In combination with Mirtoselect, Pycnogenol may improve blood flow to the eye and reduce eye blood pressure as shown in a trial of 38 people [81]. A study of 66 healthy adults found that Pycnogenol may reduce the number of leg cramps experienced [11]. Study participants took pine bark extract as a supplement, and it was found to be most effective in women who started out with dry skin. In a third study, 19 men with fertility problems were given 200 mg Pycnogenol daily for 90 days. The effects of the pine bark extract showed significant lower levels of blood glucose and improved endothelial function when compared to placebo, concluding that supplementation of Pycnogenol for treating conventional diabetes may be beneficial. You may want to start slow, taking smaller amounts, to ensure that your body works well with the OPCs found in pine bark extract. Circulation and Jet Lag on Long Flights. Some people who have asthma have higher levels of leukotrienes in their blood. Early research shows that taking it at least 5 weeks before the start of allergy season seems to lessen symptoms. Symptoms of menopausal syndrome, also known as climacteric syndrome, include: hot flashes; chills; headache; and depression. For asthma in children: 1 milligram per pound of body weight given in two divided doses. But, as you know, going for the natural approach can make a huge difference in overall health. Pycnogenol is the registered trademark name for a French formula. Pycnogenol was gradually increased to 120 mg/day over this time period, while the l-arginine was maintained at 1.7 g/day throughout. are clickable links to these studies. Take Helpful Supplements. But a month after pycnogenol was stopped, the symptoms came back, suggesting that it may need to be used regularly to achieve the benefits [41]. The first studied group included 66 healthy subjects in whom the number of muscle cramps was recorded two weeks before entering the study and during the fourth and fifth week. Additionally, the results showed that the extract has significant anti-pseudomonas activity, making it a potential natural remedy and possible preventive measure for infections. It does this by improving the time it takes the body to reach a fatigued state through increased serum NAD+ levels. painful urination. Read More: Health Benefits of Peanut Butter. Today's Dietitian: "Pycnogenol Supplement Offers Promise for Managing a Variety of Conditions." Pycnogenol has given indications that it might be able to benefit heart and artery health, to include reducing high blood pressure. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) supplementation may decrease symptoms of the common cold and speed up recovery, according to a clinical trial of 146 people. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor first if you have an underlying medical condition or take other medications. Our science team must pass long technical science tests, difficult logical reasoning and reading comprehension tests. Consequently, blood pressure is lowered. Both supplements are antioxidants, which have been shown to help with blood flow and erectile function. In another study, 45 men with ED were given 1.7 grams of L-arginine a day during the first month, 40 mg Pycnogenol twice daily during the second month, and the dose increased to three 40-mg Pycnogenol doses daily during the third month. Some studies have suggested it may modestly improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. But did you know that pine bark extract, like pine oil, is one of natures super antioxidants? That said, there are some instances where this extract may possibly be effective. Talk to your own doctor about Pycnogenol if youre interested in using it for your own health. A trial of 53 students found that pycnogenol may improve cognitive function, memory, attention, mood, and mental performance after 8 weeks [20]. Pycnogenol has four main components that contribute to its benefits for men's health. It also appeared to improve their attention span, visual motor skills, and concentration. More specifically, because it strengthens the capillaries in the retina, Mirtogenol can help prevent retinopathy. Subjects in the study that took Pycnogenol ended up taking fewer painkillers [51]. It decreased concussion symptoms in 42 student-athletes with a history of sports-related concussions after 6 weeks. In a good-quality study, 100 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were treated for three months either with 150 mg of Pycnogenol a day or placebo. During week, five without, treatment, reduction of cramps was maintained in all three groups. blood in the urine. It also slightly decreased blood pressure and increased testosterone [67]. Research into Pycnogenol has revealed some promising results in over 30 health conditions. Erythritol: Is This Healthy Sweetener the Real Deal? Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Pycnogenol has not been found to cause these issues however, it may take a little longer the feel the relief from pain than aspirin. Not bad. A small 2012 study on postmenopausal women found that pine bark extract improved hydration and elasticity of skin. (7). Help your body fight the effects of normal aging. Helps maintain high vitamin C and E blood levels for their antioxidant effects. Its been noted that taking OPCs and vitamin C supplements at the same time could increase blood pressure if you have hypertension. Pycnogenol health benefits. Another highlight of grapes nutrition is the presence of polyphenols, which have been shown to decrease chronic inflammation. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, nattokinase has been used to help with pain from arthritis, including that of rheumatoid arthritis. They were treated with 200 mg of Pycnogenol daily or with placebo. Learn about all the potential benefits of Pycnogenol and find out which ones are most supported by science. Some health benefits of Pycnogenol include:. Frustrated by the lack of good information and tools, Joe decided to embark on a learning journey to decode his DNA and track his biomarkers in search of better health. Potential for allergy when taken orally or used on the skin. Higher doses (200 mg/day) may improve blood vessel health and function after 8 weeks according to a study of 23 people with heart disease [38]. The goal of this study was to evaluate if Pycnogenol could prevent deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) in eight-hour flights in 196 subjects at risk of these conditions. Once youre sure that you dont have any negative reactions, you may be able to increase your dosage according to the label. You can gradually increase how much you take once you get a better idea of how your body reacts to it. In a study of 61 ADHD children, pycnogenol reduced hyperactivity, improved attention, and motorics after 1 month. 1) Encourages Healthy Blood Pressure. A systematic review of 14 studies found that Pycnogenol gum or mouthwashes may reduce dental plaque, but the quality of evidence is low [58, 59]. Pycnogenol is considered possibly safe when taken orally or when applied topically as a cream or ointment. New research shows . While it may seem intimidating at first, counting macros is a common Erythritol is now one of the most popular natural zero-calorie sweeteners available. High levels of both of these are considered risk factors for heart disease. The antibacterial activity was assessed indicating that the essential oil of pine bark, specifically the proanthocyanidins, were effective against P. aeruginosa, significantly inhibiting its growth. These benefits appeared to persist for some time even after stopping supplementation [72]. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. So begins my look at the natural supplement, pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract)benefits. We all know the power of antioxidants to improve health and thehigh-antioxidant foodswe should eat regularly. Various brands of pycnogenol are available. Lowers Blood Pressure. The study showed that many people who participated had a drop in their systolic blood pressure after taking Pycnogenol. All of our content is written by scientists and people with a strong science background. Pine bark extract can be found in liquid, tablet or capsule form containing 85 percent to 90 percent OPCs. Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. Lets begin with asthma. Pycnogenol supplementation reduced skin redness from UV rays in a trial of 21 people over 8 weeks. In contrast, bleeding still occurred in the control group [61]. The 2012 study on the anti-aging benefits of Pycnogenol is commonly-cited by anti-aging supplement manufacturers. Depending on the extraction process and the source Pinus species used (P. radiata or P. pinaster), the exact composition will vary. In the following sections, well discuss the common forms and dosages of Pycnogenol that are commercially available. Can you get pycnogenol naturally from foods? A 2015 review indicates that pine bark extract can be used to treat metabolic syndrome and related disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using pycnogenol supplements. Benefits, Nutrition, Uses & How It Compares vs. Blackberries. Any medication that you take, including herbal supplements, comes with certain risks. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Becoming a Vegetarian: Foods to Choose From. All rights reserved. Pycnogenol is a compound of natural chemicals. Some studies also suggest it can help guard against coronary artery disease and blood clots, per webmd.com. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements, but that does not guarantee that they are safe or effective. Pain score in the Pycnogenol-treated group was reduced by 56%, as compared to 9.6% reduction in the placebo group. Thirty patients with diabetic ulcers were treated with 150 mg Pycnogenol daily for four weeks and another group of 30 comparable patients received no treatment. Pycnogenol is a patented extract of the French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster). Pycnogenol: A miracle component in reducing ageing and skin disorders. A combination supplement (pycnogenol with collagen, coenzyme Q10, and other ingredients) reduced skin aging, elasticity, hydration, and tonicity in a study of 30 women [65]. The combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol may help in erectile dysfunction by boosting nitric oxide, which potentially could improve blood flow in men [66]. Moreover, Pycnogenol group either reduced or discontinued the use of asthma drugs. Dizziness. The results of a 2013 animal study suggest that pine bark extract may help to reduce damage to nerve cells following a traumatic brain injury. The active ingredients in pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed, and witch hazel bark. This condition is due to the pooling of blood in the veins of the lower legs. According to the National Institutes of Health, its safe for adults to take 50 to 450 milligrams of pine bark extract daily for up to one year. Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe for Weight Loss? The Best Supplements for Healthy Digestion, How to Get the Protective Power of Vitamin K. Today, I want to share with you my secrets to reduce sugar Top 7 Benefits of Green Tea: The No. He later extracted proanthocyanidins from the European coastal pine tree, which he named Pycnogenol.. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) may reduce leg swelling, spider veins, and cramps according to a study of 133 women with varicose veins who recently gave birth. In 7 volunteers, Pycnogenol (300 mg) for 5 days may reduce the activity of a crucial inflammatory gene (NF-B) [53]. While the aspirin reduced the risk for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, among other cancers, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding outweighed those benefits, creating more risks to the body. Pycnogenol lowered leukotrienes as well. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They could interact with medicines to suppress the immune system, chemotherapy drugs, and blood thinners. Andrographis is a medicinal herb used to treat many health conditions, such as the common cold, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. They include: We need more research to know for sure if pycnogenol helps treat these conditions. . In a study of 77 people with symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) improved symptoms and reduced the frequency of attacks [77]. Another 2006 study examined the effects of the antioxidant activity of pine bark extract on oxidative stress, which is thought to be one of the nongenetic factors contributing to ADHD. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home Food and Nutrition Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract): 12 Benefits According to Studies. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 patients aged six to 18 years old, was conducted over three months during which patients were randomly assigned to receive either Pycnogenol or placebo. Low-dose Pycnogenol (30 mg/day) may reduce pain in pregnant women, particularly hip, joint, lower back, groin, and calf cramps in the third trimester [71]. A study of 68 people found that Pycnogenol, started 2 days prior to flying, may reduce the duration of jet lag symptoms [83]. It may cause side effects such as: Dizziness. There are also several other natural ADHD remedies you can try. Pycnogenol reduced foot swelling in 79% of the patients, versus one percent in the placebo group. 1. In addition to OPC, grape seed extract contains linoleic acid, flavonoids and phenolic procyanidins that help protect and strengthen capillaries, blood vessels, veins and arteries, which can then improve blood circulation. Pycnogenol effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women [Abstract]. (2006). Pycnogenol is known under different names in some countries, such as Oligopin, and Flavangenol in Japan [4, 5]. For poor circulation: 45360 milligrams daily or 50100 milligrams three times daily. Results showed that one month of Pycnogenol led to a significant reduction of hyperactivity with improvement in attention and visual-motor coordination and concentration, as compared to no positive effects in the placebo group. Pycnogenol is the US trademarked name for an antioxidant made from Mediterranean tree bark. The most effective blood sugar-lowering dose was 200 mg/day higher doses had no further benefit [33]. For most people, pine bark extract doesn't cause any side effects. Studies were conducted in Turkey on subjects who underwent abdominal surgery to determine if the pine bark extract could help reduce the inflammation. Arginine is a non-essential amino acid because most humans can make it in their bodies. Certain studies used combination products, so its unknown what the contribution of Pycnogenol itself was. It may cause side effects such as: Risks. chronic anal fissure may take more than 6 weeks to heal. All rights reserved. 11 Skin elasticity increased, and skin fatigue decreased significantly in this study as well, further lowering the wrinkling risk. SelfDecode is a personalized health report service, Since components of Pycnogenol can be modified during digestion and absorption as well as by the liver, diseases that affect the gut or liver may increase or decrease its effects [84]. Rare cases of liver disease. . 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. For most people, pine bark extract doesnt cause any side effects. Asthma is caused by inflammation in the lungs, which makes it hard to breathe. Pine bark extract may be the perfect treatment since its an antioxidant dynamo. Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. After stopping Pycnogenol for one month, symptoms The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. Perimenopausal women who took pine bark extract for eight weeks noticed decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Chemistry. For people who have symptoms that are more severe, traditional medicine is probably more effective. It is found primarily in southwestern France and is used to help people with asthma, allergies, hay fever, and other health conditions.. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc.] In a small/preliminary study of kids with asthma, pycnogenol helped improve symptoms. You can find out your systolic blood pressure by looking at the top number of a blood pressure test. Regardless of what youre using it for, its best to start with the lowest possible dose. Some pycnogenol supplements are mixed with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Pine bark extracts other than pycnogenol are also sold. There is a seemingly growing problem with skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the confusion of how to get vitamin D from the sun while avoiding these skin-damaging rays. 7. Pycnogenol seems to help with asthma and allergies. The studies revealed that the sperm concentration greatly increased after about eight to 16 weeks of treatment, to include improved orgasmic function. Discover what the research says about elimination diets, foods to eat, and more. No side effects were noted, unlike its synthetic counterpart. Helps Increase Athletic Performance. Helps Treat Erectile Dysfunction. In clinical research, doses up to about 300 mg/day have been used for up to one year without major safety concerns [33, 37]. Infants and children may not be able to synthesize enough of it, but it is present in many protein-rich . Researchers from the study suggest that low Pycnogenol dosage and short study duration may explain the lack of benefits [44]. The dosage in most clinical studies varied between 50-360 mg/day. 5) Vein Diseases and Swelling. L-arginine is more effective when paired with L-citrulline or pycnogenol to combat erectile dysfunction and improve exercise performance. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease caused primarily by tobacco use. Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. ( 1) 2. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Chewing gum with Pycnogenol (2.5 mg/piece) for 4 weeks reduced bad breath and mouth bacteria in a trial of 22 people [57]. Side Effects of Pycnogenol. However, its unclear how clinically effective Pycnogenol is for most of these conditions due to the low quality of evidence. Possess Anti-Inflammatory Action. We avoid using tertiary references. Pine bark extract is usually taken by mouth in capsule form. The goal of one study was to evaluate whether or not Pycnogenol could prevent edema (fluid build-up) during long-haul flights in healthy people. A study of 58 people with high blood pressure suggests that even lower doses (100 mg/day) may improve blood vessel health and reduce markers of high blood pressure (endothelin-1) after 12 weeks. There havent been enough studies yet to change practice protocols for treating children. Interactions. It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. It has been studied for its effects on everything from mental function to treating high blood pressure. In one trial of 77 people with type 2 diabetes, pycnogenol (100 mg/day) for 12 weeks lowered both blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood glucose levels [31]. Most have similar amounts of active substances and are often sold under the brand name Pycnogenol [6]. 10 Day Erection Delay Sex Pills. Are there any risks to taking it? A study of 50 mildly infertile men found that a combination of L-arginine, L-citrulline, roburins, and Pycnogenol (Prelox R) may improve sperm quality, volume, and concentration [75]. The Benefits of DIM. Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. Fundukian, L.J. Studies have also safely used Pycnogenol in children and during pregnancy. A trial of children with ADHD found that Pycnogenol may improve attention, possibly by increasing the total antioxidant status and reducing DNA damage. A combination product with Pycnogenol (Lady Prelox) improved sexual function in a clinical trial of 83 healthy postmenopausal women after 8 weeks. While pine bark extract is thought to be safe for children, they should only take it for a few weeks at a time.