Pine Bark Extract
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)
A powerful antioxidant extract rich in proanthocyanidins that supports circulation, skin health, and cognitive function.
Pine Bark Extract, most famously sold as Pycnogenol, is derived from the bark of French maritime pine trees. It's rich in proanthocyanidins (OPCs), the same beneficial compounds found in grape seed extract but with additional unique compounds. Research shows benefits for blood flow, skin health, cognitive function, and inflammation. Pycnogenol is one of the most well-researched herbal extracts with over 160 published studies.
Mechanisms of Action
Powerful Antioxidant
Neutralizes free radicals and regenerates vitamins C and E
Nitric Oxide Enhancement
Increases nitric oxide production for better blood flow
Collagen Protection
Binds to collagen and elastin to protect skin structure
Recommended Dose
100-200mg daily
Loading: Not required
Optimal Timing
- Morning with food
- Can be divided into two doses
Take with food
Best Form
Pycnogenol (standardized extract)
Alternatives: Generic pine bark extract, OPC complex formulas
Pycnogenol is patented and standardized to 65-75% proanthocyanidins. Generic versions may vary in quality.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Taking with food improves absorption and reduces any GI discomfort. Pycnogenol is the most researched brand.
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Improved Circulation
Better blood flow throughout the body
Improved Skin Health
Better skin elasticity and reduced signs of aging
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Better memory and attention
Mild GI Effects
Occasional stomach discomfort in some users
Limited data; consult healthcare provider
Consult physician due to immune effects
Who Should NOT Take This
- Allergy to pine products
Drug Interactions
May have mild antiplatelet effects; monitor if combining — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy
May affect immune function; consult physician
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: May be related to blood flow changes; temporary
Warnings
- Check for pine allergy before use
- Pycnogenol brand has most safety data
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Martinez-Zapata MJ et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)
“There is moderate-certainty evidence that phlebotonics probably reduce oedema slightly, compared to placebo; moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in QoL; and low-certainty evidence that these drugs do not influence ulcer healing.”
Key Findings:
- Pooled data suggest that phlebotonics probably increase adverse events slightly, compared to placebo (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.27; 37 studies; 5789 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
- There is moderate-certainty evidence that phlebotonics probably reduce oedema slightly, compared to placebo; moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in QoL; and low-certainty evidence that these drugs do not influence ulcer healing.
- Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that phlebotonics are probably associated with a higher risk of adverse events than placebo.
- Studies included in this systematic review provided only short-term safety data; therefore, the medium- and long-term safety of phlebotonics could not be estimated.
Robertson NU et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)
“Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.”
Key Findings:
- In a mixed group of participants with type 1 and type 2 DM we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases HbA1c (MD -0.20 %, 95% CI -1.83 to 1.43; one study; 67 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
- We do not know whether pine bark extract increases bone alkaline phosphatase in post-menopausal women with osteopenia (MD 1.16 ug/L, 95% CI -2.37 to 4.69; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
- Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.
Pourmasoumi M et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020)
“Further, high quality randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this result.© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
Key Findings:
- Pooled analysis suggested that pycnogenol supplementation can reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) of (-3.22 mmHg; 95% CI [-5.52, -0.92]) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; -1.91 mmHg; 95% CI [-3.64, -0.18]).
- Effect of pycnogenol on SBP was more pronounce in subgroup in which pycnogenol was administered along with other treatments.
- A significant effect of pycnogenol on DBP in studies with >12-week duration, whereas this favorable effect was not observed in subgroup with ≤12-week supplementation.
- The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that pycnogenol had a favorable effect on SBP and DBP.
Hadi A et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)
“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.© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
Key Findings:
- To estimate the effect size, changes in blood lipids were implemented.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with 1,065 participants suggested a significant increase in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI [0.19, 6.36]; p = 0.038).
- 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.© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schoonees A et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2012)
“Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol(®) use for the treatment of any chronic disorder.”
Key Findings:
- Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol(®) use for the treatment of any chronic disorder.
- Well-designed, adequately powered trials are needed to establish the value of this treatment.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.