Pycnogenol: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

Pycnogenol is the trade name for an extract of french maritime ache bark ( Pinus pinaster ). It is a natural reference of respective antioxidants including proanthocyanidins, which are besides found in wine, grapes, apples, cocoa, tea, nuts, and some berries .

Pycnogenol is much marketed as a supplement for heart and circulatory health and a assortment of conditions, including menopause, chronic venous insufficiency, erectile dysfunction ( ED ), eminent blood blackmail, inflammation, diabetes, and tinnitus ( ringing in the ears ) .

Reading: Pycnogenol: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

What Is Pycnogenol Used For ?

many of the studies on pine bark infusion have been minor and short-run, and it should be noted that few have been done by independent researchers. however, 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 impression is related to Pycnogenol ‘s antioxidative effects and improved officiate of the endothelium, the thin membrane lining the inside of the heart. This paper cites several studies demonstrating that Pycnogenol can improve the handiness of azotic oxide, helping to maintain vascular homeostasis and improve circulation.

One 2006 study in especial showed that Pycnogenol may reduce swelling and pain in people with chronic venous insufficiency—when veins do not efficiently return blood from the leg to the heart—which may be improved along with circulation.

Pycnogenol has besides been explored as a remedy for erectile dysfunction ascribable to its effects on azotic oxide levels and blood flow. One study published in 2010 tested this using a combination of Pycnogenol and other ingredients ( most normally L-arginine ). While the effects of Pycnogenol alone are n’t known, the datum is promising with 92.5 % of study participants experiencing a convention erecting after three months. however, it is important to note that alone 40 subjects were tested.

Heart Health

Pycnogenol is often touted as a remedy for high blood pressure, excitement, and early problems known to increase the risk of heart disease ; again here, its effects on the function of the endothelium are believed to be at playing period .

A humble 2008 study investigating 48 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure who took either a daily Pycnogenol accessory or a placebo pill for 12 weeks found that those taking Pycnogenol showed improvements in blood imperativeness, cholesterol levels, and rake boodle levels. This supports the mind 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 educe may not enhance heart health for the general population. The study involved 130 corpulence people, all of whom had elevated blood pressure but were n’t taking blood press medication. For 12 weeks, participants took either the pine bark press out or a placebo. Study results showed that the participants ‘ blood coerce, C-reactive protein ( a marker of inflammation ), blood boodle, and cholesterol levels remained basically the lapp in both groups throughout the study.

Diabetes

There is extra evidence to support that Pycnogenol may be helpful in early ways for people with diabetes. In especial, it may help improve vision in people in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. A leading causal agent 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 inside eye ) .

In a study published in 2008, people with diabetes and early-stage retinopathy took Pycnogenol or a placebo day by day for three months. Study results showed that 18 of the 24 participants who took Pycnogenol had an improvement in their imagination, while no such improvements were observed in those who took the placebo. The study ‘s authors suggest that pine bark educe may help stimulate circulation in the retina and suppress swell, which in call on may improve vision.

Pycnogenol has besides been shown to lower rake glucose.

tinnitus

Marked by continuous noise or resound in the ears, tinnitus is a common circumstance sometimes triggered by low or high rake imperativeness or a disorderliness 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 about 35 percentage of controls, and had significantly better blood stream in the cochlea ( a part of the inner ear that plays a key function 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 besides cause temper and lower energy levels, specially when used in the treatment of ADHD.

Precautions

The guard 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 arthritic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and celiac disease, should use caution when using Pycnogenol as animal studies suggst it may influence immune arrangement action. Pycnogenol may increase the risk of bleed, so it should be avoided by those with bleeding disorders, people taking lineage thinning medicine or supplements, or in the weeks before surgery.

Interactions

Although Pycnogenol is by and large considered safe, it may interfere with the natural process 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 lineage sugar, it may interact with early medications taken by people with diabetes .

Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak

dose and planning

Doses up to 200mg daily have been used safely for up to six months.

What to Look For

Pycnogenol, as a patent formulation of french maritime pine bark excerpt, is standardized to 65 % to 75 % procyanidin compounds by weight. Procyanidins are chain-like structures consisting of catechins, which confer the accessory ‘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 besides be extracted from other sources, including peanut peel, grapeshot seed, and witch hazel bark .