What Is Pycnogenol Used For

According to research, Pycnogenol may have a multitude of wellness benefits, which are likely due to this extract'south antioxidant and anti-inflammatory backdrop. Learn about all the potential benefits of Pycnogenol and find out which ones are almost supported by science.

What Is Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol is a patented extract of the French maritime pine bawl (Pinus pinaster).

It is standardized to contain 65-75% procyanidins, a class of polyphenols and flavonoids like those found in blueberries, wine, grape peel, citrus, and cocoa. Some research suggests that procyanidins may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The remaining compounds are phenolic acids, which may also have antioxidant activeness [ane, ii].

Research into Pycnogenol has revealed some promising results in over 30 health weather. However, it's unclear how clinically effective Pycnogenol is for most of these conditions due to the low quality of evidence. That said, at that place are some instances where this excerpt may maybe be constructive.

In this article, we'll summarize all the potential benefits and the scientific research surrounding pino bark extract and Pycnogenol.

Pycnogenol is officially extracted from the French maritime pino (Pinus pinaster), which grows in the southwest coast of French republic. Its quality is specified in the Us Pharmacopeia [3].

Pycnogenol is known nether different names in some countries, such as Oligopin, and Flavangenol in Japan [4, 5].

Extracts can too be made from other pine barks, such as Pinus radiata, Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, and Pinus massoniana. Most take similar amounts of agile substances and are often sold under the brand name Pycnogenol [6].

Still, some of these other pine bark extracts can have different active compounds, which may affect their biological activeness.

For instance, Enzogenol is an extract from a pino that grows in California and Mexico (Pinus radiata) that may accept cognitive-enhancing effects. Copse of this pine accept been naturalized in Commonwealth of australia and New Zealand, where most Enzogenol is now made [7].

How Does Pycnogenol Act in the Body?

At that place'southward some evidence that Pycnogenol acts like to a sustained-release formulation. 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 subsequently and remain for at least 14 h

Research suggests that Pycnogenol may protect cells in the body against oxidative stress. It as well may assistance regenerate and maintain vitamin C and E levels while also potentially increasing nitric oxide levels, which may relax and protect claret vessels [1].

Health Benefits of Pycnogenol

Perchance Effective For:

1) Exercise Operation & Recovery

Clinical research suggests that Pycnogenol is possibly constructive for improving athletic operation. According to researchers, it may aid forbid the rise in free radicals typically seen after exercise, which could cause muscle fatigue and harm [ix].

A study of 147 people plant that pycnogenol (100 mg/day) may meliorate running, push-ups, and sit-ups endurance in recreational athletes over an 8-calendar week preparation program. It also may raise swimming, biking, and running scores in professional person athletes preparing for a triathlon (at 150 mg/day). Finally, enquiry suggests that Pycnogenol may ameliorate triathlon time while peradventure reducing cramps and post-running pain [10].

Pycnogenol (200 mg/day) may reduce musculus cramps and pain according to a written report of 66 salubrious people, athletes, and those with venous issues later on iv weeks. The researchers of the study propose that pycnogenol may reduce pain and cramps during retraining and rehabilitation in people with blood vessel bug [xi].

Based on another study of 6 trained and 7 untrained people, an antioxidant combination production containing Pycnogenol (Lactaway) may increment endurance. This supplement may likewise increase musculus endurance and operation after a single pre-exercise dose according to a study of 9 cyclists [12, 13].

2) Asthma Symptoms

Pycnogenol (upward to 200 mg/twenty-four hour period) may improve asthma and reduce inflammatory asthma markers in the blood, leukotrienes, after four weeks, according to a randomized placebo-controlled trial of 26 asthma patients [14].

A randomized placebo-controlled trial of 60 children with mild-to-moderate asthma found that those who took Pycnogenol may exist able to reduce or discontinue their use of rescue inhalers more than often than the placebo group [15].

In a study of 76 people with allergic asthma, Pycnogenol (100 mg/twenty-four hour period) added to conventional corticosteroid inhalers for six months helped 55% of them reduce inhaler utilize frequency and dosage. In contrast, virtually 20% of the participants on inhalers alone had to increase their dosage. Researchers propose that Pycnogenol may reduce coughing, night-awakenings, improve airway catamenia, and the need for additional asthma medication [16].

3) Allergies

A trial of 39 people with hay fever constitute that Pycnogenol may reduce nose and eye symptoms. In the study, the placebo group had college IgE antibodies to the birch allergen than those who took Pycnogenol during the allergy season [17].

Pycnogenol (100 mg/solar day) may reduce hay fever symptoms, according to a clinical trial of 39 people. Some other clinical trial of 76 people with allergic asthma likewise suggests that Pycnogenol may reduce IgE antibodies and asthma symptoms [eighteen, 16].

Importantly, all studies plant that Pycnogenol has to be taken at least v weeks before the allergy season in order to encounter potential benefits, with the best results in those who take information technology 7-8 weeks ahead. Ane study suggests that Pycnogenol has no effect when given merely 3 weeks beforehand, every bit it perhaps requires a lag fourth dimension to stabilize the immune response [17].

four) Cognitive Function and Brain Fog

There's prove that Pycnogenol may be a promising nootropic for various groups of people, including middle-anile professionals, students, and people with mild cognitive decline like brain fog.

A clinical trial of 60 health professionals found that Pycnogenol (150 mg/twenty-four hour period) may ameliorate cerebral function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills afterwards 12 weeks. Researchers advise it may heave sustained attention, memory, executive functions, mood, and reduce oxidative stress [xix].

A trial of 53 students found that pycnogenol may improve cognitive function, memory, attending, mood, and mental performance later 8 weeks [20].

Pycnogenol (100 mg/twenty-four hour period) given to 44 older good for you people with high oxidative stress improved cognitive function, attention, mental performance, and reduced oxidative stress after 12 months [21].

Pycnogenol as well potentially improved cerebral role in 78 people with mild cognitive impairment. All included participants had "subclinical" cognitive impairment, which looks like typical encephalon fog [22].

Enzogenol, a slightly dissimilar pine bark extract, improved cognitive function in a clinical trial of 42 older men after five weeks of supplementation [23].

five) Vein Diseases and Swelling

Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) may reduce leg swelling, spider veins, and cramps according to a report of 133 women with varicose veins who recently gave nascency. Researchers suggest that it may have stronger benefits than elastic compression stockings. In the study, women taking Pycnogenol were more satisfied and compliant to the regimen [24].

A randomized clinical trial of xxx people found that Pycnogenol (150 mg/twenty-four hours) may aid heal vein ulcers from surgery and reduce swelling after three months of treatment [25].

When pycnogenol cream was added to oral supplements in a small report of 18 people with vein ulcers, information technology helped ulcers heal more rapidly [26].

One study of 211 found that Pycnogenol may help forestall edema and talocrural joint swelling from long flights [27].

Pycnogenol improved symptoms, circulation, and reduced complications in 156 people with deep vein thrombosis (absorb clots in deep leg veins) in a 12-month study. It had the best results when combined with compression stockings, but worked just too alone [28].

Insufficient Evidence For:

The post-obit purported benefits of Pycnogenol are only supported past express, low-quality clinical studies. In that location is insufficient evidence to support the apply of Pycnogenol for any of the uses listed beneath. Remember to speak with a doc earlier taking Pycnogenol. Information technology should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.

6) Metabolic Syndrome

A trial of 132 people found that Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) may ameliorate hazard factors of metabolic syndrome including lowering triglyceride levels, claret pressure, and fasting glucose, decreasing waist circumference, and increasing HDL cholesterol levels [29].

In a written report of 50 overweight people, a combination product (Pycnogenol, Madeglucyl, and starches chosen Glucaffect) reduced weight, BMI, blood glucose, and HbA1C after eight weeks [thirty].

7) Diabetes

A number of clinical trials suggest that Pycnogenol may lower blood glucose if taken daily for at least 12 weeks.

In one trial of 77 people with type 2 diabetes, pycnogenol (100 mg/solar day) for 12 weeks lowered both blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood glucose levels [31].

Pycnogenol (125 mg/twenty-four hours) had the same effects in another study of 48 people with diabetes and loftier blood pressure. It too may help those on blood pressure medications to reduce their dose [32].

In some other trial, thirty people with blazon 2 diabetes received a range of pycnogenol doses. The most effective blood sugar-lowering dose was 200 mg/day – higher doses had no further benefit [33].

Even so, in all the above studies insulin levels did not modify. 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 centre damage from diabetes, Pycnogenol improved vision, reduced eye swelling, and improved circulation in the eye after two months. Used early, it may preclude eye damage and incomprehension from diabetes [34].

A trial of 86 people with eye damage from diabetes constitute that antioxidant therapy (including pycnogenol, vitamin Eastward, and Coenzyme Q10) may improve eye health and reduce reactive oxygen species levels [35].

9) Blood Pressure and Center Health

According to some researchers, Pycnogenol may lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing free radicals, and lowering inflammation. Co-ordinate to a meta-analysis of 9 trials including 549 people, 150-200 mg/day for at to the lowest degree 12 weeks may reduce both diastolic and systolic claret pressure [36].

A study of 58 people with high blood pressure suggests that even lower doses (100 mg/day) may meliorate claret vessel health and reduce markers of loftier claret pressure level (endothelin-ane) after 12 weeks. In the study, many of the participants on Pycnogenol reduced their dosage of high-claret-pressure medication (nifedipine) [37].

College doses (200 mg/24-hour interval) may improve blood vessel health and function subsequently viii weeks according to a study of 23 people with heart disease [38].

A Pycnogenol combination production (with 50-arginine, alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and vitamin K2) may aid protect the blood vessels and reduce loftier homocysteine levels, according to a trial of 25 people [39].

A study of 32 people with center failure lasting 12 weeks suggests that a combination of Pycnogenol with CoQ10 (PycnoQ10) may improve claret pressure, heart function, edema, and capacity for physical activity [40].

x) Symptoms of ADHD

A clinical trial of 57 ADHD children found that daily Pycnogenol (i mg/kg) for one month may reduce hyperactivity symptoms. Researchers suggest this event may be due to reduced dopamine and adrenaline levels and increased glutathione levels.

In a report of 61 ADHD children, pycnogenol reduced hyperactivity, improved attention, and motorics later 1 month. Just a month later on pycnogenol was stopped, the symptoms came dorsum, suggesting that it may need to exist used regularly to accomplish the benefits [41].

A trial of children with ADHD constitute that Pycnogenol may meliorate attention, maybe by increasing the total antioxidant status and reducing Deoxyribonucleic acid damage. In another study, Pycnogenol increased glutathione levels and full antioxidants later a month in children with ADHD [42, 43].

However, a report of 24 adults with ADHD plant that pycnogenol did not improve ADHD symptoms ameliorate than placebo. Researchers from the written report suggest that low Pycnogenol dosage and short report duration may explain the lack of benefits [44].

11) Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Co-ordinate to a big assay, Pycnogenol may reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and hurting curt-term [45, 46].

In a report of 33 people with severe osteoarthritis, pycnogenol (200 mg/twenty-four hour period) reduced inflammatory markers after 3 weeks. Researchers suggest that it may epigenetically turn off genes responsible for joint damage (ADAMTS) as well as reduce inflammation enzymes (MMP3) and cytokines (IL ane-beta) [47, 48].

In one clinical trial of 156 osteoarthritis patients, pycnogenol reduced pain, stiffness, swelling, and improved joint function afterwards iii months. In a smaller written report of 58 people, pycnogenol reduced the inflammatory marker CRP [49, fifty].

Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) reduced pain in a study of 100 people with osteoarthritis after 3 months. Subjects in the study that took Pycnogenol ended up taking fewer painkillers [51].

12) Inflammation

I study plant that Pycnogenol may reduce the activity of the inflammatory enzymes COX1 and COX2, similar to how NSAID drugs work. According to the lab results of 10 volunteers, a higher Pycnogenol dose (300 mg) may affect these enzymes after simply 30 minutes [52].

In 7 volunteers, Pycnogenol (300 mg) for v days may reduce the action of a crucial inflammatory cistron (NF-κB) [53].

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

According to a report of 11 patients with lupus, pycnogenol may reduce symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress [54].

thirteen) Cholesterol

Pycnogenol (150 mg/twenty-four hour period) reduced LDL and increased HDL cholesterol in a trial of 25 healthy people after 6 weeks [55].

It likewise reduced LDL cholesterol at a slightly lower dose (125 mg/day) in those with blazon 2 diabetes in a clinical trial of 48 people after 12 weeks. High-dose Pycnogenol (360 mg/day) for iv weeks had the same LDL-lowering benefits in another study of forty people [32, 56].

14) Oral Health

Chewing mucilage with Pycnogenol (2.five mg/slice) for 4 weeks reduced bad breath and mouth bacteria in a trial of 22 people [57].

A systematic review of fourteen studies plant that Pycnogenol gum or mouthwashes may reduce dental plaque, but the quality of prove is depression [58, 59].

fifteen) Common Cold

Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) supplementation may decrease symptoms of the common cold and speed up recovery, co-ordinate to a clinical trial of 146 people. In the study, it reduced cold symptoms and complications, the number of lost working days, and the apply of over-the-counter medications compared to those who did not supplement with the extract [60].

16) Hemorrhoids

A trial of 84 people found that both Pycnogenol oral supplements and creams (0.v%) may preclude hemorrhoids from bleeding during acute attacks after 7 days. In dissimilarity, bleeding however occurred in the control group [61].

17) Melasma (or Chloasma)

Pycnogenol may assist reduce symptoms of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, maybe because it protects confronting UV rays. A report of thirty women found that Pycnogenol (75 mg/24-hour interval) may reduce the skin expanse afflicted by melasma every bit well as lower symptoms of fatigue, constipation, body pain, and anxiety [62].

18) Skin Health

Pycnogenol supplementation reduced peel redness from UV rays in a trial of 21 people over 8 weeks. With fourth dimension, the participants were able to handle more UV radiation without experiencing skin impairment [63].

In a study of 20 postmenopausal women, 12 weeks of pycnogenol supplementation improved hydration and elasticity of the skin. It as well may increase the activity of genes that make collagen and hyaluronic acrid in the torso [64].

A combination supplement (pycnogenol with collagen, coenzyme Q10, and other ingredients) reduced peel aging, elasticity, hydration, and tonicity in a study of 30 women [65].

19) Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol may help in erectile dysfunction by boosting nitric oxide, which potentially could improve claret menses in men [66].

In a clinical trial of forty men with erectile dysfunction, 92.5% of the men on this combination regained normal erections afterwards 3 months. Pycnogenol was gradually increased to 120 mg/solar day over this time menstruum, while the l-arginine was maintained at one.7 g/day throughout. Another group of men who took just 50-arginine didn't improve [66].

In some other trial, a combination supplement (Pycnogenol 60 mg/day, Fifty-arginine 690 mg/twenty-four hour period and aspartic acid 552 mg/day) improved erectile dysfunction and sexual satisfaction in men after 8 weeks. Information technology also slightly decreased claret pressure and increased testosterone [67].

20) Menopausal Symptoms

Pycnogenol (100 mg/twenty-four hour period) 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 (lx mg/day) may improve menopausal symptoms over 3 months, including night sweats, hot flashes, indisposition and slumber issues [69].

A combination product with Pycnogenol (Lady Prelox) improved sexual office in a clinical trial of 83 healthy postmenopausal women after eight weeks. The study suggests it may increase want, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and reduce pain [70].

21) Pain In Pregnancy

Depression-dose Pycnogenol (thirty mg/24-hour interval) may reduce hurting in pregnant women, particularly hip, articulation, lower back, groin, and calf cramps in the third trimester [71].

22) Menstrual Pain

In a clinical trial of 116 women, Pycnogenol (threescore mg/day) reduced menstrual pain and the need for additional painkillers, taken over 2 cycles. These benefits appeared to persist for some fourth dimension even after stopping supplementation [72].

Another study of 47 women found that supplementing with xxx mg Pycnogenol twice daily for over 1 month may reduce menstrual hurting [73].

23) Sexual Office in Women

In a study of 100 healthy women mostly in their early 40s with balmy sexual dysfunction, a combination product with Pycnogenol (Lady Prelox) improved sexual function over eight weeks [74].

24) Male Reproductive Wellness

A study of 50 mildly infertile men found that a combination of L-arginine, L-citrulline, roburins, and Pycnogenol (Prelox R) may better sperm quality, book, and concentration [75].

25) Crohn's Disease in Children

A 10 week clinical trial with 30 children shows that Pycnogenol may meliorate symptoms of Crohn'due south 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'due south [76].

26) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

In a study of 77 people with symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pycnogenol (150 mg/mean solar 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 furnishings associated with radiation or chemotherapy, including mouth soreness and ulcers, mouth and heart dryness, nausea, airsickness, diarrhea and weight loss [78].

In a study of 72 children undergoing cancer chemotherapy, Pycnogenol reduced painful mouth ulcers, both alone and in combination with vitamin Due east [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 flow in the ears after four weeks [eighty].

29) Glaucoma

In combination with Mirtoselect, Pycnogenol may improve blood flow to the eye and reduce eye claret pressure every bit shown in a trial of 38 people [81].

30) Concussions

Enzogenol, a slightly different pino bark extract, may assist improve brain function after mild concussions. Information technology decreased concussion symptoms in 42 student-athletes with a history of sports-related concussions afterwards six weeks. Enzogenol as well may reduce mental fatigue and slumber problems [82].

31) Jet Lag

A study of 68 people constitute that Pycnogenol, started 2 days prior to flying, may reduce the duration of jet lag symptoms [83].

32) Leg Cramps

A study of 66 healthy adults found that Pycnogenol may reduce the number of leg cramps experienced [xi].

Limitations and Caveats

Sure studies used combination products, so it's unknown what the contribution of Pycnogenol itself was.

Likewise, it'due south important to note that some of these studies were funded by Horphag Research, the original developers and exclusive marketers of Pycnogenol. However, these studies announced to be methodologically sound and reliable, with no blatant errors in the report design and information collection.

Pycnogenol Side Furnishings & Precautions

Pycnogenol is considered possibly safe when taken orally or when applied topically equally a cream or ointment.

Studies take also safely used Pycnogenol in children and during pregnancy. Withal, research on these two groups is limited [71, xv].

In clinical enquiry, doses up to about 300 mg/mean solar day have been used for up to one year without major safety concerns [33, 37].

Reported furnishings include:

Dizziness
Headache
Nausea

Pycnogenol acts as a sustained-release conception. Merely the actual bioavailability of this circuitous mixture is still unknown. Since components of Pycnogenol tin can be modified during digestion and absorption too as by the liver, diseases that bear upon the gut or liver may increase or decrease its effects [84].

Supplementing with Pycnogenol

In the following sections, we'll talk over the common forms and dosages of Pycnogenol that are commercially available. Pycnogenol is not approved by the FDA for medical use. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements, simply that does non guarantee that they are safe or constructive. Speak with your md before supplementing.

Pycnogenol Dosage

There is currently insufficient evidence to decide what a safe and effective dose of lysine is for specific conditions.

The dosage in most clinical studies varied between 50-360 mg/day. The standard dose appears to be 100-200 mg/24-hour interval.

Pycnogenol and Pine Bark Extract Supplements

Various brands of pycnogenol are available. Some pycnogenol supplements are mixed with other antioxidants, such equally vitamin C.

Remember that:

Pycnogenol is standardized to comprise seventy ± 5% procyanidins, which should exist on the label
Pycnogenol standardization doesn't make up one's mind other major active compounds, which can vary

Pine bark extracts other than pycnogenol are also sold. Although these may nonetheless be loftier quality, the active compounds are more likely to vary.