[Latin Name]  Pinus pinaster.

[Specification] OPC ≥ 95%

[Appearance] Red brown fine powder

Plant Part Used: Bark

[Particle size] 80Mesh

[Loss on drying] ≤5.0%

[Heavy Metal] ≤10PPM

[Storage] Store in cool & dry area, keep away from the direct light and heat.

[Shelf life] 24 Months

[Package] Packed in paper-drums and two plastic-bags inside.

[Net weight] 25kgs/drum

[What is Pine bark?]

Pine bark, botanical name Pinus pinaster, is a maritime pine native to southwest France that also grows in countries along the western Mediterranean.  Pine bark contains a number of beneficial compounds that are extracted from the bark in a way that doesn’t destroy or damage the tree.

[How does it work?]

What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that it’s loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds, OPCs for short. The same ingredient can be found in grape seeds, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. But what makes this miracle ingredient so amazing?

While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to poor circulation, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, diabetes, ADHD, female reproductive issues, skin, erectile dysfunction, eye disease and sports stamina.

Seems like it must be pretty amazing, but let’s look closer. The list goes on a bit further, as the OPCs in this extract may “inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems,” which basically means it may be a natural treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease.

[Function]

1. Lowers Glucose Levels, Improving Diabetic Symptoms
2. Helps Prevent Hearing Loss and Balance
3. Staves Off Infections
4. Protects the Skin from Ultraviolet Exposure
5. Decreases Erectile Dysfunction
6. Reduces Inflammation
7.  Helps Increase Athletic Performance

Jax was diagnosed as n/P1 for PSSM, meaning he is heterozygous positive (has one copy of the gene). He went symptomatic around July of 2015, and just kept getting worse until he tied up and colicked in January of 2016 (at this point the vets didn’t believe he had tied up and treated it as a colic). I switched his feed and started handwalking him after the colic, but he wasn’t getting better. Finally in May of 2016 I switched his feed again and started trimming his feet myself. He kept getting better, was able to trot and canter on the lunge without his stifles sticking by July of 2016, but kept having back pain and tightness (you can see his sore back muscles in another video on my channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lGDqCzLCp0 ). Finally in August of 2016 he had a mild muscle spasm in his shoulder, and I knew he was having muscle issues. By early September of 2016 we had an official diagnosis of n/P1. I’ve spent this last year trying to find a diet and exercise program that works for him, and I think we are finally getting there…

I’m putting together some PSSM posts on my Horses & Art blog. If you’d like to see the feed program that’s getting his muscles loosened up, it’s here:

https://jenpratt.blogspot.com/2017/07/glycemic-index-and-pssm-horse-rice-bran.html

I have a few more posts about PSSM, such as the full story of lameness issues and heartache on dealing with a symptomatic horse. I hope to have more posts about exercise, feeds, hoof care, and other extremely important aspects of maintaining a symptomatic horse in soon.

By Dr. Frank Schonlau