Pycnogenol®, a patented extract made from French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), may help prevent eye problems associated with diabetes, researchers report. One of the most common complications of diabetes is retinopathy. This disease occurs when the small blood vessels in the retina (located in the back of the eye) become damaged. The retina sends visual images to the brain, where they are perceived. Because the blood vessels supply the retina with oxygen, retinopathy may result in partial or complete vision loss. As retinopathy advances, the lack of oxygen may cause abnormal new blood vessels to grow into the retina, which may further damage the retina and worsen vision loss. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among American adults. Earlier research suggested that Pycnogenol® may help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy. It has been theorized that compounds in Pycnogenol® may stick to proteins in blood vessel walls to create a sealing effect. However, results were limited by a small sample size and unclear methodology. The current study included 46 patients with diabetes and early-stage retinopathy. At this stage, there is only minor leakage from blood vessels into the retina, and damage is often reversible. Blood glucose levels were well-controlled with antidiabetic medications. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either 150 milligrams of Pycnogenol® or placebo daily for three months. By the end of the study, patients in the Pycnogenol® group subjectively reported significant improvements in vision. Visual acuity, measured with the Snellen chart, improved from 14/20 at the beginning of the study to 17/20 after supplementation. Pycnogenol® treatment also led to significant improvements in retinal swelling and blood flow velocity in the retinal blood vessels. No such beneficial effects were reported in the control group. The authors suggest that these beneficial effects may be attributed to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and capillary-protective effects of Pycnogenol®. Although promising, additional research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of Pycnogenol® for diabetic retinopathy. Reference: Steigerwalt R, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Di Renzo A, Grossi MG, Ricci A, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Schonlau F. "Pycnogenol® Improves Microcirculation, Retinal Edema and Visual Acuity in Early Diabetic Retinopathy." Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2009 Nov 16.