What claims do the sales pitches make for pycnogenol?

Written by Laura Clift.

Pycnogenol or Revenol (super-enriched pycnogenol) claim to be the world's
most powerful anti-oxidant (vitamin C and E are anti-oxidants). The ads state
pycnogenol is non-toxic, non-mutagenic, has high bioavailability, crosses the
blood-brain barrier, enables vitamin C to remain in the body for 3 days as
opposed to 3 hours, increases capillary resistance, decreases capillary
fragility and permeability, decreases lower leg volume, strengthens collagen,
and remains active in the body for 72 hours.

Ads make claims that pycnogenol prevents, aids and/or cures the following
conditions:

  arthritis, cancer, AIDs, stomach pains, aches and pains, aging, abnormal
  menstrual bleeding, asthma, atherosclerosis, bruises, diabetic
  retinopathies, dry skin, edemas, excessive blood sugar, fatigue, hay fever,
  heart attacks due to vascular accidents, hemorrhoids, inflamed tissue,
  internal bleeding, jet lag, kidney disease, menstrual cramps, phlebitis,
  poor circulation, skin elasticity, strokes due to cerebral accidents,
  stress, ulcers, varicose veins, multiple sclerosis, prostate problems,
  sleep disorders, dog and horse cancers, attention deficit disorders, and
  increased physical endurance.