Maritime Pine: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Pinus maritima
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Procyanidins
Oligo-ProAnthocyanidins
Catechins
Beta Sitosterol
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Venous insufficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking the standardized maritime pine bark extract orally reduces edema, ankle swelling, and symptoms of pain and leg heaviness in people with chronic venous insufficiency when used for 3 to 12 weeks. It is more effective than compression stockings alone. Some people also use horse chestnut seed extract to treat chronic venous insufficiency, but this standardized maritime pine bark extract seems to be more effective than horse chestnut seed extract.
Posologie
Oral: bark
150 - 300 mg
12 - weeks
Comparative Study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Control of Edema in Hypertensive Subjects Treated With Calcium Antagonist (Nifedipine) or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors With Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
PYCNOGENOL in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Improvement of Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Microangiopathy With Pycnogenol: A Prospective, Controlled Study
Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in Treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Prospective, Controlled Study
A Clinical Comparison of Pycnogenol, Antistax, and Stocking in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Heavy legs ✪✪✪✪✪
Maritime pine bark extract has shown in clinical studies its ability to alleviate symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, including reduction of edema, ankle swelling, and sensations of heaviness and pain in the legs.
Posologie
Oral: bark
150 - 300 mg
12 - weeks
Comparative Study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Control of Edema in Hypertensive Subjects Treated With Calcium Antagonist (Nifedipine) or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors With Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
PYCNOGENOL in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Improvement of Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Microangiopathy With Pycnogenol: A Prospective, Controlled Study
Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in Treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Prospective, Controlled Study
A Clinical Comparison of Pycnogenol, Antistax, and Stocking in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Maritime pine bark extract may help prevent cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is capable of protecting blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals and reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque and thrombus development through vasodilation. Furthermore, the procyanidins present in the extract decrease capillary permeability, hence reducing edema and micro-bleeding by strengthening the structural proteins of the vessels such as collagen and elastin. Studies have shown that regular intake of this extract over a period of 30 months can slow the formation of plaques in the arteries, suggesting a preventative potential against atherosclerosis. Finally, it may also help lower cholesterol, though research results on this point are varied.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 200 mg
6 - months
Cognitive performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies suggest that a daily intake of 100 to 150 mg of standardized maritime pine bark extract, known as Pycnogenol, over a period of 3 to 12 months may significantly improve cognitive function and memory in healthy adults compared to a placebo. This improvement also concerns cognition and mood, notably among healthy students subjected to rigorous tests. Pycnogenol has also been linked to a decrease in test failures and an increase in average grades.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 150 mg
3 - months
The COFU3 Study. Improvement in cognitive function, attention, mental performance with Pycnogenol® in healthy subjects (55-70) with high oxidative stress.
Pycnogenol® Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function, Attention and Mental Performance in Students
Pycnogenol® Improves Cognitive Function, Attention, Mental Performance and Specific Professional Skills in Healthy Professionals Aged 35-55
Asthma ✪✪✪✪✪
Taking 100 mg of Pycnogenol per day in addition to standard asthma medications increases peak expiratory flow, decreases asthma symptoms, and reduces the need for rescue medication in children and adults with varying severity of asthma.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 100 mg
Sports performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Daily consumption of 200 mg of Pycnogenol, a maritime pine bark extract, over a period of 30 days, has shown improvements in the exercise capacity of recreational athletes aged 20 to 35 years, particularly during a treadmill test. Moreover, taking 100 mg of this extract for 8 weeks, in combination with physical training, improved performance in Army Physical Fitness Tests and reduced treadmill time. The use of the extract during training also seemed to enhance the overall triathlon time compared to training alone.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 200 mg
1 - month
Skin health ✪✪✪✪✪
In a clinical trial, maritime pine bark extract significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity. This improvement was manifested by a significant increase in a key enzyme for hyaluronic acid synthesis, as well as an increase in the expression of genes responsible for the production of new collagen. This indicates that maritime pine extracts can play a role in maintaining skin health.
Posologie
Oral: bark
75 - 100 mg
12 - weeks
Solar Ultraviolet-Induced Erythema in Human Skin and Nuclear factor-kappa-B-dependent Gene Expression in Keratinocytes Are Modulated by a French Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Supplementation With Evelle Improves Skin Smoothness and Elasticity in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study With 62 Women
Diabetic retinopathy ✪✪✪✪✪
Daily intake of 50 mg of maritime pine bark extract, three times a day for two months, seems promising in slowing or preventing further deterioration of retinal function in patients suffering from retinopathy due to diabetes, atherosclerosis, or central vein thrombosis. In a study comparing this extract with Dexium 500, a venotonic medication, over six months and involving 32 diabetic participants, the extract showed significant improvements in retinal condition and ocular blood circulation. Patients also experienced potential improvement in their visual acuity.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 150 mg
2 - months
Circulating Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species in Patients With Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and the Influence of Antioxidant Supplementation: 6-month Follow-Up
Treatment of Vascular Retinopathies With Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol for Diabetic Retinopathy. A Review
Pycnogenol Improves Microcirculation, Retinal Edema, and Visual Acuity in Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Allergic rhinitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that 50 mg of standardized maritime pine bark extract twice daily, taken 5 weeks before allergy season, significantly reduces nasal symptoms associated with birch allergies compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 100 mg
5 - weeks
Attention deficit disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical studies in children with ADHD show that taking a standardized maritime pine bark extract at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day for one month seems to normalize catecholamine levels, decrease hyperactivity and reduce oxidative stress, compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral: bark
1 mg/kg
1 - month
Effect of polyphenolic extract, Pycnogenol, on the level of 8-oxoguanine in children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) 150-300 mg per day orally, alone or in combination with a cream containing 0.5% standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) for 7 days, improves both quality of life and symptoms associated with acute hemorrhoidal episodes compared to placebo tablets/cream. Other preliminary clinical research in postpartum women with internal or external hemorrhoids shows that taking this same maritime pine bark extract 150 mg per day for 6 months, in combination with standard hemorrhoid care, improves major symptoms, including thrombosis, pain, swelling, and bleeding, compared to standard care alone.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
150 - 300 mg
6 - months
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
There is preliminary evidence that a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) might help reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis or dysmenorrhea.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
60 - 60 mg
2 - months
Analgesic Efficacy of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract in Dysmenorrhea: An Open Clinical Trial
Effect of French maritime pine bark extract on endometriosis as compared with leuprorelin acetate.
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
The standardized extract of maritime pine bark can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, providing antioxidant protection to central nervous system tissues. This feature distinguishes it from other known antioxidants. Its antioxidant potential is associated with anti-inflammatory action, while its affinity for collagen may be responsible for reducing excessive capillary permeability. Supplementation with 100 mg per day, alongside conventional diabetes treatment, appears beneficial. It has been shown that supplementation for 12 weeks lowers glucose levels and improves endothelial function. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels have been modestly reduced after a month of supplementation. On the other hand, preliminary evidence shows that taking a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) 50 mg three times a day for 4 weeks improves microcirculation and symptoms in patients suffering from diabetes, neuropathy symptoms, and edema in the absence of severe cardiovascular disease.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
50 - 200 mg
12 - weeks
Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes by Pycnogenol Supplementation
French Maritime Pine Bark Extract Pycnogenol Dose-Dependently Lowers Glucose in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Antidiabetic Effect of Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine Bark Extract in Patients With Diabetes Type II
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a standardized extract of maritime pine bark at a dose of 150 mg per day for 4 weeks, in combination with standard treatment, reduces abdominal pain, cramps, and the need for medical care and rescue medication compared to standard treatment alone in adults with IBS. In both groups, standard treatment included specific nutritional recommendations and Buscopan (antispasmodics), Hyoscine Butylbromide (antispasmodics) or paracetamol for pain relief.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
150 - 150 mg
4 - weeks
Cramps ✪✪✪✪✪
It is proven that taking a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) at a dose of 200 mg per day may decrease the incidence of leg cramps. The studied individuals experienced cramps at least 4 times a week associated with physical activity or venous insufficiency, or due to an unknown cause.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
200 - 200 mg
Cramps and Muscular Pain: Prevention With Pycnogenol in Normal Subjects, Venous Patients, Athletes, Claudicants and in Diabetic Microangiopathy
Comparative Study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Jet Lag ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) 150 mg per day for 7-10 days, starting 2-3 days before a flight, modestly reduces typical signs and symptoms of jet lag compared to a placebo. Taking this standardized extract also seems to reduce the average duration of jet lag symptoms by just over a day compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
150 - 150 mg
7 - days
Cognitive Decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in adults with mild cognitive impairment shows that taking a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) at a dose of 150 mg per day for 8 weeks improves overall cognitive function compared to no supplementation. Note that all patients in this study also benefited from standard care for mild cognitive impairment, which included lifestyle modifications such as improved sleep, physical exercise, reduced sugar and salt intake, and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
Posologie
Oral use: bark
150 - 150 mg
8 - weeks
Pycnogenol® Supplementation in Minimal Cognitive Dysfunction
A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of Pycnogenol and Bacopa CDRI08 Herbal Medicines on Cognitive, Cardiovascular, and Biochemical Functioning in Cognitively Healthy Elderly People: The Australian Research Council Longevity Intervention (ARCLI) Study Protocol
Properties
Anti-allergic
Pycnogenol exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release of lipoxygenase, leukotriene, and cyclooxygenase by neutrophils, and anti-allergic effects by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells. Clinical research has demonstrated the interest of Pycnogenol (a patented extract of maritime pine) in improving symptoms of allergic rhinitis and treating asthma. Indeed, in asthmatic children, taking this maritime pine bark extract decreases urinary levels of leukotrienes compared to a placebo.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Pycnogenol (a patented extract of maritime pine) contains constituents with antioxidant effects, including the ability to recycle ascorbyl and tocopheryl radicals, which helps maintain vitamin C and E levels. Additionally, animal research suggests that the antidiabetic effects of this extract are linked to its ability to reduce oxidative stress in diabetic rats. In vitro research has also shown that the standardized maritime pine bark extract can inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophage cells.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
In vitro, Pycnogenol (a patented extract of maritime pine) prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and protects DNA from damage caused by free radicals. It also appears to prevent free-radical-induced endothelial damage in vitro. Furthermore, in vitro research shows that the extract may decrease the activity of certain molecules involved in cell adhesion, suggesting a potential benefit in preventing atherosclerosis. Pycnogenol prevents capillary permeability due to the antioxidant effects of several of its constituents. The extract also appears to recycle ascorbyl and tocopheryl radicals, which would help maintain vitamin C and E levels, contributing to endothelial cell protection, enhancing vasorelaxation, and strengthening capillary and vascular integrity. This suggests that the extract helps improve elasticity and tonicity of vein walls in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
Usages associés
Microcirculatory effect
There is evidence that the standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) 150 mg three times a day for 4 weeks may improve certain factors such as microcirculation, myocardial ischemia, and platelet aggregation potential in patients with coronary artery diseases. Preliminary evidence also shows that 50 mg three times a day for 4 weeks improves microcirculation and symptoms in patients with diabetes, neuropathy symptoms, and edema in the absence of severe cardiovascular disease.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In a clinical trial, 10 volunteers received a single dose of 300 mg of Pycnogenol (a patented extract of maritime pine). Only 30 minutes after ingesting the pine bark extract, the serum samples induced a statistically significant increase in COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Another study suggests that the standardized extract allowed the inhibition of the release of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) by human monocytes and the activation of NF-kappaB. This suggests a rapid bioavailability of the compounds and also some anti-inflammatory activity.
Usages associés
Neurological
In vitro, the extract protects animal brain cells against the toxic effects of high levels of glutamate, and also against the toxic effects of beta-amyloid protein, which is found in the characteristic plaques of Alzheimer's disease. This protective potential has been attributed to the antioxidant effects of the maritime pine bark extract. In clinical research conducted on healthy adults with high oxidative stress, Pycnogenol (a patented extract of maritime pine) measurably reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive function. Pycnogenol has been shown to increase reduced glutathione levels, reduce oxidized glutathione levels, reduce oxidative DNA damage, and improve total antioxidant status, as well as normalize urinary catecholamine concentrations and decrease dopamine concentrations.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
There is interest in using a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) for UV protection. It has been shown that exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays increases free radical levels that can harm the skin. Pycnogenol may protect the skin through its antioxidant effects. An oral supplement with standardized maritime pine bark extract at doses of 1.10 mg/kg/day for four weeks, followed by 1.66 mg/kg/day for a further four weeks, increases skin resistance to ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB (study on 21 volunteers). Some research suggests that topical maritime pine bark extract could be useful for skin diseases related to increased cell adhesion and inflammation, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and lupus erythematosus. Pycnogenol reduces inflammation of keratinocytes, which can reduce wound healing time. It may also bind to collagen and elastin in wounds and inhibit metalloproteinase activity. All these mechanisms promote healing.
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Preliminary evidence shows that a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) could stimulate the immune system. It seems to enhance natural killer cell activity and improve T and B lymphocyte function in animal models. This standardized extract also increases the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and the activity of natural factor KB (NF-KB). The standardized maritime pine bark extract appears to slow the development of immune dysfunction in animal models infected with a retrovirus similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by restoring an imbalanced secretion of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokines.
Anticancer
In vitro research shows that a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) can induce differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia and breast cancer cells. Furthermore, animal research evidence shows that this extract can provide up to 48% protection against the toxicity and mutagenicity of chronic cigarette smoke exposure. This effect has been attributed to the antioxidant effects of the maritime pine bark extract. In particular, in vitro research shows that the standardized maritime pine bark extract can inhibit the metabolic activation of NNK, a tobacco-specific nitrosamine that plays a role in the carcinogenicity of tobacco.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 50 mg - 450 mg
Maritime pine bark extract has most often been used at a dose of 50 mg, taken 2 to 3 times a day, for up to 1 year. The studies predominantly include Pycnogenol, a patented product. It is prepared by powdering fresh maritime pine bark, then extracting it using water and ethanol. Market extracts are standardized to contain about 70% procyanidins. Other products are standardized to contain >96% total polyphenols and 67% to 75% oligomeric proanthocyanidins.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidiabetics: moderate interaction
Maritime pine bark extract might have additive effects when used with antidiabetic medications in some patients. Closely monitor blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Among antidiabetic medications are GLIMEPIRIDE BGR, insulin, Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone, and others.
Platelet aggregation inhibitors/Anticoagulant: mild interaction
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. It may increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, and warfarin.
Immunosuppressant: weak interaction
Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Precautions
Autoimmune diseases: use with caution
Due to its immunostimulant effects, avoid use in patients with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders.
Surgical intervention: use with caution
Excessive doses of maritime pine bark extract could inhibit platelet aggregation and lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract could interfere with glycemic control and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It is advised to stop using it at least 2 weeks before surgical procedures.
Hepatitis: use with caution
Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract may worsen liver function in patients with hepatitis.
Pregnant woman: avoid
In preliminary clinical research, a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) was used during the third trimester of pregnancy without causing safety issues. However, evidence remains insufficient, if not absent, for use in early pregnancy.
Lactating woman: avoid
There is insufficient reliable information available regarding the safety of maritime pine when used during lactation.
Child from 6 to 18 years: use with caution
As a general precaution, children under the age of 6 should not use maritime pine extracts as the appropriate dosage has not been confirmed.
