The gold standard

By Victor Ferrari, Horphag Research

Victor Ferrari sheds some light on recent Pycnogenol research areas and its functional food and beverage applications.

“It's always exciting to work with smart, global and local companies that have similar philosophies revolving around scientific research and development.”
-Victor Ferrari

Describe the latest research on Pycnogenol and how this science transfers to foods and beverages.

Pycnogenol has matured as a supplement ingredient and companies globally are embracing the product in functional foods and beverages. Known as a ‘gold standard’ within the natural products industry, Pycnogenol is supported by 40 plus years of research – making it one of the safest and most researched ingredients available today.

Research and development is a top priority for us, and on average a new Pycnogenol research study is published every three weeks. Most recently, a study was published on how Pycnogenol naturally reduces blood pressure, counteracting kidney damage caused by hypertension. Previous studies on blood pressure have also revealed Pycnogenol favourably affects the normalisation of blood pressure by releasing arterial constriction. Cardiovascular health is one of the strongest Pycnogenol applications. Other basic properties include anti-inflammatory, potent antioxidant and the ability to restore a healthy production of nitric oxide.

The opportunities for functional food and beverage applications for heart health are abundant. In fact, several of our customers have translated these scientific benefits to actual products, including antioxidant fruit drinks and functional beverages that combat inflammation caused by allergies and hay fever. Another recent study published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics found Pycnogenol can improve microcirculation, retinal edema and visual acuity in early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Pycnogenol boasts a number of studies on eye health to support these new findings, and we are currently exploring functional food and beverage solutions in this category.

We’ve also launched a proprietary combination supplement of Pycnogenol and bilberry and look forward to developing new partnerships this year. I’d like to also note a recent study on the anti-inflammatory properties of Pycnogenol, published in International Immunopharmacology. Researchers found that Pycnogenol inhibits the generation of COX-2 and 5-LOX, naturally occurring enzymes associated with a host of inflammatory conditions. In addition to this research, Pycnogenol promotes joint mobility and flexibility and naturally relives aching. These are crucial benefits as we look to developing joint health drinks and foods.

What do you look for in an ideal business partner that equates to successful finished product?

Working with an ‘ideal’ business partner will more often than not equate to a successful finished product. It’s always exciting to work with smart, global and local companies that have similar business practices and philosophies revolving around scientific research and development. In my experience, when Pycnogenol is used as an active ingredient with other safe and efficacious ingredients, backed by research, the result is a highly performing product with all ingredients synergistically working together to deliver optional health benefits to the end consumer.

The European foods sector is looking for unique functional food and beverage products that can drive innovation forward. How does Pycnogenol fit into the mix?

Today, health conscious consumers are some of the savviest shoppers around. They are making the effort to educate themselves on specialty ingredients in the foods and drinks they consume. While they may have their favourites, they are always seeking innovative and unique products and ingredients to incorporate into their usual mix, provided they bring specific health benefits to the table. With fierce competition for store space, innovation is paving the way.

It’s important to ask yourself the same questions that are flashing through a consumer’s mind as they pick up a new beverage or food item. What makes a product unique or stand out? What are the health benefits? What research or safety data backs up the claims? What is the added value? Pycnogenol fits into the mix because it is an extremely versatile extract that offers an array of health benefits. The botanical antioxidant can either be the lead active ingredient in your product, and stand alone, or be part of a combination of active ingredients. It’s that effective – and we have the research to prove it.

Biography

As CEO of Horphag Research, Victor Ferrari oversees worldwide operations of the company, including international expansion and worldwide introduction of Pycnogenol. Ferrari spearheaded Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) certification, validated manufacturing processes following Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and continues to invest millions of dollars a year in research, totalling more than 270 scientific publications.