According to inquiry, Pycnogenol may have a battalion of health benefits, which are probably due to this excerpt ’ sulfur antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Learn about all the potential benefits of Pycnogenol and find out which ones are most supported by science .
What Is Pycnogenol ?
Pycnogenol is a patented extract of the french nautical pine bark ( Pinus pinaster ).
It is standardized to contain 65-75 % procyanidins, a class of polyphenols and flavonoids like those found in blueberries, wine, grape skin, citrus, and cocoa. Some research suggests that procyanidins may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural process. The remaining compounds are phenolic resin acids, which may besides have antioxidant action [ 1, 2 ] .
research into Pycnogenol has revealed some promise results in over 30 health conditions. however, it ’ randomness indecipherable how clinically effective Pycnogenol is for most of these conditions due to the low quality of evidence. That said, there are some instances where this excerpt may possibly be effective .
In this article, we ’ ll summarize all the potential benefits and the scientific research surrounding ache bark press out and Pycnogenol .
Pine Bark Extract vs. Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is officially extracted from the french nautical pine ( Pinus pinaster ), which grows in the southwest slide of France. Its quality is specified in the United States Pharmacopeia [ 3 ] .
Pycnogenol is known under different names in some countries, such as Oligopin, and Flavangenol in Japan [ 4, 5 ] .
Extracts can besides be made from early pine barks, such as Pinus radiata, Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, and Pinus massoniana. Most have like amounts of active substances and are much sold under the sword diagnose Pycnogenol [ 6 ] .
however, some of these other ache bark extracts can have different active compounds, which may affect their biological activity .
For exemplar, Enzogenol is an extract from a ache that grows in California and Mexico ( Pinus radiata ) that may have cognitive-enhancing effects. Trees of this pine have been naturalized in Australia and New Zealand, where most Enzogenol is nowadays made [ 7 ] .
How Does Pycnogenol Act in the Body ?
There ’ s some evidence that Pycnogenol acts similar to a sustained-release conceptualization. According to some researchers, when you take Pycnogenol [ 8 ] :
- Small molecule antioxidants (phenolic acids, catechin, and taxifolin) are quickly absorbed and begin to act in the body within 30 min
- The remaining more complex antioxidants (long chains of procyanidins) reach the gut, where your gut microbiome breaks them down into active metabolites
- The microbiome-produced active compounds appear in blood 6 h later and remain for at least 14 h
research suggests that Pycnogenol may protect cells in the body against oxidative stress. It besides may help regenerate and maintain vitamin C and E levels while besides potentially increasing azotic oxide levels, which may relax and protect lineage vessels [ 1 ] .
Health Benefits of Pycnogenol
possibly Effective For :
1) Exercise Performance & Recovery
clinical inquiry suggests that Pycnogenol is possibly effective for improving athletic performance. According to researchers, it may help prevent the rise in free radicals typically seen after exercise, which could cause muscle fatigue and price [ 9 ] .
A study of 147 people found that pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) may improve running, push-ups, and sit-ups endurance in amateur athletes over an 8-week prepare program. It besides may enhance swimming, biking, and running scores in professional athletes preparing for a triathlon ( at 150 mg/day ). last, research suggests that Pycnogenol may improve triathlon time while possibly reducing cramps and post-running pain [ 10 ] .
Pycnogenol ( 200 mg/day ) may reduce brawn cramps and annoyance according to a study of 66 healthy people, athletes, and those with venous problems after 4 weeks. The researchers of the study propose that pycnogenol may reduce pain and cramps during retraining and rehabilitation in people with blood vessel problems [ 11 ] .
Based on another study of 6 train and 7 untrained people, an antioxidant combination product containing Pycnogenol ( Lactaway ) may increase endurance. This supplement may besides increase muscle endurance and performance after a single pre-exercise dose according to a study of 9 cyclists [ 12, 13 ] .
2) Asthma Symptoms
Pycnogenol ( up to 200 mg/day ) may improve asthma and reduce incendiary asthma markers in the rake, leukotrienes, after 4 weeks, according to a randomized placebo-controlled test of 26 asthma patients [ 14 ] .
A randomized placebo-controlled test of 60 children with mild-to-moderate asthma found that those who took Pycnogenol may be able to reduce or discontinue their use of rescue inhalers more often than the placebo group [ 15 ] .
In a study of 76 people with allergic asthma, Pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) added to conventional corticosteroid inhalers for 6 months helped 55 % of them reduce inhaler consumption frequency and dose. In contrast, about 20 % of the participants on inhalers entirely had to increase their dose. Researchers suggest that Pycnogenol may reduce cough, night-awakenings, improve airline flow, and the indigence for extra asthma medicine [ 16 ] .
3) Allergies
A trial of 39 people with hay fever found that Pycnogenol may reduce nozzle and eye symptoms. In the study, the placebo group had higher IgE antibodies to the birch allergen than those who took Pycnogenol during the allergy season [ 17 ] .
Pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) may reduce hay fever symptoms, according to a clinical trial of 39 people. Another clinical trial of 76 people with allergic asthma besides suggests that Pycnogenol may reduce IgE antibodies and asthma symptoms [ 18, 16 ] .
Importantly, all studies found that Pycnogenol has to be taken at least 5 weeks before the allergy season in order to see potential benefits, with the best results in those who take it 7-8 weeks ahead. One study suggests that Pycnogenol has no effect when given just 3 weeks advance, as it possibly requires a lag time to stabilize the immune response [ 17 ] .
4) Cognitive Function and Brain Fog
There ’ second attest that Pycnogenol may be a predict nootropic for diverse groups of people, including middle-aged professionals, students, and people with balmy cognitive decline like genius fog .
A clinical test of 60 health professionals found that Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) may improve cognitive function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills after 12 weeks. Researchers suggest it may boost prolong attention, memory, executive functions, mood, and reduce oxidative stress [ 19 ] .
A trial of 53 students found that pycnogenol may improve cognitive serve, memory, attention, climate, and mental operation after 8 weeks [ 20 ] .
Pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) given to 44 older healthy people with high oxidative tension improved cognitive routine, attention, mental performance, and reduced oxidative stress after 12 months [ 21 ] .
Pycnogenol besides potentially improved cognitive serve in 78 people with meek cognitive disability. All included participants had “subclinical” cognitive impairment, which looks like typical brain fog [ 22 ] .
Enzogenol, a slightly different ache bark press out, improved cognitive serve in a clinical test of 42 older men after 5 weeks of supplement [ 23 ] .
5) Vein Diseases and Swelling
Pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) may reduce leg swell, spider veins, and cramps according to a study of 133 women with varicose veins who recently gave birth. Researchers suggest that it may have stronger benefits than rubber band compaction stockings. In the discipline, women taking Pycnogenol were more meet and compliant to the regimen [ 24 ] .
A randomize clinical test of 30 people found that Pycnogenol ( 150 mg/day ) may help heal vein ulcers from surgery and reduce swelling after 3 months of treatment [ 25 ] .
When pycnogenol cream was added to oral supplements in a belittled study of 18 people with vein ulcers, it helped ulcers heal more cursorily [ 26 ] .
One study of 211 found that Pycnogenol may help prevent edema and ankle swelling from farseeing flights [ 27 ] .
Pycnogenol improved symptoms, circulation, and decreased complications in 156 people with deep vein thrombosis ( blot clots in deep leg veins ) in a 12-month study. It had the best results when combined with compression stockings, but worked just american samoa well alone [ 28 ] .
insufficient evidence For :
The following aim benefits of Pycnogenol are only supported by limit, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Pycnogenol for any of the uses listed below. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Pycnogenol. It should never be used as a successor for approve medical therapies .
6) Metabolic Syndrome
A test of 132 people found that Pycnogenol ( 150 mg/day ) may improve risk factors of metabolic syndrome including lowering triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and fasting glucose, decreasing waist circumference, and increasing HDL cholesterol levels [ 29 ] .
In a study of 50 corpulence people, a combination intersection ( Pycnogenol, Madeglucyl, and starches called Glucaffect ) reduced weight, BMI, blood glucose, and HbA1C after 8 weeks [ 30 ] .
7) Diabetes
A number of clinical trials suggest that Pycnogenol may lower blood glucose if taken daily for at least 12 weeks.
In one test of 77 people with type 2 diabetes, pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) for 12 weeks lowered both lineage sugar levels and HbA1c, a marker of long-run blood glucose levels [ 31 ] .
Pycnogenol ( 125 mg/day ) had the lapp effects in another survey of 48 people with diabetes and eminent blood imperativeness. It besides may help those on blood pressure medications to reduce their acid [ 32 ] .
In another test, 30 people with type 2 diabetes received a rate of pycnogenol doses. The most effective blood sugar-lowering drug was 200 mg/day – higher doses had no further benefit [ 33 ] .
however, in all the above studies insulin levels did not change. Pycnogenol may reduce glucose levels, but it doesn’t appear to increase insulin production or insulin sensitivity .
8) Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a type of eye injury caused by complications from diabetes .
In 24 people with early center price from diabetes, Pycnogenol improved imagination, reduced eye bulge, and better circulation in the eye after 2 months. Used early on, it may prevent eye damage and blindness from diabetes [ 34 ] .
A trial of 86 people with eye price from diabetes found that antioxidant therapy ( including pycnogenol, vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 ) may improve eye health and reduce reactive oxygen species levels [ 35 ] .
9) Blood Pressure and Heart Health
According to some researchers, Pycnogenol may lower lineage blackmail by relaxing blood vessels, reducing loose radicals, and lowering excitement. According to a meta-analysis of 9 trials including 549 people, 150-200 mg/day for at least 12 weeks may reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure [ 36 ] .
A study of 58 people with high blood pressure suggests that even lower doses ( 100 mg/day ) may improve blood vessel health and reduce markers of gamey blood coerce ( endothelin -1 ) after 12 weeks. In the study, many of the participants on Pycnogenol reduced their dose of high-blood-pressure medicine ( nifedipine ) [ 37 ] .
Higher doses ( 200 mg/day ) may improve rake vessel health and affair after 8 weeks according to a study of 23 people with heart disease [ 38 ] .
A Pycnogenol combination intersection ( with l-arginine, alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and vitamin K2 ) may help protect the blood vessels and reduce senior high school homocysteine levels, according to a trial of 25 people [ 39 ] .
A study of 32 people with heart failure lasting 12 weeks suggests that a combination of Pycnogenol with CoQ10 ( PycnoQ10 ) may improve rake blackmail, affection function, edema, and capacity for physical activeness [ 40 ] .
10) Symptoms of ADHD
A clinical test of 57 ADHD children found that day by day Pycnogenol ( 1 mg/kg ) for one calendar month may reduce hyperactivity symptoms. Researchers suggest this effect may be due to reduced dopamine and epinephrine levels and increased glutathione levels .
In a study of 61 ADHD children, pycnogenol reduced hyperactivity, improved attention, and motorics after 1 calendar month. But a month after pycnogenol was stopped, the symptoms came back, suggesting that it may need to be used regularly to achieve the benefits [ 41 ].
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A trial of children with ADHD found that Pycnogenol may improve attention, possibly by increasing the sum antioxidant status and reducing DNA price. In another sketch, Pycnogenol increased glutathione levels and entire antioxidants after a month in children with ADHD [ 42, 43 ] .
however, a sketch of 24 adults with ADHD found that pycnogenol did not improve ADHD symptoms better than placebo. Researchers from the discipline suggest that gloomy Pycnogenol dose and short sketch duration may explain the miss of benefits [ 44 ] .
11) Osteoarthritis Symptoms
According to a large analysis, Pycnogenol may reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and pain short-run [ 45, 46 ] .
In a study of 33 people with severe osteoarthritis, pycnogenol ( 200 mg/day ) reduced inflammatory markers after 3 weeks. Researchers suggest that it may epigenetically turn off genes creditworthy for joint damage ( ADAMTS ) angstrom well as reduce ignition enzymes ( MMP3 ) and cytokines ( IL 1-beta ) [ 47, 48 ] .
In one clinical test of 156 osteoarthritis patients, pycnogenol reduced annoyance, severity, swelling, and improved joint function after 3 months. In a smaller study of 58 people, pycnogenol reduced the inflammatory marker CRP [ 49, 50 ] .
Pycnogenol ( 150 mg/day ) reduced annoyance in a study of 100 people with osteoarthritis after 3 months. Subjects in the cogitation that took Pycnogenol ended up taking fewer painkillers [ 51 ] .
12) Inflammation
One discipline found that Pycnogenol may reduce the activity of the incendiary enzymes COX1 and COX2, alike to how NSAID drugs exploit. According to the lab results of 10 volunteers, a higher Pycnogenol dose ( 300 magnesium ) may impact these enzymes after barely 30 minutes [ 52 ] .
In 7 volunteers, Pycnogenol ( 300 milligram ) for 5 days may reduce the action of a all-important inflammatory gene ( NF-κB ) [ 53 ] .
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
According to a study of 11 patients with lupus, pycnogenol may reduce symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative try [ 54 ] .
13) Cholesterol
Pycnogenol ( 150 mg/day ) reduced LDL and increased HDL cholesterol in a trial of 25 goodly people after 6 weeks [ 55 ] .
It besides reduced LDL cholesterol at a slenderly lower drug ( 125 mg/day ) in those with type 2 diabetes in a clinical test of 48 people after 12 weeks. High-dose Pycnogenol ( 360 mg/day ) for 4 weeks had the same LDL-lowering benefits in another study of 40 people [ 32, 56 ] .
14) Oral Health
Chewing gum with Pycnogenol ( 2.5 mg/piece ) for 4 weeks reduced bad breath and mouth bacteria in a test of 22 people [ 57 ] .
A systematic review of 14 studies found that Pycnogenol gum or mouthwashes may reduce dental brass, but the quality of evidence is abject [ 58, 59 ] .
15) Common Cold
Pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) supplementation may decrease symptoms of the common cold and rush up recovery, according to a clinical test of 146 people. In the cogitation, it reduced cold symptoms and complications, the number of lost working days, and the use of over-the-counter medications compared to those who did not accessory with the extract [ 60 ] .
16) Hemorrhoids
A trial of 84 people found that both Pycnogenol oral supplements and creams ( 0.5 % ) may prevent hemorrhoids from bleeding during acute attacks after 7 days. In contrast, bleeding still occurred in the control group [ 61 ] .
17) Melasma (or Chloasma)
Pycnogenol may help reduce symptoms of chloasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, possibly because it protects against UV rays. A study of 30 women found that Pycnogenol ( 75 mg/day ) may reduce the skin area affected by melasma angstrom well as lower symptoms of fatigue, constipation, body pain, and anxiety [ 62 ] .
18) Skin Health
Pycnogenol supplement reduced clamber red from UV rays in a trial of 21 people over 8 weeks. With clock, the participants were able to handle more UV radiation without experiencing peel damage [ 63 ] .
In a study of 20 postmenopausal women, 12 weeks of pycnogenol supplementation improved hydration and elasticity of the skin. It besides may increase the activeness of genes that make collagen and hyaluronic acerb in the body [ 64 ] .
A combination supplement ( pycnogenol with collagen, coenzyme Q10, and other ingredients ) reduced skin aging, elasticity, hydration, and tonicity in a discipline of 30 women [ 65 ] .
19) Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
The combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol may help in erectile dysfunction by boosting azotic oxide, which potentially could improve blood flow in men [ 66 ] .
In a clinical trial of 40 men with erectile dysfunction, 92.5% of the men on this combination regained normal erections after 3 months. Pycnogenol was gradually increased to 120 mg/day over this time period, while the l-arginine was maintained at 1.7 g/day throughout. Another group of men who took precisely l-arginine didn ’ thyroxine improve [ 66 ] .
In another trial, a combination append ( Pycnogenol 60 mg/day, L-arginine 690 mg/day and aspartic acid 552 mg/day ) improved erectile dysfunction and intimate satisfaction in men after 8 weeks. It besides slenderly decreased lineage blackmail and increased testosterone [ 67 ] .
20) Menopausal Symptoms
Pycnogenol ( 100 mg/day ) improved menopausal symptoms and quality of life in a clinical trial of 35 women after 8 weeks [ 68 ] .
According to a study of 170 women, low-dose pycnogenol ( 60 mg/day ) may improve menopausal symptoms over 3 months, including night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia and sleep problems [ 69 ] .
A combination product with Pycnogenol ( Lady Prelox ) improved sexual routine in a clinical test of 83 goodly postmenopausal women after 8 weeks. The study suggests it may increase hope, foreplay, lubrication, orgasm, atonement and reduce trouble [ 70 ] .
21) Pain In Pregnancy
Low-dose Pycnogenol ( 30 mg/day ) may reduce pain in pregnant women, peculiarly pelvis, joint, lower back, groin, and calf cramps in the third trimester [ 71 ] .
22) Menstrual Pain
In a clinical trial of 116 women, Pycnogenol ( 60 mg/day ) reduced menstrual pain and the necessitate for extra painkillers, taken over 2 cycles. These benefits appeared to persist for some time flush after stopping supplement [ 72 ] .
Another study of 47 women found that supplementing with 30 mg Pycnogenol doubly day by day for over 1 month may reduce menstrual pain [ 73 ] .
23) Sexual Function in Women
In a study of 100 goodly women largely in their early 40s with balmy intimate dysfunction, a combination product with Pycnogenol ( Lady Prelox ) improved sexual function over 8 weeks [ 74 ] .
24) Male Reproductive Health
A study of 50 gently sterile men found that a combination of L-arginine, L-citrulline, roburins, and Pycnogenol ( Prelox R ) may improve sperm quality, volume, and concentration [ 75 ] .
25) Crohn’s Disease in Children
A 10 week clinical trial with 30 children shows that Pycnogenol may improve symptoms of Crohn ’ randomness disease. Researchers suggest this benefit may be due to an increase in glutathione and SOD, two antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in Crohn ’ s [ 76 ] .
26) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
In a report of 77 people with symptoms of irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS ), Pycnogenol ( 150 mg/day ) improved symptoms and reduced the frequency of attacks [ 77 ] .
27) Chemotherapy Side Effects
According to a study in 59 cancer patients, Pycnogenol ( 150 mg/day ) may reduce side effects associated with radiation or chemotherapy, including mouth discomfort and ulcers, mouth and eye dryness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and burden loss [ 78 ] .
In a discipline of 72 children undergo cancer chemotherapy, Pycnogenol reduced irritating mouth ulcers, both alone and in combination with vitamin E [ 79 ] .
28) Tinnitus
In a clinical trial of 92 people with tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, Pycnogenol ( 100-150 mg/day ) helped reduce symptoms and improve blood run in the ears after 4 weeks [ 80 ] .
29) Glaucoma
In combination with Mirtoselect, Pycnogenol may improve blood flow to the eye and reduce eye blood pressure as shown in a trial of 38 people [ 81 ] .
30) Concussions
Enzogenol, a slightly different pine bark distill, may help improve brain function after balmy concussions. It decreased concussion symptoms in 42 student-athletes with a history of sports-related concussions after 6 weeks. Enzogenol besides may reduce mental fatigue and sleep problems [ 82 ] .
31) Jet Lag
A study of 68 people found that Pycnogenol, started 2 days anterior to flying, may reduce the duration of jet imprison symptoms [ 83 ] .
32) Leg Cramps
A study of 66 healthy adults found that Pycnogenol may reduce the act of leg cramps experienced [ 11 ] .
Limitations and Caveats
Certain studies used combination products, so it ’ south unknown what the contribution of Pycnogenol itself was .
besides, it ’ s important to note that some of these studies were funded by Horphag Research, the original developers and single marketers of Pycnogenol. however, these studies appear to be methodologically sound and dependable, with no blatant errors in the study design and data collection .
Pycnogenol Side Effects & Precautions
Pycnogenol is considered possibly dependable when taken orally or when applied locally as a cream or cream .
Studies have besides safely practice Pycnogenol in children and during pregnancy. however, research on these two groups is restrict [ 71, 15 ] .
In clinical research, doses up to about 300 mg/day have been used for up to one class without major safety concerns [ 33, 37 ] .
Reported effects include :
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
Pycnogenol acts as a sustained-release formulation. But the actual bioavailability of this complex mix is still obscure. Since components of Pycnogenol can be modified during digestion and absorption a well as by the liver, diseases that affect the catgut or liver may increase or decrease its effects [ 84 ] .
Supplementing with Pycnogenol
In the adopt sections, we ’ ll discuss the common forms and dosages of Pycnogenol that are commercially available. Pycnogenol is not approved by the FDA for medical use. Regulations set manufacture standards for supplements, but that does not guarantee that they are dependable or effective. Speak with your doctor before append .
Pycnogenol dose
There is presently insufficient evidence to determine what a safe and effective venereal disease of lysine is for specific conditions .
The dose in most clinical studies varied between 50-360 mg/day. The standard dose appears to be 100-200 mg/day .
Pycnogenol and Pine Bark Extract Supplements
Various brands of pycnogenol are available. Some pycnogenol supplements are desegregate with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
Remember that :
- Pycnogenol is standardized to contain 70 ± 5% procyanidins, which should be on the label
- Pycnogenol standardization doesn’t determine other major active compounds, which can vary
Pine bark extracts early than pycnogenol are besides sold. Although these may hush be gamey quality, the active compounds are more likely to vary .