Holistic Health Herbal Medicine The Health Benefits of Pycnogenol Pink bark extract is said to improve circulation and overall heart health By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on July 16, 2020 facebook linkedin Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Bull, ND Updated on July 22, 2020 Print Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Dosage and Preparation What to Look For Other Questions Pycnogenol is the trade name for an extract of French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster). It is a natural source of several antioxidants including proanthocyanidins, which are also found in wine, grapes, apples, cocoa, tea, nuts, and some berries. Pycnogenol is often marketed as a supplement for heart and circulatory health and a variety of conditions, including menopause, chronic venous insufficiency, erectile dysfunction (ED), high blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Health Benefits Many of the studies on pine bark extract have been small and short-term, and it should be noted that few have been done by independent researchers. Nevertheless, if you're considering taking it, it's worth a look at some of the available research. Circulation Pycnogenol has been found to be useful in relieving symptoms in postmenopausal women. The authors of a review published in 2016 came to this conclusion and proposed that this effect is related to Pycnogenol's antioxidative effects and improved functioning of the endothelium, the thin membrane lining the inside of the heart. This paper cites several studies demonstrating that Pycnogenol can improve the availability of nitric oxide, helping to maintain vascular homeostasis and improve circulation. One 2006 study in particular showed that Pycnogenol may reduce swelling and pain in people with chronic venous insufficiency—when veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart—which may be improved along with circulation. Pycnogenol has also been explored as a remedy for erectile dysfunction due to its effects on nitric oxide levels and blood flow. One study published in 2010 tested this using a combination of Pycnogenol and other ingredients (most commonly L-arginine). While the effects of Pycnogenol alone aren't known, the data is promising with 92.5% of study participants experiencing a normal erection after three months. However, it is important to note that only 40 subjects were tested. Heart Health Pycnogenol is often touted as a remedy for high blood pressure, inflammation, and other problems known to increase the risk of heart disease; again here, its effects on the functioning of the endothelium are believed to be at play. A small 2008 study investigating 48 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure who took either a daily Pycnogenol supplement or a placebo pill for 12 weeks found that those taking Pycnogenol showed improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. This supports the idea that taking Pycnogenol may help control some cardiovascular risk factors, particularly in this patient population. However, according to a larger study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2010, French maritime pine bark extract may not enhance heart health for the general population. The study involved 130 overweight people, all of whom had elevated blood pressure but weren't taking blood pressure medication. For 12 weeks, participants took either the pine bark extract or a placebo. Study results showed that the participants' blood pressure, C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation), blood sugar, and cholesterol levels remained essentially the same in both groups throughout the study. Diabetes There is additional evidence to support that Pycnogenol may be helpful in other ways for people with diabetes. In particular, it may help improve vision in people in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. A leading cause of blindness among people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy occurs when leaky blood vessels damage the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye). In a study published in 2008, people with diabetes and early-stage retinopathy took Pycnogenol or a placebo daily for three months. Study results showed that 18 of the 24 participants who took Pycnogenol had an improvement in their vision, while no such improvements were observed in those who took the placebo. The study's authors suggest that pine bark extract may help stimulate circulation in the retina and inhibit swelling, which in turn may improve vision. Pycnogenol has also been shown to lower blood glucose. Natural Treatments for Diabetes Tinnitus Marked by continuous noise or ringing in the ears, tinnitus is a common condition sometimes triggered by low or high blood pressure or a disorder in the circulatory system. In one study published in 2014, participants with tinnitus took Pycnogenol or a placebo daily for six months. After three months, about 45% of those who took Pycnogenol were completely asymptomatic compared to 23% of controls. At six months, 87% of those who took Pycnogenol were asymptomatic, compared to almost 35 percent of controls, and had significantly better blood flow in the cochlea (a part of the inner ear that plays a key role in hearing). While tinnitus decreased in both groups, the decrease was more significant in those taking Pycnogenol. Possible Side Effects Some people taking pycnogenol may experience bad breath, upset stomach, dizziness, sores in the mouth, or headaches. Pycnogenol may also cause irritability and lower energy levels, especially when used in the treatment of ADHD. Precautions The safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. Contraindications Theoretically, eople with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and celiac disease, should use caution when using Pycnogenol as animal studies suggst it may influence immune system activity. Pycnogenol may increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be avoided by those with bleeding disorders, people taking blood thinning medication or supplements, or in the weeks before surgery. Interactions Although Pycnogenol is generally considered safe, it may interfere with the action of certain drugs used in chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Pycnogenol may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and corticosteroids. Because Pycnogenol lowers blood sugar, it may interact with other medications taken by people with diabetes. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak Dosage and Preparation Doses up to 200mg daily have been used safely for up to six months. What to Look For Pycnogenol, as a patented formulation of French maritime pine bark extract, is standardized to 65% to 75% procyanidin compounds by weight. Procyanidins are chain-like structures consisting of catechins, which confer the supplement's antioxidant properties. Trusted suppliers of Pycnogenol are those that have been GMP-certified. If you have trouble finding a supplier you trust, many of the active ingredients of Pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed, and witch hazel bark. Other Questions Is a product labeled "pine bark extract" the same as Pycnogenol? Essentially, yes. Pycnogenol is simply a patented formula of pine bark extract. Is it true that Pycnogenol is good for your skin? Yes. Pycnogenol increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production, two components of popular anti-aging products that may lead to more hydrated and elastic skin. A 2012 study of postmenopausal women found Pycnogenol was most helpful as a skin supplement for women whose skin started out dry. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pj R. Relief from Menopausal Symptoms by Non-hormonal Treatment with Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract). Journal of Genital System & Disorders. 2016;05(04). doi:10.4172/2325-9728.1000163. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, et al. Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2006;12(2):205-12. doi:10.1177/107602960601200209 Stanislavov R, Nikolova V. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. J Sex Marital Ther. 2003;29(3):207-13. doi:10.1080/00926230390155104 Zibadi S, Rohdewald PJ, Park D, Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutr Res. 2008;28(5):315-20. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2008.03.003 Drieling RL, Gardner CD, Ma J, Ahn DK, Stafford RS. No beneficial effects of pine bark extract on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(17):1541-7. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.310 Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, Zhou S, Würthwein G, Rohdewald P. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci. 2004;75(21):2505-13. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2003.10.043 Luzzi R, Belcaro G, Hu S, et al. Improvement in symptoms and cochlear flow with pycnogenol in patients with Meniere's disease and tinnitus. Minerva Med. 2014;105(3):245-54. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Pine Bark Extract. Updated February 12, 2018. Schönlau F, Rohdewald P. Pycnogenol for Diabetic Retinopathy. A Review. International Ophthalmology. 2001;24(3):161-171. doi:10.1023/a:1021160924583. Marini A, Grether-beck S, Jaenicke T, et al. Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(2):86-92. doi:10.1159/000335261