphag Research has invested millions of dollars in extensive research and clinical evidence, resulting in more than 100 scientific published studies and peer reviewed articles, to assure the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol^® as a dietary supplement. Today, Horphag continues to support groundbreaking research studies and education programs to educate global audiences on the extraordinary health benefits this super-strength antioxidant provides. While Horphag remains the worldwide supplier of Pycnogenol^®, the North American supplier of the ingredient is Natural Health Science (NHS) based in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Product

Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France. Pycnogenol^® is a water-soluble flavonoid known for its potent blend of antioxidant properties and has far reaching benefits for many different health issues including general reduction of free radicals, eye health, cardiovascular health, male infertility, travel health, PMS relief, immune system enhancement and skin health among others.

Pycnogenol^® is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) approved for applications in various foods and beverages. Pycnogenol^® may be used as a functional food and beverage ingredient in most countries of the world, with few exceptions. Approved applications for Pycnogenol® in functional foods and beverages include baked goods, breakfast cereals, breakfast bars, processed fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, soft candy, chewing gum, margarine, sauces, fats and oils and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Pycnogenol^® waters and juices have already debuted in Europe and Asia.

Pycnogenol^® product formulas can be found in local health food stores, drugstores, grocery stores or on the Internet. There are a wide variety of brands and formulas to choose from since the ingredient is included in more than 140 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. More information on Pycnogenol^® is available at www.pycnogenol.com.

Patents

• U.S. patent 4,698,360 awarded Pycnogenol^® for its ability to scavenge harmful free radicals. Pycnogenol^® also boosts the immune system and it strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries.
• U.S. patent 5,720,956, Pycnogenol^® inhibits platelet aggregation induced by cigarette smoking, without the adverse effect on bleeding time that characterizes aspirin use.
• U.S. patent 6,372,266, Pycnogenol^® has been awarded for use in the reduction of pain and discomfort associated with menstruation (PMS).