Pine bark extract
Pinus pinaster
Supplements. Modern nutrition and Western & European.
Also called Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark, Maritime pine bark
May add to bleeding riskAn extract of French maritime pine bark, sold as Pycnogenol for blood vessels, blood pressure, and joint pain.
Did you know? The French maritime pine was planted across huge stretches of southwest France in the 1700s and 1800s to stop moving sand dunes.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Blood pressure. A few small trials show modest drops in blood pressure. Larger, longer trials are needed.Early proof
- Joint pain & arthritis. Small trials show less knee and joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Results are small and short.Early proof
- Memory & focus. A few small trials in children with attention problems show some gains. These are early studies.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Pine bark has little traditional medical use in folk medicine. The modern extract was developed in France and later sold worldwide as a supplement.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antioxidant, Circulatory. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Studies have used about 50 to 200 mg a day in divided doses for several weeks to months.
Capsule and tablet.
Where to get it
Made from the bark of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), grown in southwest France and other areas. Sold as capsules and tablets, often under the Pycnogenol name, so look for a stated dose on the label.
Be careful
Usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness. It may affect blood clotting, so stop before surgery and tell your doctor if you take blood thinners, and it is not studied well in pregnancy or children.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; bleeding disorders; before surgery; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are proanthocyanidin-rich extracts with similar uses for blood vessels.
- Works well together
Both are polyphenol-rich extracts sold for circulation and eye health.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
May add to bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin, and similar drugs.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
The honest take
Pine bark extract has a few small trials on blood pressure, joint pain, and attention in children. The results are modest, and the trials are short and small. Marketing often goes well beyond the evidence.