A recent study has articulated that taking pine bark extract for a few days prior to a long flight could reduce the severity and the duration of jet lag symptoms. According to Dr. Gianni Belcaro, a lead researcher of the study, Pycnogenol's combined activities for better circulation and antioxidant potency are the reasons for such remarkable results.

Belcaro said, "This study could not have come at a better time for the upcoming holiday travel season." "Previous Pycnogenol flight studies have shown a reduction in jetlag; however this was the first study to solely focus on the condition," he said.

Pycnogenol, pine bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, grows along the coast of southwest France, Spain, Portugal, western Italy, and northern Morocco. The bark contains a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which Belcaro and other scientists say offer extensive natural health benefits.

The two part study conducted at the G. D'Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy examined 133 passengers who undertook flights that were seven to nine hours long. Two days prior to the flights they were administered fifty milligrams of oral Pycnogenol three times a day for seven days.

The study published in the journal "Minerva Cardioangiologica" said the 32 patients who took the extract scored 56 % lower on a scale measuring jet lag symptoms like fatigue, grogginess, and insomnia 48 hours after their flight, compared to the 30 controls. Their symptoms also lasted 18.2 hours, on average, while those who didn't take the extract had symptoms lasting an average of 39.3 hours.

The second part of the study involved a similar procedure with an addition of a brain scan within 28 hours of their flight. The researchers found that the 30 control participants showed more swelling in the brain than the 30 who took Pycnogenol and their short-term memory also was more impaired, and the severity of their memory problems correlated to the amount of swelling in their lower limbs.

Jetlag, formally called desynchronosis, is caused due to the body's inability to immediately adjust to the time in a different zone while traveling resulting in temporary conditions such as insomnia, fatigue, irritability and an impaired ability to concentrate.

"This is the first study describing diffuse subliminal swellings of the brain after long haul flights, which we found to be reduced to less than half in the Pycnogenol group," said Dr. Belcaro. "I'm encouraged by the results of the study as Pycnogenol was effective in preventing jetlag related effects without any side-effects," he said. "While more research needs to be conducted on this topic, Pycnogenol is emerging as natural, yet safe option for long distance travelers." The U. S. Food and Drug Administration however say that there is no evidence that Pycnogenol is effective against any disease.