Maritime pine: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Pinus maritima
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Procyanidins
Oligo-Proanthocyanidins
Catechins
Beta-sitosterol
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Venous insufficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that oral administration of standardized maritime pine bark extract reduces edema, the degree of ankle swelling, and symptoms of pain and heaviness in the legs 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 appears 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 been shown in clinical studies to reduce the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, including a reduction in 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 ✪✪✪✪✪
The pine bark extract may help prevent cardiovascular diseases thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can protect blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques and thrombi through vasodilation. In addition, the procyanidins present in the extract decrease capillary permeability, thereby reducing edema and microbleeding 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 plaque formation in the arteries, suggesting a potential preventive effect against atherosclerosis. Finally, it may also help lower cholesterol, although research findings on this point are mixed.
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, can significantly improve cognitive function and memory in healthy adults compared with a placebo. This improvement also applies to cognition and mood, particularly in healthy students subjected to rigorous testing. 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 Pycnogenol at a dose of 100 mg per day in addition to conventional asthma medications increases peak expiratory flow, reduces asthma symptoms, and decreases the need for rescue medication in children and adults with asthma of varying severity.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 100 mg
Sports performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Daily consumption of 200 mg of Pycnogenol, an extract of maritime pine bark, over a 30-day period showed improvements in exercise capacity in recreational athletes aged 20 to 35, particularly during a treadmill test. In addition, taking 100 mg of this extract for 8 weeks, in combination with physical training, improved performance in army physical fitness tests and reduced time required on the treadmill. Use of the extract during training also appeared to improve total triathlon time compared with training alone.
Posologie
Oral: bark
100 - 200 mg
1 - month
Skin health ✪✪✪✪✪
In a clinical trial, maritime pine bark extract notably improved skin hydration and elasticity. This improvement was manifested by a significant increase in a key enzyme for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, as well as an increase in the expression of genes responsible for the production of new collagen. This indicates that maritime pine extracts may 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, appears promising for slowing or preventing further deterioration of retinal function in patients suffering from retinopathy due to diabetes, atherosclerosis, or central retinal vein thrombosis. In a study comparing this extract with Dexium 500, a venotonic drug, over six months involving 32 diabetic participants, the extract showed significant improvements in retinal condition and ocular blood circulation. Patients also experienced a potential improvement in visual acuity.
Posologie
Oral administration: 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 the allergy season, significantly reduces nasal symptoms associated with birch allergy compared to placebo.
Posologie
Oral route: 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 appears to normalize catecholamine levels, reduce hyperactivity, and decrease oxidative stress, compared with placebo.
Posologie
Oral route: 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 maritime pine bark extract (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 the symptoms associated with acute hemorrhoidal episodes compared with placebo tablets/cream.nnOther preliminary clinical research in postpartum women suffering from internal or external hemorrhoids shows that taking the same maritime pine bark extract 150 mg per day for 6 months, in conjunction with standard hemorrhoid care, improves all major symptoms, including thrombosis, pain, swelling, and bleeding, compared with standard care alone.nn
Posologie
Oral: bark
150 - 300 mg
6 - months
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
There is preliminary evidence that a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) may help reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis or dysmenorrhea.nn
Posologie
Oral: 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 French maritime pine bark can easily cross the blood-brain barrier to provide antioxidant protection to central nervous system tissues. This property distinguishes it from other known antioxidants. Its antioxidant potential is associated with an anti-inflammatory action, while its affinity for collagen may be responsible for reducing excessive capillary permeability. nnSupplementation with 100 mg per day, combined with conventional diabetes treatment, appears beneficial. Supplementation for 12 weeks has been shown to lower glucose levels and improve endothelial function. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were modestly reduced after one month of supplementation. nnOn the other hand, preliminary evidence shows that taking a standardized French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) 50 mg three times daily for 4 weeks improves microcirculation and symptoms in patients suffering from diabetes, neuropathic symptoms, and edema in the absence of severe cardiovascular disease.nn
Posologie
Oral: 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 maritime pine bark extract 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 medications compared with standard treatment alone in adults with IBS. nnIn both groups, the standard treatment included specific nutritional recommendations and Buscopan (antispasmodics), hyoscine butylbromide (antispasmodics), or paracetamol to relieve pain. nn
Posologie
Oral: bark
150 - 150 mg
4 - weeks
Cramps ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that taking a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) at a dose of 200 mg per day can reduce the incidence of leg cramps. The participants studied experienced cramps at least 4 times per week associated with sporting activity, venous insufficiency, or an unknown cause.nn
Posologie
Oral: 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 maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) 150 mg per day for 7-10 days, starting 2-3 days before a flight, modestly reduces the typical signs and symptoms of jet lag compared with placebo. Taking this standardized extract also appears to reduce the average duration of jet lag symptoms by a little more than one day compared with placebonn
Posologie
Oral: bark
150 - 150 mg
7 - days
Cognitive decline ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in adults with mild cognitive impairment shows that taking a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) at a dose of 150 mg per day for 8 weeks improves overall cognitive function compared with no supplementation. Note that all patients in this study also received standard care for mild cognitive impairment, which included lifestyle modifications such as improved sleep, physical exercise, reduced intake of sugar and salt, and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.nn
Posologie
Oral: 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
Antiallergic
Pycnogenol has anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the release of lipoxygenase, leukotrienes and cyclooxygenase by neutrophils, and anti-allergic effects by inhibiting the release of histamine by mast cells. Clinical research has demonstrated the benefits of Pycnogenol (a patented maritime pine extract) for improving symptoms of allergic rhinitis and treating asthma. Indeed, in asthmatic children, taking this maritime pine bark extract reduces urinary leukotriene levels compared with placebo.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Pycnogenol (a patented maritime pine extract) contains constituents that have antioxidant effects, notably the ability to recycle ascorbyl and tocopheryl radicals, which helps to maintain levels of vitamins C and E. Moreover, evidence from animal research suggests that the antidiabetic effects of this extract are related 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 macrophages.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
In vitro, Pycnogenol (a patented maritime pine extract) prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and protects DNA from free radical–induced damage. It also appears to prevent free radical–induced endothelial damage in vitro. In addition, in vitro research shows that the extract can decrease the activity of certain molecules involved in cell adhesion, which suggests 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 levels of vitamins C and E, contributing to the protection of endothelial cells, improving vasorelaxation, and strengthening capillary and vascular integrity. This suggests the extract helps improve the elasticity and tone of vein walls in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
Usages associés
Microcirculatory effect
There is evidence that standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) 150 mg three times daily for 4 weeks may improve certain factors such as microcirculation, myocardial ischemia, and platelet aggregation potential in patients with coronary artery disease. Preliminary evidence also shows that 50 mg three times daily for 4 weeks improves microcirculation and symptoms in patients with diabetes, neuropathic symptoms, and edema in the absence of serious cardiovascular disease.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
During a clinical trial, 10 volunteers received a single 300 mg dose of Pycnogenol (a patented maritime pine extract). Only 30 minutes after ingestion of the pine bark extract, serum samples induced a statistically significant increase in inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. Another study suggests that the standardized extract inhibited the release of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) from human monocytes and the activation of NF-kappaB. This suggests rapid bioavailability of the compounds and also some anti-inflammatory activity.
Usages associés
Neurological
In vitro, the extract protects animal brain cells from the toxic effects of high levels of glutamate, and also from 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 suffering from high oxidative stress, Pycnogenol (a patented maritime pine extract) measurably reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive functions. It has been shown that Pycnogenol increases reduced glutathione levels, reduces oxidized glutathione levels, reduces oxidative DNA damage and improves total antioxidant status, as well as normalizes urinary catecholamine concentrations and decreases dopamine concentrations.
Usages associés
Dermatologic effect
There is interest in using a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) for protection against UV. It has been shown that exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays increases levels of free radicals that can damage the skin. Pycnogenol may protect the skin due to its antioxidant effects. Oral supplementation with the 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 the skin's resistance to ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB (study of 21 volunteers). Some research suggests that topical maritime pine bark extract may be useful for skin diseases associated with increased cell adhesion and inflammation, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and lupus erythematosus. Pycnogenol reduces inflammation of keratinocytes which may shorten wound healing time. It may also bind to collagen and elastin in wounds and inhibit the activity of metalloproteinases. All of these mechanisms promote healing.
Usages associés
Immunostimulant
Preliminary evidence suggests that a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) may stimulate the immune system. It appears to stimulate natural killer cell activity and improve T and B lymphocyte function in animal models. This standardized extract also increases secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and nuclear factor KB (NF-KB) activity. nnThe 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.nn
Anticancer
In vitro research shows that a standardized maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) can induce differentiation and apoptosis of leukemia and breast cancer cells. In addition, evidence from animal research shows that this extract may protect against up to 48% of the toxicity and mutagenicity resulting from chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. This effect has been attributed to the antioxidant effects of the maritime pine bark extract.nnIn particular, in vitro studies show that the standardized maritime pine bark extract can inhibit the metabolic activation of NNK, a tobacco-specific nitrosamine that plays a role in tobacco carcinogenicity.nn
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 50 mg - 450 mg
Maritime pine bark extract has most commonly been used at a dose of 50 mg, taken 2 to 3 times per day, for a period of up to 1 year. Most studies include Pycnogenol, a patented product. It is prepared by pulverizing fresh maritime pine bark and then extracting it with water and ethanol. Commercial 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
Antidiabetic: moderate interaction
Maritime pine bark extract may have additive effects when used with antidiabetic medications in some patients. Closely monitor blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Antidiabetic drugs include GLIMÉPIRIDE BGR, insulin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, and others.
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulants: low 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: low interaction
Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Precautions
Autoimmune diseases: use with caution
Because of its immunostimulant effects, avoid using it in patients with multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders.
Surgical procedures: use with caution
Excessive doses of maritime pine bark extract may 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 women: 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, the evidence remains insufficient, even absent, for use in early pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: avoid
There is not enough reliable information available regarding the safety of maritime pine when used during lactation.
Children aged 6 to 18 years: use with caution
As a general precaution, children under 6 years should not use maritime pine extracts because the appropriate dosage has not been confirmed.
