Belonging to the family Pinaceae and genus Pinus, Pines belong to monotypic sub-family of Pinoideae. Though there are more than hundreds of species found in Pinus, they are divided into two subgenera on the basis of cone, seed and types of leaves. They include:

Subgenus Strobus – these pines are extremely soft, mainly white color with pinions, lacebarks and bristlecones. The cones in these species scale without a sealing band, have an umbo terminal or a dorsal and articulate seedwings. There is one fibrovascular bundle per leaf present in these sub-species.

Subgenus Pinus- These are broadly classifies as the yellow or hard pines which are scales with a sealing band, umbo dorsal and articulate seedwings. These species show two fibrovascular bundles per leaf.

Nutrition & Health Benefits :

Pine bark is a prime source of antioxidants which play the most significant role in repairing as well as protecting the cells in the body against free radicals. These free radicals are either the foreign elements that enter the human body as pollutants or are the harmful byproducts of metabolism. These are likely to cause heart diseases, even cancer if the exposure is too much and invariably contributes to aging. The common antioxidants contained in pine extracts that helps combat these anomalies include Vitamin A, E, C and selenium, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, known as OPC's

They also contain high levels of bioflavonoids, which aid in improved blood circulation and tissue repair. Pine bark extracts are also prescribed during food poisoning, for joint pains, arthritis and rheumatism. It is also contains anti-bacterial properties and helps fight urinary tract infections. Pine extract's added benefits include its treatment for skin problems such as psoriasis, itching, pimples, eczema, scabies, sores and fleas.

Preparation :

Pine bark extracts are available in the form of powder and capsules. For general health, daily intake of 50mg is advisable. Dosage may be increased to up to 300mg as per medical prescription.

References :

Farjon, A. 1984, 2nd edition 2005. Pines . E. J. Brill, Leiden. ISBN 90-04-13916-8

Little, E. L., Jr., and Critchfield, W. B. 1969. Subdivisions of the Genus Pinus (Pines) . US Department of Agriculture Misc. Publ. 1144 (Superintendent of Documents Number: A 1.38:1144).