Related Terms

• Astringenen, borovice montereyská (Czech), borovice paprsčitá (Czech), Cambria pine, catechin, Cedros Island pine, dihydroquercetin, Enzogenol®, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, esters, ferulic acid, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoids, flavonols, flavanones, glucopyranoside, glucopyranosiduronic acid, Guadalupe Island pine, hydroxybenzoic acid, insignis pine, insignisden (Afrikaans), MGX-008, Monterey pine, Monterey-Kiefer (German), montoree matsu (Japanese), myricetin, natural organic acids, pin de Monterey (French), pin remarquable (French), piñeiro de repoboación (Portuguese), pino de repoblación (Spanish), pino di Monterey (Italian), pino insigne (Italian), Pinus insignis, Pinus radiata, Pinus tuberculata, proanthocyandins, quercetin, radiata pine, sosna kalifornijska (Polish), sosna luchistaya (Russian), taxifolin, trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, trans-caffeic acid, trans-ferulic acid, transgenic radiata pine, vanillic acid.

• Selected combination products: In addition to Pinus radiata extract, products marketed as "Enzogenol®" may contain additional substances including, but not limited to, grapeseed extract (Vitis vinifera), rutin, or selenium.

Background

• Pinus radiata (Monterey pine), is a tree native to coastal California and Mexico. Native American tribes of the West Coast of North America used Monterey pine to expel parasites, as an antiseptic, diuretic, and skin reddener, for water filtration, and to treat bladder problems, colds, coughs, influenza, kidney problems, migraine headache, joint and muscle problems, sores, and tuberculosis. Currently, Monterey pine is used around the world for timber.

• High quality research supporting the use of Monterey pine for any medical condition is currently lacking. Enzogenol®, a commercially available dietary supplement that contains Monterey pine extract, has been shown in clinical trials to have antioxidant properties and to improve heart health and mental performance. While these findings are promising, additional research is needed.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antiseptic, boils, burn treatment, cough, diuretic, headache, influenza, kidney and bladder disorders, migraine, rheumatic diseases, skin sores, tuberculosis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Monterey pine has been taken by mouth as an Enzogenol® capsule containing 120 milligrams of Monterey pine flavonoid extract and 60 milligrams of vitamin C.

• As an antioxidant, 480 milligrams of Enzogenol® and 240 milligrams of vitamin C has been taken by mouth for 12 weeks.

• For heart health, 480 milligrams of Enzogenol® and 60-240 milligrams of vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

• For mental performance, 960 milligrams of Enzogenol® and 120 milligrams of vitamin C has been taken by mouth daily for five weeks.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of Monterey pine in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Monterey pine, its components (such as pollen), airborne allergens, or members of the Pinaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Side effects may include skin rash or seasonal allergic reactions such as runny nose and eye irritation.

• Use cautiously in patients taking blood pressure lowering agents or those with blood pressure disorders, as Monterey pine may lower blood pressure.

• Use cautiously in patients with high levels of fats or cholesterol in the blood, as Monterey pine may raise blood levels of fats and cholesterol.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to Monterey pine, its components (such as pollen), airborne allergens, or members of the Pinaceae family.

• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding, due to a lack of sufficient data.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Monterey pine may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised when using medications that affect blood pressure.

• Montery pine may also interact with anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that lower fats or cholesterol, and weight loss agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Monterey pine may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that affect blood pressure.

• Montery pine may also interact with anti-inflammatory herbs or supplements, antioxidants, herbs or supplements that lower fats or cholesterol, and weight loss herbs and supplements.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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