Mirtogenol

What It Is

Mirtogenol is a natural dietary supplement composed of two standardized plant extracts:

• Mirtoselect®, a highly purified extract of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) rich in anthocyanins.
• Pycnogenol®, a French maritime pine bark extract (Pinus pinaster) containing procyanidins, bioflavonoids, and phenolic acids.

This proprietary combination was developed to support vascular health and eye function, particularly targeting microcirculation and intraocular pressure. It is often used as a nutraceutical in managing or preventing age-related eye disorders such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and may also provide broader cardiovascular and antioxidant benefits.

How It Works

Mirtogenol exerts its effects through several biochemical and physiological mechanisms:

1. Improvement of Microcirculation: Both Mirtoselect and Pycnogenol enhance capillary integrity and reduce permeability, improving blood flow in the smallest blood vessels. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to ocular tissues and other microvascular systems.
2. Antioxidant Activity: The anthocyanins in bilberry and the procyanidins in Pycnogenol are potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. This helps protect delicate eye tissues—particularly the retina and optic nerve—from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to degenerative changes.
3. Endothelial Function Enhancement: Pycnogenol promotes nitric oxide (NO) production in blood vessel walls, leading to vasodilation and improved perfusion. Better endothelial function supports normal intraocular pressure by optimizing fluid outflow in the eye.
4. Reduction of Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Clinical studies suggest Mirtogenol can naturally lower IOP by improving ocular blood flow and facilitating aqueous humor drainage. This makes it beneficial in early or pre-glaucomatous conditions.
5. Synergistic Effect: The combination of Mirtoselect and Pycnogenol shows a synergistic action—together, they enhance endothelial health and ocular perfusion more effectively than either extract alone.

Why It’s Important

Mirtogenol’s significance lies in its role as a preventive and supportive agent in eye and vascular health:

• Eye Health Support: It helps maintain healthy intraocular pressure and retinal blood flow—key factors in preventing glaucoma and optic nerve damage.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: By supporting endothelial function and circulation, Mirtogenol contributes to better vascular tone and capillary resilience, which may benefit individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or other microvascular disorders.
• Non-Pharmaceutical Alternative: It offers a natural, well-tolerated option for individuals seeking preventive eye care or adjunctive support alongside conventional therapies.
• Healthy Aging: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help protect against age-related oxidative stress, supporting general well-being and slowing degenerative processes.

Considerations

While generally considered safe and well-tolerated, several factors should be kept in mind when using Mirtogenol:

1. Dosage and Standardization: Clinical studies typically use doses around 80–120 mg of Pycnogenol and 80–160 mg of Mirtoselect daily, but formulations can vary. It’s important to use standardized extracts from reputable manufacturers.
2. Safety Profile: Side effects are rare and mild—such as gastrointestinal discomfort or headaches. However, individuals sensitive to pine bark or berry extracts should use caution.
3. Drug Interactions: Mirtogenol may have mild vasodilatory or antiplatelet effects, so caution is advised for those on blood pressure medication, anticoagulants, or other drugs affecting circulation.
4. Pregnancy and Medical Conditions: Safety in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals has not been firmly established. People with chronic eye diseases or vascular conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.
5. Complementary Role: Mirtogenol is not a substitute for prescription glaucoma medications or medical treatment. It should be seen as a complementary support to professional eye care.