Plaque Stabilizing Combo

An extract derived from French maritime pine bark has been shown to halt plaque accumulation; and the extract Centella asiatica has been shown to help preserve the hard cap on existing atherosclerotic plaques making them less likely to rupture and cause fatal cardiovascular events. Studies show that when combined the extracts provide powerful benefits such as reducing plaque progression by 95%.

French maritime pine extract contains procyanidins and phenolic acids that help slow progression of arterial plaque by altering fat metabolism and various cell signalling inflammatory cytokine factors that contribute to formation and progression; of which inflammation signalling molecular complex nuclear factor kappaB is reduced lowering inflammation that is a major factor in development of atherosclerosis.

Animal studies show that French maritime pine bark reduces areas of plaque and lipid deposition, accompanied by reductions in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels with increases in protective HDL cholesterol levels. It also stimulates enzymes that produce nitric oxide helping to smooth muscle cells in arterial walls to relax and open up arteries and improve endothelial function. In a crossover human study the extract was shown to produce 32% increase in endothelial function and 55% in flow mediated dilation, along with reducing isoprostanes.  

Centella asiatica/gotu kola contains triterpenoids that stabilize soft plaque by improving synthesis of collagen, and help inhibit progression of plaque by reducing adhesion of monocytes that promote atherosclerosis. Patients given the extract three times daily for 12 months had 30% denser carotid artery plaque. MRI scans showed improvement of carotid artery plaque, increased blood flow to the brain, accompanied by 41% fewer cardiovascular events. Another study showed that centella asiatica/gotu kola 3 times daily improved femoral artery plaque by 63% in density after 12 months, and plaque size increase by 23% in controls and 0% in supplement groups.

To investigate the extracts combined participants in the age group of 45-60 were enlisted without any cardiovascular risk factors or symptoms but did have plaques that did not narrow arteries more than 50%. Subjects were put into different groups and supplements along with lifestyle, diet, education, and exercises recommendations. Researchers used ultrasound after 30 months to examine plaque progression and it was found to have worsened by:

• 21.3% in controls receiving only diet/lifestyle recommendations (worst-performing group),
• 16.6% with 100 mg aspirin (or ticlopidine, an antiplatelet drug, for aspirin-intolerant subjects),
• 8.4% with 50 mg standardized French maritime pine bark alone,
• 5.3% with 100 mg standardized French maritime pine bark alone,
• 4.0% with 100 mg standardized French maritime pine bark plus 100 mg aspirin (or ticlopidine), and
• 1.1% with 100 mg standardized French maritime pine bark plus 100 mg extract of Centella asiatica (best-performing group).

Subjects taking the combination had 95% less plaque progression that that of the controls. In another study the same amounts were given to participants with advanced atherosclerosis. Ultrasound was used after 42 months to examine plaque progression which was found to have worsened by:

• 48% in subjects in the control group(worst-performing group),
• 21% in subjects taking aspirin or ticlopidine,
• 11% in subject taking 100 mg standardized French maritime pine bark plus aspirin,
• 10% in subjects taking 100 mg standardized French maritime pine bark alone, and
• 6.5% in subjects taking 100 mg standardized French maritime pine bark plus 100 mg extract of Centella asiatica (best-performing group).

The combination provided a 7.4 fold reduction in risks for developing cardiovascular diseases symptoms as compared to that of controls, along with a 4 fold reduction in risk of being hospitalized for a full blown cardiovascular event.

Further studies demonstrated effects of the combination in stabilizing soft arterial plaques and blocking progression of plaque accumulation within aging arteries using ultrasound imaging that indicated improved paque density. Plaques were decreased in length, height, and number; free radicals were also significantly decreased; and no adverse side effects were noted.

In another clinical study participants in the age group of 45-60 with at least one instance of atherosclerotic plaque of 50-60% were enlisted and put into 3 groups: one combination group; and one for each of the 2 extracts solo; all groups were managed with education, exercise, and lifestyle changes. After 4 years there was reduction in plaque progression in all groups, with the best effects being seen in the combination group in terms of plaque thickness and length.

Echogenicity was used in another study to assess plaque in patients with atherosclerosis risk factors; after 6 months subjects in the combination group were found to have greater plaque stability scores, better plaque density, fewer plaques, decreased maximum plaque height, and decreased plasma free radicals with no adverse events reported.

Individually the extracts provide benefits, combined they provide better benefits such as reducing plaque progression and promotion of plaque stability. The combination has been shown to slow and reverse plaque accumulation, and boost stability of soft plaque to help prevent rupture. French maritime pine bark extract and Centella asiatica/gotu kola may provide backup that most older adults need to support more comprehensive cardiovascular protection.