A new study has revealed that pycnogenol, a bark extract from the French maritime pine tree, lessens jet lag in passengers by about 50%.

The two-part study involving a brain CT scan and a scoring system, showed that Pycnogenol lowered symptoms of jet lag such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia and brain edema (swelling) in both healthy individuals and hypertensive patients.

Jet lag, which is also known as desynchronosis, is a temporary disorder, which causes various temporary mental and physical harms due to air travel across time zones. It is caused because of the body's inability to instantly adjust to the time in a different zone while traveling.

Gianni Belcaro, a co-author of the study of G D'Annunzio University in Pescara, Italy, said, “This study could not have come at a better time for the upcoming holiday travel season.”
 
Belcaro attributed Pycnogenol’s combined activities for better blood circulation and antioxidant strength to such amazing results.

“Previous Pycnogenol flight studies have shown a reduction in jet lag; however this was the first study to solely focus on the condition,” Belcaro added.

The study consists of 133 passengers who took flights, which were seven to nine hours long. Fifty mg of oral Pycnogenol was given thrice daily for seven days, starting two days earlier than the flight.

“I’m encouraged by the results of the study as Pycnogenol was effective in preventing jet lag related effects without any side effects,” Belcaro said.

While more research needs to be conducted on this topic, Pycnogenol is emerging as natural, yet safe option for long distance travellers.

The findings of the study were published in Minerva Cardioangiologica.