Pycnogenol® (French pine bark extract)

What is Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It has been used for medicinal purposes for over 40 years and is a patented ingredient in dietary supplements and skincare products.

How does it work?

Pycnogenol works by neutralizing free radicals, reducing inflammation, and improving blood flow. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Pycnogenol's antioxidant properties protect cells from free radical damage, while its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, Pycnogenol has been shown to improve blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production, which can benefit cardiovascular health and improve cognitive function.

What are the active ingredients that are important for Pycnogenol's medicinal properties?

The active ingredients in Pycnogenol are procyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that provide numerous health benefits.

What forms does Pycnogenol come in?

Pycnogenol is available in capsule, tablet, and powder forms. It is also used as an ingredient in topical creams and ointments.

What if there’s an imbalance or deficiency?

An imbalance or deficiency of Pycnogenol has not been well studied, as it is not a necessary nutrient. However, insufficient levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the body may contribute to the development of various health problems.

When was Pycnogenol first used for medicinal purposes?

Pycnogenol was first used for medicinal purposes in the 1960s, when French scientist Jacques Masquelier discovered the antioxidant properties of French maritime pine bark.

Summary:

Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. It contains active ingredients, including procyanidins, bioflavonoids, and organic acids, which are believed to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. These properties help to improve circulation, reduce oxidative stress, and promote the health of various body systems, including the cardiovascular and immune systems. Pycnogenol is available in various forms and is commonly used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment and prevention of various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and skin aging.

What does Pycnogenol® (French pine bark extract) help with?

Pycnogenol is an extract made from the bark of French maritime pine trees. It is rich in plant antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. People take it as a pill, and some skin products contain it.

• Heavy, achy, swollen legs and poor vein flow
  Good evidence — multiple clinical trials in people with chronic venous insufficiency. In these trials, people whose leg veins push blood back poorly reported less leg pain and swelling. Skin changes on the lower legs also got better. Lab work suggests it seals and tightens small blood vessels and calms swelling in vein tissue, which is why some people try it after long flights or long days on their feet.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• High blood pressure
  Good evidence — several trials in people with mild to moderate high blood pressure. These trials found meaningful drops in the top (systolic) number. Some people in the trials were able to lower their medicine dose, but only with a doctor watching. In lab studies, the extract nudged the body to make more nitric oxide, a compound that widens arteries.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Knee and joint pain from osteoarthritis
  Good evidence — trials in people with osteoarthritis, mostly of the knee. People in these trials reported lower pain scores, less stiffness and easier movement. Some cut back on painkillers such as ibuprofen. Lab work suggests the extract calms the signals that drive cartilage breakdown.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Hot flashes and other menopause symptoms
  Good evidence — several trials in women going through or past menopause. Women in these trials reported fewer hot flashes and night sweats. Mood swings and sleep problems also eased. The change built up slowly, over about 4 to 8 weeks.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Trouble with attention and focus in ADHD
  Early evidence — one-month studies in children and adults with ADHD. After one month, these studies found better attention and less hyperactivity. Markers of oxidative stress in the body also went down. Researchers think it may support the balance of dopamine and norepinephrine, two brain chemicals, but that idea rests on lab work.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Erection problems
  Early evidence — trials of the extract combined with L-arginine, not of pine bark alone. In some of these trials, more than 90% of the men reported better erections after 3 months. Both parts of the combination support nitric oxide in lab studies. The extract on its own was not tested this way.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Blood sugar after meals
  Early evidence — studies in people with type 2 diabetes and with borderline-high blood sugar. These studies found small but steady gains in blood sugar control. Post-meal spikes were lower. Lab work suggests it slows how fast you take in carbs and helps cells respond to insulin.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Hay fever and mild asthma
  Early evidence — human studies in seasonal allergy and in mild to moderate asthma. Studies found easier allergy symptoms and better lung function. Some people needed their inhaler less often. Lab work suggests the extract dials down histamine release and airway swelling.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Skin aging and sun damage
  Early evidence — clinical studies of both pills and creams. These studies found better skin stretch, more moisture and more even skin tone. Lab work shows the extract mops up free radicals made by UV light. It also seems to help skin hold on to collagen.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0

What Pycnogenol® (French pine bark extract) has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to replace blood pressure medicine; the dose cuts seen in trials happened under a doctor's care.
• Pine bark extract on its own has not been shown to help erection problems, because the trials used it together with L-arginine.
• It has not been shown to replace an asthma inhaler or other rescue medicine.
• It has not been shown to match stimulant ADHD medicine; the effect seen in studies was much milder.
• It has not been shown to cure type 2 diabetes, and the blood sugar changes were modest.
• It has not been shown to work as a hormone, so it does not do what hormone therapy does.

How to read this:

Each use above has its own grade. A means steady results across several human trials. B means at least one good human trial. C means small, mixed or early human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or clashes. Insufficient means no human study at all. A grade is not a promise, and no study here proves the extract works for you. This page lists options, not advice. Talk with your doctor before you start, stop or change any medicine.

What can Pycnogenol® (French pine bark extract) help prevent?

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-haul flights: reduces clot risk by improving circulation and reducing platelet stickiness
• Progression of diabetic retinopathy: clinical trials showed it slowed retinal blood vessel damage in early-stage cases
• Exercise-induced muscle cramps and soreness: shown to reduce cramping and speed recovery in athletes

Which foods are rich in it?

Pycnogenol is derived from French maritime pine bark and is not naturally found in foods. However, some foods are rich in procyanidins, which are similar to those found in Pycnogenol. Foods rich in procyanidins include:

1. Cocoa and dark chocolate
2. Red wine
3. Apples
4. Blueberries
5. Cranberries
6. Grapes
7. Pomegranates
8. Green tea
9. Almonds
10. Hazelnuts

What are some of the possible side effects?

Pycnogenol is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects. The most common side effects reported include digestive issues, such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are generally mild and occur in less than 1% of individuals taking Pycnogenol.

What's the recommended daily dosage for adult men and women?

The recommended daily dosage of Pycnogenol varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. In general, a daily dose of 50-100 mg of Pycnogenol has been used in clinical trials and studies. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a Pycnogenol supplement to determine the appropriate dose.

How many days does it take to work?

The time it takes for Pycnogenol to start working can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. In some studies, benefits have been observed within 4-6 weeks, while in others it may take several months to see improvement.

What time of day should I take it?

There is no specific time of day that Pycnogenol should be taken. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Should it be taken with or without food?

Pycnogenol can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with a meal may help to reduce the risk of digestive side effects.