Trial Information

Summary: UPBEAT Study: Understanding Pine Bark Extract as an Alternative Treatment

The Stanford Prevention Research Center is recruiting participants for a research study of a natural supplement made from Pine Bark Extract. This supplement may help reduce blood pressure levels, as well as other cardiovascular disease risk factors. The chemicals found in pine bark extract also are found in many common foods including apples, grapes, and wine; therefore, it is thought to be generally safe for human consumption and is commonly sold in health food stores.

There will be no payments or compensation provided to you for participation in this project.

Instead, participants will be given a wide range of information about their diet and health risk factors, as well as the results of important laboratory tests at no charge.

Length of Research Study: 12 weeks

Patient Inclusion Criteria

• Be between the ages of 35 and 70 years
• Live within 30 miles of Stanford Campus and willing to travel to Stanford
• Be overweight or moderately obese (Body Mass Index 24-36)
• Have moderately elevated blood pressure (systolic 125-159)
• Have moderately elevated cholesterol levels
• Not have any serious illnesses or medical conditions
• Not take blood pressure medications or diabetes medications

Patient Exclusion Criteria

• Drink more than 14 drinks per week of alcoholic beverages. One drink equals: 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.
• Metabolic disorders (heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, ongoing substance abuse).
• Psychiatric disorders requiring multiple medications.
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 4 months.
• Lactating and have given birth within the past 6 months.

For more information go to the study website http://ppop.stanford.edu/PineBarkRecruitment.html or

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.