The results indicate that pycnogenol supplementation improves levels of HDL-C ; however , the changes in TC , TAG , and LDL-C were not clinical ly relevant .
Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels  , pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases
The effects of pycnogenol on plasma lipids are controversial .
A systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials were conducted to obtain a conclusive result in humans .
HDL-cholesterol-raising effect of orange juice in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.
BACKGROUND Orange juice-a rich source of vitamin C , folate , and flavonoids such as hesperidin-induces hypocholesterolemic responses in animals . OBJECTIVE We determined whether orange juice beneficially altered blood lipids in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia . DESIGN The sample consisted of 16 healthy men and 9 healthy women with elevated plasma total and LDL-cholesterol and normal plasma triacylglycerol concentrations . Participants incorporated 1 , 2 , or 3 cups ( 250 mL each ) of orange juice sequentially into their diets , each dose over a period of 4 wk . This was followed by a 5-wk washout period . Plasma lipid , folate , homocyst(e)ine , and vitamin C ( a compliance marker ) concentrations were measured at baseline , after each treatment , and after the washout period . RESULTS Consumption of 750 mL but not of 250 or 500 mL orange juice daily increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 21 % ( P : < 0.001 ) , triacylglycerol concentrations by 30 % ( from 1.56 + /- 0.72 to 2.03 + /- 0.91 mmol/L ; P : < 0.02 ) , and folate concentrations by 18 % ( P : < 0.01 ) ; decreased the LDL-HDL cholesterol ratio by 16 % ( P : < 0.005 ) ; and did not affect homocyst(e)ine concentrations . Plasma vitamin C concentrations increased significantly during each dietary period ( 2.1 , 3.1 , and 3.8 times , respectively ) . CONCLUSIONS Orange juice ( 750 mL/d ) improved blood lipid profiles in hypercholesterolemic subjects , confirming recommendations to consume > /=5 - 10 servings of fruit and vegetables daily
The results indicate that pycnogenol supplementation improves levels of HDL-C ; however , the changes in TC , TAG , and LDL-C were not clinical ly relevant .
Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels  , pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases
The effects of pycnogenol on plasma lipids are controversial .
A systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials were conducted to obtain a conclusive result in humans .