Related Terms

• Arbre d'or (French), bioflavonoid, borovice hvězdicovitá (Czech), caffeic acid, catechin, condensed tannins, epicatechin, French maritime pine bark extract, French Pinus maritime bark, ferulic acid, Maritime pine tree bark, merimänd (Estonian), Pinuspinaster, Pinusmaritima, oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes, PCOs, phenolic fruit acid, pi marítim (Catalan), pi pinastre (Catalan), pin maritime (French), pin de Corte (French), pin mésogéen (French), pin des Landes (French), pin de Bordeaux (French), Pinaceae (family), pinastro (Italian, Spanish), pinheiro-bravo (Portuguese), pino costiero (Italian), pino gallego (Spanish), pino marítimo (Spanish), pino marittimo (Italian), pino resinero (Spanish), pino rodeno (Spanish), pino rubial (Spanish), proanthocyanidins, procyandiol oligomers, PYC, pygenol, Strandfyr (Danish), Strandkiefer (German), taxifolin, Terpentintall (Swedish).

• Select combination products: Evelle® (vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, amino acids, glycosaminoglycans, blueberry extract), GlucAffectTM (Pycnogenol®, Madeglucyl™, Silbinol®, Glucohelp, salacia, fish oil), Mirtogenol® (Mirtoselect® and Pycnogenol®), PycnoQ10® (Pycnogenol® and coenzyme Q10), Zinopin® (Pycnogenol® and standardized ginger root extract).

• Note: Pinus pinaster is sometimes confused with Pinus halepensis or Pinus brutia Ten.

Background

• Pycnogenol® is the registered trade name for a patented water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica), which is grown in coastal southwest France. Pycnogenol® contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin, epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and taxifolin. Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples, and some supplements such as Pycnogenol®.

• There has been some confusion in the U.S. market regarding OPC products containing Pycnogenol® or grape seed extract (GSE), as one of the generic terms for chemical constituents ("pycnogenols") is the same as the patented trade name (Pycnogenol®). Some GSE products have been formerly erroneously labeled and marketed in the U.S. as containing "pycnogenols." Although GSE and Pycnogenol® do contain similar chemical constituents (primarily in the OPC fraction), the chemical, pharmacological, and clinical literature on the two products are distinct. The term Pycnogenol® should therefore only be used to refer to the specific, proprietary French maritime pine bark extract. Scientific literature regarding this product should not be referenced as a basis for the safety or effectiveness of GSE.

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.

• Allergies, Alzheimer's disease, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow production, bruising, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, cerebral ischemia, chemotherapy side effects, doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, endometriosis, exercise capacity, fat burning, G6PD deficiency, gout prevention (xanthine oxidase and dehydrogenase inhibitor), hemorrhoids, hormonal effects, immunomodulation, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, jet lag, joint disorders, joint hypermobility, kidney protection, leukemia, lung cancer, macular degeneration, metabolic syndrome, mitral valve prolapse, motion sickness, myalgia, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myopathy, neurodegenerative diseases, night vision, osteoporosis, pelvic cramps, psoriasis, radioprotection, rheumatoid arthritis, scar prevention, scoliosis, scurvy, sickle cell anemia, skin disorders, skin rejuvenation, varicose veins, vasorelaxant, wound healing.

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)

• In general, 25-360 milligrams has been taken by mouth in divided doses daily. For gum health, 5 milligrams Pycnogenol® in chewing gum for 14 days has been used.

• Pycnogenol® appears to be absorbed into the bloodstream in about 20 minutes. Once absorbed, therapeutic effects are purported to last for approximately 72 hours, followed by excretion in the urine. Because of its astringent taste and occasional minor stomach discomfort, it may be best to take Pycnogenol® with or after meals.

• Diabetes complications in the small blood vessels: 100mg of Pycnogenol® has been applied to the skin daily with or without systemic Pycnogenol® (150mg daily).

• Leg ulcers: 50mg Pycnogenol® by mouth three times daily plus powder applied to the skin has been used for six weeks.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): 1mg/kg Pycnogenol® daily for four weeks has been taken by mouth.

• Due to insufficient data, Pycnogenol® is not recommended for use in young 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

• Individuals should not take Pycnogenol® if allergic to it, its components, or members of the Pinaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Pycnogenol® is generally reported as being well tolerated. Low acute and chronic toxicity with mild unwanted effects may occur in a small percentage of patients following oral administration. Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset and dizziness. Because of its astringent taste and occasional minor stomach discomfort, it may be best to take Pycnogenol® with or after meals. To date, no serious adverse effects have been reported in the available scientific literature, although systematic study of safety is not available.

• In theory, Pycnogenol® may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

• In theory, Pycnogenol® may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• Pycnogenol® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack of 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

• Pycnogenol® may interact with other blood pressure lowering medications, specifically angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) such as benazepril (Lotensin®), captopril (Capoten®), enalapril (Vasotec®), fosinopril (Monopril®), lisinopril (Prinivil®), moexipril (Univasc®), perindopril (Aceon®), quinapril (Accupril®), ramipril (Altace®), trandolapril (Mavik®), or angiotensin converting enzyme receptor blockers such as losartan (Cozaar®), irbesartan (Avapro®), candesartan, cilexetil (Atacand®), or valsartan (Diovan®).

• Based on clinical trial, use of Pycnogenol® may reduce the need for nifedipine (Procardia®, Procardia XL®) in patients with mild high blood pressure,

• Pycnogenol® may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth (such as metformin, glyburide, glipizide) or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Pycnogenol® may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

• Pycnogenol® may interfere with immunosuppressant or immunostimulant drugs. Pycnogenol® may also prevent fluoride induced kidney damage.

• Pycnogenol® may have protective effects against alcohol's effects on brain neurons; further research is needed to confirm these results.

• Based on clinical study, Pycnogenol® may have positive effects on fertility, and may have antilipemic effects.

• Based on preclinical study, Pycnogenol® may have anticancer, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-allergy, inotropic, and skin protective effects. Theoretically, there may be additive effects with other drugs that treat these conditions. However, additional clinical research is needed to verify these interactions.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Pycnogenol® may interact with herbs and supplements that affect blood pressure.

• Although data has yet to confirm this claim, it has been proposed that Pycnogenol® may increase vitamin C levels and may have additive effects with vitamin E.

• Pycnogenol® may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Pycnogenol® may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Pycnogenol® may interfere with immunosuppressant or immunostimulant herbs and supplements.

• Pycnogenol® and other antioxidants may have additive effects.

• Based on clinical study, Pycnogenol® may have positive effects on fertility, may have antilipemic effects, and may interact with L-arginine, L-lysine, pinokinase, or rutin.

• Based on preclinical study, Pycnogenol® may have anticancer, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-allergy, inotropic, and skin protective effects. Theoretically, there may be additive effects with other agents that treat these conditions. Pycnogenol® may also interact with alpha-lipoic acid, beta-carotene, and S-allyl cysteine. However, additional clinical research is needed to verify these interactions.

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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