Pycnogenol: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
maritime pine
Scientific name(s)
Pinus pinaster, Pinus maritima.
Family or group:
Phytochemicals
Active ingredients:
Procyanidins
Catechins
Oligo-Proanthocyanidins
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Venous insufficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Taking Pycnogenol orally reduces edema, pain, and leg heaviness in people with chronic venous insufficiency when used for 3 to 12 weeks. The most commonly used dose is 100 to 120 mg three times dailynnOther clinical research conducted in adults with chronic venous insufficiency for more than 3 years shows that taking the same extract at 50 mg three times daily for 8 weeks, in addition to wearing compression stockings, improves microcirculation and the subjective symptoms of venous insufficiency compared with compression stockings alone.nn
Posologie
Oral administration
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 useful in preventing cardiovascular disease due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. More specifically, it may prevent endothelial damage induced by free radicals and reduce the potential for atherogenesis and thrombus formation through vasodilation. On the other hand, the procyanidins (in Pycnogenol) reduce capillary permeability, which contributes to edema and micro-bleeding, by cross-linking proteins of the capillary wall such as collagen and elastin. In human studies, taking Pycnogenol for 30 months attenuated the progression of atherosclerotic plaques in healthy asymptomatic adults with non-stenotic plaques (which do not cause such narrowing of the blood vessels). Pycnogenol may be useful for lowering cholesterol levels in patients at risk of cardiovascular complications. However, clinical research results are contradictory regarding hypercholesterolemia.
Posologie
Oral
100 - 200 mg
6 - months
Heavy legs ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking Pycnogenol orally reduces edema, ankle swelling, pain, and heaviness of the legs in people with chronic venous insufficiency when used for 3 to 12 weeks. The most commonly used dose is 100 to 120 mg three times a 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 daily, starting 5 weeks before the allergy season, significantly reduces nasal symptoms associated with birch pollen allergies compared with placebo.
Posologie
Orally
100 - 100 mg
5 - weeks
Asthma ✪✪✪✪✪
Taking Pycnogenol at a dose of 100 mg per day in addition to standard asthma medications increases peak expiratory flow, reduces asthma symptoms, and decreases the need for medication in children and adults with asthma of varying severity.
Posologie
Orally
100 - 100 mg
Athletic Performance ✪✪✪✪✪
Daily intake of 200 mg of Pycnogenol for 30 days significantly improved treadmill exercise performance in athletes aged 20 to 35. In addition, consumption of 100 mg per day for 8 weeks, combined with physical training, improved results on the Army Physical Fitness Test and also had a positive impact on overall performance in triathlon events.
Posologie
Orally
100 - 200 mg
1 - month
Diabetic retinopathy ✪✪✪✪✪
A double-blind study conducted in 40 patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis, or other vascular diseases involving the retina, who received Pycnogenol (50 mg x 3/day for 2 months) or a placebo, showed an improvement in retinal vascularization and a reduction in endothelial permeability and leakage in the patients treated with Pycnogenol, but not in the patients treated with placebo. The mechanism of action of Pycnogenol may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Another double-blind study, controlled 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 retinal leakage. In conclusion, Pycnogenol may be beneficial for diabetic patients and in the early stages of retinopathy, although further research is still needed.
Posologie
Orally
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 elderly subjects without chronic disease who received either 150 mg/day of Pycnogenol or a placebo for 3 months showed that the group treated with Pycnogenol achieved better results in working memory compared with the placebo group and had a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of F2-isoprostane compared with placebo, indicating an antioxidant effect.nnOther 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 with placebo in healthy adults.nn
Posologie
Oral administration
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 improves skin hydration and elasticity significantly. nnIn a clinical trial, healthy, non-smoking postmenopausal women with no history of skin disease were treated with 75 mg/day of Pycnogenol for 12 weeks. Skin biopsy showed a significant 44% increase in the mRNA expression of hyaluronic acid synthase-1, the gene involved in hyaluronic acid synthesis.nnThe changes in mRNA expression were associated with significant skin improvements (hydration, elasticity and fatigue). nn
Posologie
Oral administration
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 Pycnogenol 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.nn
Posologie
Oral administration
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 Pycnogenol at a dose of 150 mg per day for 8 weeks improves overall cognitive function compared with no supplementation. It should be noted that all patients in this study also received standard care for mild cognitive impairment, which included lifestyle changes such as better sleep, physical exercise, reduced sugar and salt intake, and a reduction in cardiovascular risk factors.
Posologie
Oral
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 with 100 mg per day of Pycnogenol in combination with conventional diabetes treatment appears beneficial. Pycnogenol taken for 12 weeks has been shown to lower glucose levels and improve endothelial function. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were also reduced, but to a lesser extent after one month of supplementation. On the other hand, preliminary evidence shows that taking Pycnogenol (50 mg three times a day) for 4 weeks improves microcirculation and the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and edema in diabetic patients without severe cardiovascular disease.
Posologie
Orally
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 Pycnogenol at a dose of 150 mg per day for 4 weeks, in combination with standard treatment, reduces abdominal pain, cramps, and the use of medical care compared with standard treatment alone in adults with IBS. In both groups, the standard treatment included specific dietary recommendations and Buscopan (an antispasmodic), hyoscine butylbromide (an antispasmodic), or acetaminophen for pain relief.
Posologie
Orally
150 - 150 mg
4 - weeks
Hemorrhoids ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Pycnogenol at a dose of 150 to 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. Other preliminary clinical research in postpartum women suffering from internal or external hemorrhoids shows that taking the same extract at a dose of 150 mg per day for 6 months, in combination with standard hemorrhoid treatment, improves all major symptoms, including thrombosis, pain, swelling and bleeding, compared with standard treatment alone.
Posologie
Oral
150 - 300 mg
6 - months
Cramps ✪✪✪✪✪
It has been shown that taking Pycnogenol at a dose of 200 mg per day can reduce the incidence of leg cramps. The individuals studied had cramps at least 4 times per week associated with sporting activity, venous insufficiency, or an unknown cause.
Posologie
Oral
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 Pycnogenol at a dose of 150 mg per day for 7 to 10 days, starting 2 to 3 days before an airplane 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 placebo. nn
Posologie
Oral
150 - 150 mg
7 - days
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
Pycnogenol may help reduce pelvic pain in women with endometriosis or dysmenorrhea.nn
Posologie
Oral
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 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 the skin's resistance to ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB, in a small study of 21 volunteers. nn
Posologie
Oral
1.1 - 1.66 mg/kg
2 - months
Properties
Antiallergic
Some clinical research shows that Pycnogenol may improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Preliminary studies in animal models suggest that this effect may result from its ability to inhibit histamine release from mast cells. This effect is comparable to sodium cromoglycate (an anti-allergy medication). Other evidence suggests that Pycnogenol's anti-allergic effects stem from its anti-inflammatory potential. It may inhibit the release of lipoxygenase, leukotrienes and cyclooxygenase by neutrophils.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Pycnogenol has 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 lifetime and enhance the antioxidant function of the 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 was shown to be effective at preventing the oxidation of cholesterol present in low-density lipoproteins (LDL), while protecting DNA from damage caused by free radicals. It has also been observed that it may reduce damage to blood vessel walls caused by those same free radicals. In addition, Pycnogenol may decrease the activity of certain molecules involved in cell adhesion, suggesting a potential benefit in the prevention of atherosclerosis. In human studies, use of Pycnogenol over a 30-month period was associated with a slowing in the development of atherosclerotic plaques in healthy adults who had non-obstructive plaques. Furthermore, in people suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, taking Pycnogenol appears to improve the elasticity and tone of the vein walls, offering potential therapeutic benefit in this condition.
Usages associés
Effect on microcirculation
The effects of Pycnogenol on microcirculation were studied in patients with coronary artery disease in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. An improvement of 53.8% in nail microcirculation was observed in patients who received Pycnogenol. Moreover, myocardial ischemia improved by 16% in patients treated with Pycnogenol versus 11% in patients on placebo.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the maritime pine, proves to be a promising ally in the fight against inflammatory processes. In humans, it has been shown to inhibit activation of NF-kappaB, a key regulator of immune and inflammatory responses. In addition, it reduces the activity of the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which are often involved in the production of pro-inflammatory substances, thereby helping to lessen inflammation and pain. Pycnogenol may also lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), 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. Furthermore, laboratory studies suggest Pycnogenol may decrease production of interleukins such as IL-1 and IL-2, which are molecules involved in inflammatory mechanisms.
Usages associés
Neurological
In vitro, Pycnogenol protects animal brain cells against the toxic effects of high levels of glutamate, and also 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 maritime pine bark extract. In clinical studies conducted on healthy adults with high oxidative stress, Pycnogenol significantly reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive functions. In children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Pycnogenol has been shown to increase reduced glutathione levels, decrease oxidized glutathione levels, and improve total antioxidant status, as well as normalize urinary catecholamine concentrations and reduce dopamine levels.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
Exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays increases levels of free radicals that can damage the skin. Pycnogenol may protect the skin thanks to its antioxidant effects. 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 may reduce inflammation of keratinocytes. Animal wound-healing model research suggests that gel formulations containing 1%, 2%, and 5% maritime pine extract reduce wound healing time in a concentration-dependent manner. 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
Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant
In smokers, Pycnogenol inhibits epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation. This effect is attributed to the extract's ability to lower thromboxane B2 (TxB2) levels in smokers, a substance involved in activation and aggregation of blood platelets. However, the extract does not appear to lower TxB2 levels in non-smokers, nor to increase bleeding risk.
Immune stimulant
Preliminary evidence suggests that Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. It appears to enhance natural killer cell activity and improve T and B lymphocyte function in animal models. It also increases secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). nnPycnogenol appears to slow the development of immune dysfunction in animal models infected with a retrovirus similar to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), by balancing T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 cytokine secretion.nn
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. In addition, animal research evidence shows that this extract can protect up to 48% against the toxicity and mutagenicity of chronic exposure to cigarette smoke. This effect has been attributed to the antioxidant effects of the pine bark extract.nnIn vitro research shows that the standardized maritime pine bark extract can inhibit the metabolic activation of NNK, a carcinogenic compound resulting from the interaction of tobacco with the body, which plays a role in the carcinogenicity of tobacco.nn
Hypoglycemic
Pycnogenol appears to lower blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although the mechanism is not entirely clear, Pycnogenol does not appear to act on insulin secretion. nnAnimal research evidence suggests that the antidiabetic effects of this extract are related 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. nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 100 mg - 200 mg
Standard doses of Pycnogenol appear to be in the range of 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. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Antidiabetic medications include GLIMEPIRIDE BGR, insulin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, and others.
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: 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 medications 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 blood sugar control and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It is recommended 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
As a general precaution, Pycnogenol should not be taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy. This precaution is based on general principles and on the lack of published data on pregnant women using Pycnogenol during the first or second trimester.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
There is not enough reliable information available regarding the safety of maritime pine bark when used during lactation.
Children aged 6 to 18 years: use with caution
As a general precaution, children under 6 years old should not use Pycnogenol because the appropriate dosage has not been established.
