Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)
Uses
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Chronic Venous Insufficiency 150 to 300 mg per day | A controlled study reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and reduced associated leg swelling. A controlled study reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and reduced associated leg swelling. Double-blind trials have also found that 100 mg of Pycnogenol two to three times daily reduced symptoms of CVI and improved measurements of blood flow and pressure inside of the veins. A controlled trial found that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol was more effective for CVI than use of elastic stockings alone, but that a combination of the two was better than either treatment alone. Several preliminary studies of CVI have investigated pycnogenol in comparison to or combined with other flavonoid extracts. These studies reported that Pycnogenol (150 to 300 mg per day) was more effective than 1,000 mg per day of a flavonoid mixture of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin, that 360 mg per day of Pycnogenol was more effective than 600 mg per day of horse chestnut seed extract, and that a daily combination of 40 mg Pycnogenol and 940 mg hydroxyethylrutosides was more effective than 1,200 mg per day of hydroxyethylrutosides alone. |
3 Stars Hypertension 150 to 200 mg per day | Pine bark extract, often referred to by the trademark name Pycnogenol®, has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Pine bark extract (often referred to by the trademark name Pycnogenol®) is high in the same polyphenols as grape seed extract—proanthocyanidins. Controlled clinical trials have found pine bark extract can reduce blood pressure in those with metabolic disease and pre-hypertension. Results from meta-analyses of clinical trials have suggested supplementing with pine bark extract for longer than 12 weeks can result in small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures; nevertheless, high-quality trials have indicated no effect on systolic blood pressure. Another meta-analysis that included data only from double-blind placebo-controlled trials found no effect of pine bark extract on systolic or diastolic blood pressures. |
3 Stars Retinopathy 120 to 150 mg per day | Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol may slow the progression of retinopathy and improve vision. Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that Pycnogenol slows the progression of retinopathy and improves vision when given in typical amounts of 120 to 150 mg per day. |
2 Stars Age-Related Cognitive Decline 150 mg per day | A study of healthy senior people reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo. A double-blind study of healthy senior people reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo. |
2 Stars Asthma 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, in two divided doses | In one trial, supplementing with Pycnogenol improved lung function and asthma symptoms and reduced the need for rescue medication in children with asthma. In a double-blind trial, supplementing with Pycnogenol significantly improved lung function and asthma symptoms and significantly reduced the need for rescue medication in a group of children (ages 6 to 18 years) with asthma. In contrast, no significant changes were seen in the placebo group. The amount of Pycnogenol used was 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, in two divided doses, for three months. |
2 Stars Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder 1 mg daily per 2.2 pounds body weight daily | Though another story did not find effect, one study reported that Pycnogenol reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved attention, coordination, and concentration after one month in a group of children with ADHD. A double-blind study in Slovakia reported that 1 mg daily per 2.2 pounds body weight of Pycnogenol reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved attention, coordination, and concentration after one month in a group of children with ADHD. However, a double-blind study in adults with ADHD did not find 1 mg Pycnogenol per pound of body weight daily was effective for ADHD symptoms. |
2 Stars Dysmenorrhea 60 mg per day | Preliminary research and double-blind research has reported that pycnogenol may reduce severe abdominal and back pain during menses. Preliminary research reported that 60 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for two months reduced abdominal and back pain during menses. A double blind trial by the same researchers using 60 mg Pycnogenol per day confirmed these findings for women with more severe pain, but not for those whose menstrual pain was mild. |
2 Stars Erectile Dysfunction 120 mg daily | In one study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementing with Pycnogenol improved erectile function. In a double-blind study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementing with 120 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved erectile function, whereas placebo treatment had no effect. |
2 Stars Gingivitis 6 pieces chewing gum per day containing 5 mg each | In a double blind trial, people with gingivitis who chewed six pieces daily of a gum had less gum bleeding and no additional plaque formation, compared with a placebo group. In a double blind trial, people with gingivitis chewed six pieces daily of a gum, each containing 5 mg Pycnogenol. While a group chewing gum without pycnogenol experienced continued gum bleeding and plaque formation after 14 days, the pycnogenol group had less gum bleeding and no additional plaque formation. |
2 Stars Jet Lag 150 mg per day for seven days, beginning two days before travel | In controlled studies, Pycnogenol taken for two days before and five days after air travel led to milder symptoms that lasted for a shorter period of time, compared with untreated control groups. In controlled studies, 150 mg of Pycnogenol was taken for two days before and five days after air travel. Jet lag symptoms were milder and lasted for a shorter period of time compared with untreated control groups. |
2 Stars Lupus 60 to 120 mg per day | In a small, controlled study, Pycnogenol seemed to help decrease systemic lupus erythematosus activity, measured with a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood measurements. In a small, controlled study, people with SLE were given medication and either a placebo or Pycnogenol in the amount of 120 mg per day for 30 days followed by 60 mg per day for another 30 days. SLE disease activity, measured with a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood measurements, declined further in the group taking Pycnogenol. |
2 Stars Menopause 60 to 200 mg per day | In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took Pycnogenol experienced reduced menopause symptoms. In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced reduction of menopausal symptoms as measured by a women’s health questionnaire. Improvement in menopausal symptoms was also reported in another double-blind trial, in which women took 30 mg of pycnogenol twice a day for three months. |
2 Stars Osteoarthritis 100 to 150 mg per day | Double-blind research has shown that Pycnogenol may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, including reducing pain and the use of pain-relieving medication and improving walking performance. In a double-blind trial, 100 mg per day of Pycnogenol reduced pain and other osteoarthritis symptoms, improved walking performance, and reduced the use of pain-relieving medication. Another double blind trial found that 150 mg per day also improved symptoms and reduced use of pain-relieving medication. |
2 Stars Skin Ulcers 150 mg per day orally, along with topical application of 100 mg daily | In a controlled study, symptoms of diabetic skin ulcers improved in those treated with standard medications plus oral and topical Pycnogenol. In a controlled study, diabetic skin ulcers were treated with standard medications plus either 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol orally, 100 mg Pycnogenol topically applied to the ulcers daily, or a combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol treatment. All treatments produced complete healing in more subjects after six weeks compared with a control group receiving no Pycnogenol treatment, but the group receiving oral and topical Pycnogenol had the greatest reductions in ulcer size and in pain and other associated symptoms. In a small controlled study of venous skin ulcers, the same combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol was more effective for healing than oral Pycnogenol treatment alone. |
2 Stars Sunburn 1.1 to 1.66 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight per day during periods of high sun exposure | Proanthocyanidins (flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources) may increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn. Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources. In a preliminary trial, volunteers were supplemented with Pycnogenol, an extract of French maritime pine bark rich in OPCs, in the amount of 1.1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the first four weeks, and 1.66 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the next four weeks. Compared with ultraviolet sensitivity before supplementation, the lower amount of Pycnogenol was found to significantly increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn, and the higher amount was significantly more effective than the lower amount. |
2 Stars Type 2 Diabetes 100 to 200 mg daily | Pycnogenol may improve blood glucose control and help prevent diabetes complications such as retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes. Preliminary research has suggested that pycnogenol may help lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In a placebo-controlled trial with 48 subjects with type 2 diabetes, 125 mg of pycnogenol per day for 12 weeks led to reductions in fasting blood glucose and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure and HbA1c. In another 12-week placebo-controlled trial with 77 subjects with type 2 diabetes, 100 mg per day of pycnogenol lowered blood glucose levels, but improvement in HbA1c was not statistically significant. Pycnogenol has been shown to be helpful for improving small vessel health and restoring healthy blood flow in people with type 2 diabetes and related vascular symptoms. Clinical trials have also reported its benefits in treating microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, skin ulcers, and neuropathy. The doses of pycnogenol used in these studies are 100 to 200 mg per day. |
2 Stars Venous Thrombosis For plane travel: 200 mg two to three hours before a flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day | People at risk for venous thrombosis during plane travel were shown a video explaining in-flight exercises to prevent venous thrombosis and also followed a regimen of Pycnogenol, which appears to reduce frequency of episodes of venous thrombosis. In a controlled study, people at risk for venous thrombosis during plane travel were shown a video explaining in-flight exercises to prevent venous thrombosis and also followed a regimen of 200 mg of pycnogenol two to three hours before the flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day. Compared with a similar group who only viewed the video, the group taking pycnogenol experienced fewer episodes of venous thrombosis. |
1 Star Endometriosis 60 mg per day | In a preliminary study, symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took Pycnogenol. In a preliminary study, symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol, which is high in flavonoids. Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. |
1 Star High Cholesterol 50 to 450 mg per day | Pycnogenol appears unlikely to impact cholesterol levels. A patented extract from French maritime pine bark known as has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties and clinical trials have examined its effects on cholesterol levels. However, a meta-analysis of results from seven controlled trials with a total of 422 participants failed to find a cholesterol-lowering effect for pycnogenol. |
1 Star Leg Cramps Refer to label instructions | A preliminary study of people experiencing at least four episodes per week of leg cramps due to either athletic activity, circulatory disorders, or unknown causes reported that Pycnogenol significantly reduced cramping. A preliminary study of people experiencing at least four episodes per week of leg cramps due to either athletic activity, circulatory disorders, or unknown causes reported that 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol significantly reduced episodes of leg cramps. Double-blind research is needed to further explore this use of Pycnogenol. |
1 Star Melasma 75 mg per day | Preliminary research shows that melasma, a disorder of increased skin pigmentation, may be improved by Pycnogenol supplementation. Melasma is a disorder of increased skin pigmentation. In a preliminary study, 80% of women with melasma who took 75 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced lightening and shrinking of the pigmented area of the skin. More research is needed to evaluate Pycnogenol for this condition. |
1 Star Pregnancy and Postpartum Support 30 mg per day | In a controlled study, pregnant women who took Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back. In a controlled study, pregnant women who took 30 mg per day of Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back. Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
How It Works
How It Works
Pycnogenol is a mixture of many substances belonging to the flavonoid family, primarily proanthocyanidins and phenolic acids.1 Test tube, animal, and preliminary human research has shown Pycnogenol to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity through several biological mechanisms, as well as blood-thinning, blood vessel–relaxing, and connective tissue–strengthening effects.2, 3, 4
How to Use It
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
Side Effects
References
1. Rohdewald P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;40:158-68 [review].
2. Rohdewald P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;40:158-68 [review].
3. Packer L, Rimbach G, Virgili F. Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, pycnogenol. Free Radic Biol Med 1999;27:704-24 [review].
4. Canali R, Comitato R, Schonlau F, Virgili F. The anti-inflammatory pharmacology of Pycnogenol in humans involves COX-2 and 5-LOX mRNA expression in leukocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2009;9:1145-9.
5. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2004;27:839 [letter].
6. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505–13.
Last Review: 04-14-2015
Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.