Pycnogenol: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Maritime Pine
Scientific name(s)
Pinus pinaster, Pinus maritima.
Family or group:
Phytosubstances
Active ingredients:
Procyanidins
Catechins
Oligo-Proanthocyanidins
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that oral intake of Pycnogenol reduces edema, pain, and leg heaviness in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency when used for 3 to 12 weeks. The most commonly used dose is 100 to 120 mg three times per day. Additional clinical research conducted on adults with chronic venous insufficiency for more than 3 years shows that taking the same extract at 50 mg three times a day for 8 weeks, in addition to wearing compression stockings, improves microcirculation and subjective symptoms of venous insufficiency compared to compression stockings alone.
Posologie
Oral
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 ✪✪✪✪✪
Pycnogenol may be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Specifically, it might prevent free radical-induced endothelial damage and reduce the potential for atherogenesis and thrombus formation through vasodilation. Furthermore, procyanidins (in Pycnogenol) reduce capillary permeability, which contributes to edema and micro-bleeding, by cross-linking capillary wall proteins such as collagen and elastin. In human studies, taking Pycnogenol for 30 months reduced the progression of atherosclerotic plaques in healthy asymptomatic adults with non-stenotic plaques (which do not cause blood vessel narrowing). Pycnogenol might also be beneficial to reduce cholesterol levels in patients at risk of cardiovascular complications. However, clinical research results are inconsistent regarding hypercholesterolemia.
Posologie
Oral
100 - 200 mg
6 - months
Heavy Legs ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that oral intake of Pycnogenol reduces edema, ankle swelling, pain, and leg heaviness in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency when used for 3 to 12 weeks. The most commonly used dose is 100 to 120 mg three times per day.
Posologie
Oral
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
Allergic Rhinitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking Pycnogenol 50 mg twice a day, starting 5 weeks before allergy season, significantly reduces nasal symptoms associated with birch allergies compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral
100 - 100 mg
5 - weeks
Asthma ✪✪✪✪✪
Taking 100 mg of Pycnogenol per day in addition to standard asthma medications increases peak expiratory flow, reduces asthma symptoms, and decreases medication use in children and adults with varying degrees of asthma severity.
Posologie
Oral
100 - 100 mg
Sports Performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Daily intake of 200 mg of Pycnogenol for 30 days significantly improved treadmill exercise performance in athletes aged 20 to 35. Furthermore, a consumption of 100 mg per day for 8 weeks, combined with physical training, improved results on Army Physical Fitness Test and had a positive impact on overall performance in triathlon events.
Posologie
Oral
100 - 200 mg
1 - month
Diabetic Retinopathy ✪✪✪✪✪
A double-blind study conducted with 40 patients suffering from diabetes, atherosclerosis, or other vascular diseases involving the retina, who received Pycnogenol (50 mg x 3/day for 2 months) or placebo, showed an improvement in retinal vascularization and a reduction in endothelial permeability and leakage in patients treated with Pycnogenol, but not in those given a placebo. The mechanism of action of Pycnogenol may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Another double-blind, controlled study against calcium dobesilate (a drug to reduce capillary permeability), showed that the efficacy of Pycnogenol was at least as good as that of calcium dobesilate, with improved capillary resistance and reduced leakage in the retina. In conclusion, Pycnogenol may be beneficial for diabetic patients and those in early stages of retinopathy, although further research is needed.
Posologie
Oral
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
Cognitive Performance ✪✪✪✪✪
There is a relationship between cognition, brain aging, and oxidative stress. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in older subjects without chronic disease who received either 150 mg/day of Pycnogenol or a placebo for 3 months showed that the Pycnogenol group had better working memory results compared to the placebo group and had a significant decrease in plasma F2-isoprostane concentrations compared to placebo, indicating an antioxidant effect. Other clinical research shows that taking Pycnogenol at 100 to 150 mg per day for 3 to 12 months improves overall cognitive function and memory compared to a placebo in healthy adults.
Posologie
Oral route
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
Skin Health ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical trials have shown that Pycnogenol significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity. In a clinical trial, healthy non-smoking postmenopausal women without a history of skin disease were treated with 75 mg/day of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks. Skin biopsy showed a significant 44% increase in the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase-1 mRNA, the gene involved in hyaluronic acid synthesis. Changes in mRNA expression were associated with significant skin improvements (hydration, elasticity, and fatigue).
Posologie
Oral route
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
Attention Deficit Disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical studies in children with ADHD show that taking 1 mg/kg per day of Pycnogenol for one month appears to normalize catecholamine levels, decrease hyperactivity, and reduce oxidative stress compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route
1 mg/kg
1 - month
Effect of polyphenolic extract, Pycnogenol, on the level of 8-oxoguanine in children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Cognitive Decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in adults with mild cognitive impairment shows that taking 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol for 8 weeks improves overall cognitive function compared to no supplementation. Note that all patients in this study also received standard care for mild cognitive deficiency, which included lifestyle modifications such as better sleep, physical exercise, reduced sugar and salt intake, and decreased cardiovascular risk factors.
Posologie
Oral route
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
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Supplementation of 100 mg per day of Pycnogenol in conjunction with conventional diabetes treatment appears beneficial. It has been shown that pycnogenol, during 12 weeks, lowers glucose levels and improves endothelial function. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were also modestly reduced after a month of supplementation. On the other hand, preliminary evidence shows that taking Pycnogenol (50 mg three times per day) for 4 weeks improves microcirculation and the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and edema in diabetic patients, in the absence of severe cardiovascular disease.
Posologie
Oral route
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 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol for 4 weeks, in conjunction with standard treatment, reduces abdominal pain, cramps, and the need for medical care compared to standard treatment alone in adults with IBS. In both groups, standard treatment included specific nutritional recommendations and Buscopan (antispasmodic), Hyoscine Butylbromide (antispasmodic), or paracetamol for pain relief.
Posologie
Oral route
150 - 150 mg
4 - weeks
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking 150 to 300 mg per day of Pycnogenol orally, alone or in combination with a cream containing 0.5% standardized pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) for 7 days, improves both the quality of life and symptoms associated with acute hemorrhoidal episodes compared to placebo tablets/cream. Other preliminary clinical research in postpartum women suffering from internal or external hemorrhoids shows that taking this same extract at 150 mg per day for 6 months, in conjunction with standard hemorrhoid treatment, improves all major symptoms, including thrombosis, pain, swelling, and bleeding, compared to standard treatment alone.
Posologie
Oral route
150 - 300 mg
6 - months
Cramps ✪✪✪✪✪
It is proven that taking 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol can decrease the incidence of leg cramps. The individuals studied had cramps at least 4 times per week associated with sports activities or venous insufficiency, or of an unknown cause.
Posologie
Oral route
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 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol for 7 to 10 days, starting 2 to 3 days before a flight, modestly reduces the 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 a little more than a day compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route
150 - 150 mg
7 - days
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Pycnogenol may help reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis or dysmenorrhea.
Posologie
Oral route
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.
UV Exposure ✪✪✪✪✪
Oral supplementation 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 an additional four weeks, increases skin resistance to ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB, in a small study on 21 volunteers.
Posologie
Oral route
1.1 - 1.66 mg/kg
2 months
Properties
Antiallergic
Some clinical research shows that Pycnogenol may improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Preliminary research on animal models suggests this effect may result from its ability to inhibit histamine release from mast cells. This effect is comparable to sodium cromoglycate (an antiallergic drug). Further evidence suggests that the antiallergic effects of Pycnogenol stem from its anti-inflammatory potential. It can inhibit the release of lipoxygenase, leukotriene, and cyclooxygenase from neutrophils.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Pycnogenol has a powerful antioxidant activity, which has been reported in several in vitro studies. These studies have shown that it can scavenge both hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, prolong the lifespan and enhance the antioxidant function of ascorbate radical (vitamin C), and increase the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT).
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
In laboratory experiments, Pycnogenol has been shown effective in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol present in low-density lipoproteins (LDL), while protecting DNA against damage caused by free radicals. It has also been observed that it could reduce damage to blood vessel walls caused by these same free radicals. Furthermore, Pycnogenol could decrease the activity of certain molecules involved in cell adhesion, suggesting beneficial potential in the prevention of atherosclerosis. In human studies, the use of Pycnogenol over a 30-month period was associated with a slowdown in the development of atherosclerotic plaques in healthy adults but with non-obstructive plaques. Moreover, in people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, taking Pycnogenol appears to improve the elasticity and tone of vein walls, thus offering therapeutic potential in this condition.
Usages associés
Microcirculatory Effect
The effects of Pycnogenol on microcirculation have been studied in patients with coronary artery disease, in a placebo-controlled double-blind study. An improvement in microcirculation at the nails of 53.8% was observed in patients who received Pycnogenol. Moreover, myocardial ischemia improved by 16% in patients treated with Pycnogenol compared to 11% in the placebo group.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Pycnogenol, an extract from maritime pine bark, proves to be a promising ally in combating inflammatory processes. In humans, it has been shown to inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB, a key regulator of the immune and inflammatory response. Furthermore, it reduces the activity of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, often involved in the production of pro-inflammatory substances, thus helping to mitigate inflammation and pain. Pycnogenol may also lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a blood marker commonly used to assess the degree of inflammation in the body. Animal research suggests this extract can reduce myeloperoxidase activity in rats with inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, laboratory research suggests that Pycnogenol can decrease the production of interleukins like IL-1 and IL-2, which are molecules involved in inflammation mechanisms.
Usages associés
Neurological
In vitro, Pycnogenol protects brain cells in animals against the toxic effects of high levels of glutamate and against the toxic effects of the beta-amyloid protein, 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 significantly reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive functions. In children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Pycnogenol has been shown to increase reduced glutathione levels, reduce oxidized glutathione levels, and improve the total antioxidant status, while normalizing concentrations of urinary catecholamines and decreasing dopamine concentrations.
Usages associés
Dermatological Effect
Exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays increases free radicals that can damage the skin. Pycnogenol may protect the skin due to its antioxidant effects. Some research suggests that topical maritime pine bark extract may be useful for skin diseases related to increased cell adhesion and inflammation, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and lupus erythematosus. Pycnogenol may reduce inflammation of keratinocytes. Research on animal models of wound healing suggests that gel formulations containing 1%, 2%, and 5% maritime pine extract reduce wound healing time depending on the concentration. Researchers hypothesize that Pycnogenol may bind to collagen and elastin at wound sites and inhibit the activity of metalloproteinases, which can slow healing.
Usages associés
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor/Anticoagulant
In smokers, Pycnogenol inhibits platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine. This effect is attributed to the extract's ability to lower thromboxane B2 (TxB2) levels in smokers, a substance involved in the activation and aggregation of blood platelets. However, the extract does not seem to lower TxB2 levels in non-smokers or increase the risk of bleeding.
Immunostimulant
Preliminary evidence shows that Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. It appears to enhance the activity of natural killer cells and improve the function of T and B lymphocytes in animal models. It also increases the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB). Pycnogenol seems to slow down the development of immune dysfunction in animal models infected with a retrovirus similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), by balancing the secretion of T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokines.
Anticancer
In vitro research shows that a standardized extract of maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) can induce differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia and breast cancer cells. Additionally, evidence from animal research shows that this extract can provide up to 48% protection against toxicity and mutagenicity from chronic cigarette smoke exposure. This effect has been attributed to the antioxidant effects of maritime pine bark extract. In vitro research shows that standardized extract of maritime pine bark can inhibit the metabolic activation of NNK, a carcinogenic compound resulting from the interaction between tobacco and the body, which plays a role in tobacco carcinogenicity.
Hypoglycemic
Pycnogenol appears to reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although the mechanism is not entirely clear, Pycnogenol does not seem to affect insulin secretion. Evidence from animal research suggests that the antidiabetic effects of this extract are linked to its ability to reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and contributes to diabetes-related complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 100 mg - 200 mg
The standard doses of Pycnogenol appear to range from 100 to 200 mg per day.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antidiabetic: moderate interaction
Maritime pine bark extract may have additive effects when used with antidiabetic medications in some patients. Closely monitor blood glucose levels. Dosage adjustments may be necessary. Antidiabetic medications include GLIMEPIRIDE BGR, insulin, Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone, and others.
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant: mild interaction
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. It may increase bleeding risk when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications include aspirin, clopidogrel, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, ticlopidine, warfarin.
Immunosuppressant: mild 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 using it 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 may inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce blood glucose levels. Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract may interfere with glycemic control and increase bleeding risk 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 could worsen liver function in patients with hepatitis.
Pregnant women: avoid
As a general precaution, Pycnogenol should not be taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. This precaution is based on general principles and the lack of published data on pregnant women using Pycnogenol during the first or second trimester of pregnancy.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
There is not enough reliable information available regarding the safety of maritime pine when used during lactation.
Children from 6 to 18 years: use with caution
As a general precaution, children under 6 years should not use Pycnogenol as the appropriate dosage has not been confirmed.
