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Nutritional Supplement

Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)

Also indexed as:Pycnogenol, Pine Bark Extract
Botanical names:
Pinus maritima, Pinus pinaster
Common names:
Maritime pine bark extract

  • Eye Health Support

    Retinopathy

    Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol may slow the progression of retinopathy and improve vision.  
    Retinopathy
    ×
    Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that Pycnogenol slows the progression of retinopathy and improves vision when given in typical amounts of 120 to 150 mg per day.

    Glaucoma

    In a preliminary study, supplementation with a product that provided Pycnogenol (a maritime pine bark extract) and a standardized bilberry extract significantly decreased intraocular pressure in people who had elevated intraocular pressure.
    Glaucoma
    ×
    In a preliminary study, supplementation with a product that provided daily 80 mg of Pycnogenol (a maritime pine bark extract) and 160 mg of a standardized bilberry extract for two months significantly decreased intraocular pressure in people who had elevated intraocular pressure.4

  • Heart and Circulatory Health

    Hypertension

    Pine bark extract, often referred to by the trademark name Pycnogenol®, has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
    Hypertension
    ×
    Pine bark extract (often referred to by the trademark name Pycnogenol®) is high in the same polyphenols as grape seed extract—proanthocyanidins. Controlled clinical trials have found pine bark extract can reduce blood pressure in those with metabolic disease and pre-hypertension.5,6 Results from meta-analyses of clinical trials have suggested supplementing with pine bark extract for longer than 12 weeks can result in small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures; nevertheless, high-quality trials have indicated no effect on systolic blood pressure.7,8 Another meta-analysis that included data only from double-blind placebo-controlled trials found no effect of pine bark extract on systolic or diastolic blood pressures.9

    Chronic Venous Insufficiency

    A controlled study reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and reduced associated leg swelling.
    Chronic Venous Insufficiency
    ×
    A controlled study reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and reduced associated leg swelling.10 Double-blind trials have also found that 100 mg of Pycnogenol two to three times daily reduced symptoms of CVI and improved measurements of blood flow and pressure inside of the veins.11,12 A controlled trial found that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol was more effective for CVI than use of elastic stockings alone, but that a combination of the two was better than either treatment alone.13 Several preliminary studies of CVI have investigated pycnogenol in comparison to or combined with other flavonoid extracts. These studies reported that Pycnogenol (150 to 300 mg per day) was more effective than 1,000 mg per day of a flavonoid mixture of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin,14 that 360 mg per day of Pycnogenol was more effective than 600 mg per day of horse chestnut seed extract,15 and that a daily combination of 40 mg Pycnogenol and 940 mg hydroxyethylrutosides was more effective than 1,200 mg per day of hydroxyethylrutosides alone.16

    Venous Thrombosis

    People at risk for venous thrombosis during plane travel were shown a video explaining in-flight exercises to prevent venous thrombosis and also followed a regimen of Pycnogenol, which appears to reduce frequency of episodes of venous thrombosis.
    Venous Thrombosis
    ×
    In a controlled study, people at risk for venous thrombosis during plane travel were shown a video explaining in-flight exercises to prevent venous thrombosis and also followed a regimen of 200 mg of pycnogenol two to three hours before the flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day.17 Compared with a similar group who only viewed the video, the group taking pycnogenol experienced fewer episodes of venous thrombosis.

    High Cholesterol

    Pycnogenol appears unlikely to impact cholesterol levels.
    High Cholesterol
    ×
    A patented extract from French maritime pine bark known as Pycnogenol has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties and clinical trials have examined its effects on cholesterol levels. However, a meta-analysis of results from seven controlled trials with a total of 422 participants failed to find a cholesterol-lowering effect for pycnogenol.18

  • Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support

    Retinopathy

    Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol may slow the progression of retinopathy and improve vision.  
    Retinopathy
    ×
    Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that Pycnogenol slows the progression of retinopathy and improves vision when given in typical amounts of 120 to 150 mg per day.

    Type 2 Diabetes

    Pycnogenol may improve blood glucose control and help prevent diabetes complications such as retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes.
    Type 2 Diabetes
    ×

    Preliminary research has suggested that pycnogenol may help lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.19 In a placebo-controlled trial with 48 subjects with type 2 diabetes, 125 mg of pycnogenol per day for 12 weeks led to reductions in fasting blood glucose and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure and HbA1c.20 In another 12-week placebo-controlled trial with 77 subjects with type 2 diabetes, 100 mg per day of pycnogenol lowered blood glucose levels, but improvement in HbA1c was not statistically significant.21

    Pycnogenol has been shown to be helpful for improving small vessel health and restoring healthy blood flow in people with type 2 diabetes and related vascular symptoms.22 Clinical trials have also reported its benefits in treating microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy, skin ulcers, and neuropathy. The doses of pycnogenol used in these studies are 100 to 200 mg per day.23,24,25,26,27

    Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Skin Ulcers

    Type 1 Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Skin Ulcers
    ×

  • Women's Health

    Dysmenorrhea

    Preliminary research and double-blind research has reported that pycnogenol may reduce severe abdominal and back pain during menses.
    Dysmenorrhea
    ×
    Preliminary research reported that 60 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for two months reduced abdominal and back pain during menses.28 A double blind trial by the same researchers using 60 mg Pycnogenol per day confirmed these findings for women with more severe pain, but not for those whose menstrual pain was mild.29

    Menopause

    In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took Pycnogenol experienced reduced menopause symptoms.
    Menopause
    ×
    In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced reduction of menopausal symptoms as measured by a women’s health questionnaire.30 Improvement in menopausal symptoms was also reported in another double-blind trial, in which women took 30 mg of pycnogenol twice a day for three months.31

    Endometriosis

    In a preliminary study, symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took Pycnogenol.
    Endometriosis
    ×

    In a preliminary study,32 symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol, which is high in flavonoids. Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.

    Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

    In a controlled study, pregnant women who took Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back.
    Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
    ×
    In a controlled study, pregnant women who took 30 mg per day of Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back.33 Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.

  • Men's Health

    Erectile Dysfunction

    In one study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementing with Pycnogenol improved erectile function.
    Erectile Dysfunction
    ×

    In a double-blind study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementing with 120 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved erectile function, whereas placebo treatment had no effect.34

  • Menstrual and PMS Support

    Dysmenorrhea

    Preliminary research and double-blind research has reported that pycnogenol may reduce severe abdominal and back pain during menses.
    Dysmenorrhea
    ×
    Preliminary research reported that 60 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for two months reduced abdominal and back pain during menses.35 A double blind trial by the same researchers using 60 mg Pycnogenol per day confirmed these findings for women with more severe pain, but not for those whose menstrual pain was mild.36

    Endometriosis

    In a preliminary study, symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took Pycnogenol.
    Endometriosis
    ×

    In a preliminary study,37 symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol, which is high in flavonoids. Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.

  • Skin Protection

    Sunburn

    Proanthocyanidins (flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources) may increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn.
    Sunburn
    ×

    Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources. In a preliminary trial, volunteers were supplemented with Pycnogenol, an extract of French maritime pine bark rich in OPCs, in the amount of 1.1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the first four weeks, and 1.66 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the next four weeks.38 Compared with ultraviolet sensitivity before supplementation, the lower amount of Pycnogenol was found to significantly increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn, and the higher amount was significantly more effective than the lower amount.

    Skin Ulcers

    In a controlled study, symptoms of diabetic skin ulcers improved in those treated with standard medications plus oral and topical Pycnogenol.
    Skin Ulcers
    ×
    In a controlled study, diabetic skin ulcers were treated with standard medications plus either 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol orally, 100 mg Pycnogenol topically applied to the ulcers daily, or a combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol treatment.39 All treatments produced complete healing in more subjects after six weeks compared with a control group receiving no Pycnogenol treatment, but the group receiving oral and topical Pycnogenol had the greatest reductions in ulcer size and in pain and other associated symptoms. In a small controlled study of venous skin ulcers, the same combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol was more effective for healing than oral Pycnogenol treatment alone.40

    Melasma

    Preliminary research shows that melasma, a disorder of increased skin pigmentation, may be improved by Pycnogenol supplementation.
    Melasma
    ×
    Melasma is a disorder of increased skin pigmentation. In a preliminary study, 80% of women with melasma who took 75 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced lightening and shrinking of the pigmented area of the skin.41 More research is needed to evaluate Pycnogenol for this condition.

  • Children's Health

    Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder

    Though another story did not find effect, one study reported that Pycnogenol reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved attention, coordination, and concentration after one month in a group of children with ADHD.
    Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder
    ×
    A double-blind study in Slovakia reported that 1 mg daily per 2.2 pounds body weight of Pycnogenol reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved attention, coordination, and concentration after one month in a group of children with ADHD.42 However, a double-blind study in adults with ADHD did not find 1 mg Pycnogenol per pound of body weight daily was effective for ADHD symptoms.43

  • Joint Health

    Osteoarthritis

    Double-blind research has shown that Pycnogenol may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, including reducing pain and the use of pain-relieving medication and improving walking performance.
    Osteoarthritis
    ×

    In a double-blind trial, 100 mg per day of Pycnogenol reduced pain and other osteoarthritis symptoms, improved walking performance, and reduced the use of pain-relieving medication.44 Another double blind trial found that 150 mg per day also improved symptoms and reduced use of pain-relieving medication.45

  • Menopause Support

    Menopause

    In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took Pycnogenol experienced reduced menopause symptoms.
    Menopause
    ×
    In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced reduction of menopausal symptoms as measured by a women’s health questionnaire.46 Improvement in menopausal symptoms was also reported in another double-blind trial, in which women took 30 mg of pycnogenol twice a day for three months.47

  • Allergy and Lung Support

    Asthma

    In one trial, supplementing with Pycnogenol improved lung function and asthma symptoms and reduced the need for rescue medication in children with asthma.
    Asthma
    ×
    In a double-blind trial, supplementing with Pycnogenol significantly improved lung function and asthma symptoms and significantly reduced the need for rescue medication in a group of children (ages 6 to 18 years) with asthma.48 In contrast, no significant changes were seen in the placebo group. The amount of Pycnogenol used was 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, in two divided doses, for three months.

  • Oral Health

    Gingivitis

    In a double blind trial, people with gingivitis who chewed six pieces daily of a gum had less gum bleeding and no additional plaque formation, compared with a placebo group.  
    Gingivitis
    ×
    In a double blind trial, people with gingivitis chewed six pieces daily of a gum, each containing 5 mg Pycnogenol.49 While a group chewing gum without pycnogenol experienced continued gum bleeding and plaque formation after 14 days, the pycnogenol group had less gum bleeding and no additional plaque formation.

  • Sexual Health

    Erectile Dysfunction

    In one study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementing with Pycnogenol improved erectile function.
    Erectile Dysfunction
    ×

    In a double-blind study of men with erectile dysfunction, supplementing with 120 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved erectile function, whereas placebo treatment had no effect.50

  • Healthy Aging/Senior Health

    Age-Related Cognitive Decline

    A study of healthy senior people reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo.
    Age-Related Cognitive Decline
    ×
    A double-blind study of healthy senior people reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo.51

  • Brain Health

    Age-Related Cognitive Decline

    A study of healthy senior people reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo.
    Age-Related Cognitive Decline
    ×
    A double-blind study of healthy senior people reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo.52

  • Healthy Pregnancy and New Baby

    Pregnancy and Postpartum Support

    In a controlled study, pregnant women who took Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back.
    Pregnancy and Postpartum Support
    ×
    In a controlled study, pregnant women who took 30 mg per day of Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back.53 Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings.

  • Sleep Support

    Jet Lag

    In controlled studies, Pycnogenol taken for two days before and five days after air travel led to milder symptoms that lasted for a shorter period of time, compared with untreated control groups.  
    Jet Lag
    ×
    In controlled studies, 150 mg of Pycnogenol was taken for two days before and five days after air travel.54 Jet lag symptoms were milder and lasted for a shorter period of time compared with untreated control groups.

    Leg Cramps

    A preliminary study of people experiencing at least four episodes per week of leg cramps due to either athletic activity, circulatory disorders, or unknown causes reported that Pycnogenol significantly reduced cramping.  
    Leg Cramps
    ×
    A preliminary study of people experiencing at least four episodes per week of leg cramps due to either athletic activity, circulatory disorders, or unknown causes reported that 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol significantly reduced episodes of leg cramps.55 Double-blind research is needed to further explore this use of Pycnogenol.

  • Immune System Support

    Lupus

    In a small, controlled study, Pycnogenol seemed to help decrease systemic lupus erythematosus activity, measured with a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood measurements.
    Lupus
    ×

    In a small, controlled study, people with SLE were given medication and either a placebo or Pycnogenol in the amount of 120 mg per day for 30 days followed by 60 mg per day for another 30 days. SLE disease activity, measured with a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood measurements, declined further in the group taking Pycnogenol.56

What Are Star Ratings?
×
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

While the French maritime pine has been used as an ornamental tree and for wood products, it has not been used in traditional herbal medicine. Pycnogenol was developed and patented in the 1980s as a rich source of proanthocyanidins.

References

1. Rohdewald P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2002;40:158-68 [review].

2. Packer L, Rimbach G, Virgili F. Antioxidant activity and biologic properties of a procyanidin-rich extract from pine (Pinus maritima) bark, pycnogenol. Free Radic Biol Med 1999;27:704-24 [review].

3. Canali R, Comitato R, Schonlau F, Virgili F. The anti-inflammatory pharmacology of Pycnogenol in humans involves COX-2 and 5-LOX mRNA expression in leukocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2009;9:1145-9.

4. Steigerwalt RD, Gianni B, Paolo M, et al. Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects. Mol Vis 2008;14:1288-92.

5. Belcaro G, Cornelli U, Luzzi R, et al. Pycnogenol® supplementation improves health risk factors in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Phytother Res 2013;27:1572–8.

6. Hu S, Belcaro G, Cornelli U, et al. Effects of Pycnogenol® on endothelial dysfunction in borderline hypertensive, hyperlipidemic, and hyperglycemic individuals: the borderline study. Int Angiol 2015;34:43–52.

7. Pourmasoumi M, Hadi A, Mohammadi H, et al. Effect of pycnogenol supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Phytother Res 2020;34:67–76.

8. Zhang Z, Tong X, Wei YL, et al. Effect of Pycnogenol Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Iran J Public Health 2018;47:779–87.

9. Fogacci F, Tocci G, Sahebkar A, et al. Effect of Pycnogenol on Blood Pressure: Findings From a PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Studies. Angiology 2020;71:217–25.

10. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, et al. Rapid relief of signs/symptoms in chronic venous microangiopathy with pycnogenol: a prospective, controlled study. Angiology 2006;57:569-76.

11. Petrassi C, Mastromarino A, Spartera C. PYCNOGENOL in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytomedicine 2000;7:383-8.

12. Arcangeli P. Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Fitoterapia 2000;71:236-44.

13. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, et al. Improvement of signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and microangiopathy with Pycnogenol(R): A prospective, controlled study. Phytomedicine 2010 Jun 23. [E-pub ahead of print]

14. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, et al. Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2006;12:205-12.

15. Koch R. Comparative study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency. Phytother Res 2002;16:S1-5.

16. Riccioni C, Sarcinella R, Izzo A, et al. Effectiveness of Troxerutin in association with Pycnogenol in the pharmacological treatment of venous insufficiency. Minerva Cardioangiol 2004;52:43-8 [in Italian].

17. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Rohdewald P, et al. Prevention of venous thrombosis and thrombophlebitis in long-haul flights with pycnogenol. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2004;10:373-7.

18. Sahebkar A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pycnogenol on plasma lipids. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2014;19:244–55.

19. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2004;27:839 [letter].

20. Zibadi S, Rohdewald PJ, Park D, Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutr Res 2008;28:315–20.

21. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505–13.

22. Cesarone M, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, et al. Improvement of diabetic microangiopathy with pycnogenol: A prospective, controlled study. Angiology 2006;57:431–6.

23. Schonlau F, Rohdewald P. Pycnogenol for diabetic retinopathy. A review. Int Ophthalmol 2001;24:161–71.

24. Spadea L, Balestrazzi E. Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol. Phytother Res 2001;15:219–23.

25. Steigerwalt R, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, et al. Pycnogenol improves microcirculation, retinal edema, and visual acuity in early diabetic retinopathy. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2009;25:537–40.

26. Belcaro G, Cesarone M, Errichi B, et al. Diabetic ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with pycnogenol. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2006;12:318–23.

27. Vinciguerra G, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, et al. Cramps and muscular pain: prevention with pycnogenol in normal subjects, venous patients, athletes, claudicants and in diabetic microangiopathy. Angiology 2006;57:331–9.

28. Kohama T, Suzuki N, Ohno S, Inoue M. Analgesic efficacy of French maritime pine bark extract in dysmenorrhea: an open clinical trial. J Reprod Med 2004;49:828-32.

29. Suzuki N, Uebaba K, Kohama T, et al. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Reprod Med 2008;53:338-46.

30. Yang HM, Liao MF, Zhu SY, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol on the climacteric syndrome in peri-menopausal women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2007;86:978-85.

31. Kohama T, Negami M. Effect of low-dose French maritime pine bark extract on climacteric syndrome in 170 perimenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Reprod Med 2013;58:39-46.

32. Kohama T, Herai K, Inoue M. Effect of French maritime pine bark extract on endometriosis as compared with leuprorelin acetate. J Reprod Med 2007;52:703-8.

33. Kohama T, Inoue M. Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy. Phytother Res 2006;20:232-4.

34. Durackova Z, Trebaticky B, Novotny V, et al. Lipid metabolism and erectile function improvement by Pycnogenol®, extract from the bark of Pinus pinaster in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction—a pilot study. Nutr Res 2003;23:1189-98.

35. Kohama T, Suzuki N, Ohno S, Inoue M. Analgesic efficacy of French maritime pine bark extract in dysmenorrhea: an open clinical trial. J Reprod Med 2004;49:828-32.

36. Suzuki N, Uebaba K, Kohama T, et al. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Reprod Med 2008;53:338-46.

37. Kohama T, Herai K, Inoue M. Effect of French maritime pine bark extract on endometriosis as compared with leuprorelin acetate. J Reprod Med 2007;52:703-8.

38. Saliou C, Rimbach G, Moini H, et al. 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. Free Radic Biol Med 2001;30:154-60.

39. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Errichi BM, et al. Diabetic ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with pycnogenol. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2006;12:318-23.

40. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Errichi BM, et al. Venous ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with local use of Pycnogenol. Angiology 2005;56:699-705.

41. Ni Z, Mu Y, Gulati O. Treatment of melasma with Pycnogenol. Phytother Res 2002;16:567-71.

42. Trebatická J, Kopasová S, Hradecná Z, et al. Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2006;15:329-35.

43. Tenenbaum S, Paull JC, Sparrow EP, et al. An experimental comparison of Pycnogenol and methylphenidate in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). J Atten Disord 2002;6:49-60.

44. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Errichi S, et al. Treatment of osteoarthritis with Pycnogenol. The SVOS (San Valentino Osteo-arthrosis Study). Evaluation of signs, symptoms, physical performance and vascular aspects. Phytother Res 2008;22:518-23.

45. Cisár P, Jány R, Waczulíková I, et al. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother Res 2008;22:1087-92.

46. Yang HM, Liao MF, Zhu SY, et al. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Pycnogenol on the climacteric syndrome in peri-menopausal women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2007;86:978-85.

47. Kohama T, Negami M. Effect of low-dose French maritime pine bark extract on climacteric syndrome in 170 perimenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Reprod Med 2013;58:39-46.

48. Lau BH, Riesen SK, Truong KP, et al. Pycnogenol as an adjunct in the management of childhood asthma. J Asthma 2004;41:825-32.

49. Kimbrough C, Chun M, dela Roca G, Lau BH. PYCNOGENOL chewing gum minimizes gingival bleeding and plaque formation. Phytomedicine 2002;9:410-3.

50. Durackova Z, Trebaticky B, Novotny V, et al. Lipid metabolism and erectile function improvement by Pycnogenol®, extract from the bark of Pinus pinaster in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction—a pilot study. Nutr Res 2003;23:1189-98.

51. Ryan J, Croft K, Mori T, et al. An examination of the effects of the antioxidant Pycnogenol on cognitive performance, serum lipid profile, endocrinological and oxidative stress biomarkers in an elderly population. J Psychopharmacol 2008;22:553–62.

52. Ryan J, Croft K, Mori T, et al. An examination of the effects of the antioxidant Pycnogenol on cognitive performance, serum lipid profile, endocrinological and oxidative stress biomarkers in an elderly population. J Psychopharmacol 2008;22:553–62.

53. Kohama T, Inoue M. Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy. Phytother Res 2006;20:232-4.

54. Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Steigerwalt RJ, et al. Jet-lag: prevention with Pycnogenol. Preliminary report: evaluation in healthy individuals and in hypertensive patients. Minerva Cardioangiol 2008;56(5 Suppl):3-9.

55. Vinciguerra G, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, et al. Cramps and muscular pain: prevention with pycnogenol in normal subjects, venous patients, athletes, claudicants and in diabetic microangiopathy. Angiology 2006;57:331–9.

56. Stefanescu M, Matache C, Onu A, et al. Pycnogenol efficacy in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Phytother Res 2001;15:698-704.

57. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2004;27:839 [letter].

58. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505–13.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.