Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark)
Patented pine bark extract with over 400 studies supporting benefits for circulation, skin, cognitive function, and joint health.
Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from French maritime pine bark, rich in procyanidins similar to grape seed. It's one of the most researched botanical supplements with over 400 published studies. Evidence supports benefits for circulation, venous insufficiency, skin health, cognitive function, ADHD, and joint mobility.
Mechanisms of Action
Endothelial Function
Supports blood vessel health
Collagen Binding
Binds to and protects collagen and elastin
Antioxidant
Powerful free radical scavenging
Recommended Dose
50-200mg
Optimal Timing
- With meals
Take with food
Best Form
Pycnogenol brand (standardized to 65-75% procyanidins)
Alternatives: Generic pine bark extract
Pycnogenol is a specific patented extract with the most research. Generic pine bark may vary in composition.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Can be taken any time. Often split into 2 doses.
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Improved Circulation
Better blood flow and reduced edema
Cognitive Function
Improved attention and memory
Skin Health
Improved skin elasticity and hydration
Limited data; avoid unless advised
Some studies in ADHD children; use under medical guidance
Who Should NOT Take This
- Pine allergy
Drug Interactions
May have mild antiplatelet effects — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy
May have immune-modulating effects
May have blood sugar lowering effects
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Usually resolves
Tip: Reduce dose
Warnings
- Expensive compared to alternatives
- May affect blood clotting — stop before surgery
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.