Pine Bark Extract Uses, Effects and Safety

Pine bark extract is also commonly called Pinus pinaster, Flavangenol, Oligopin and/or Pycnogenol. It is used widely as a dietary supplement and believed to have strong antioxidant properties.

It is also believed to strengthen the immune system, promoting generalized health improvements on many levels. Pine bark extract contains numerous phytonutrient compounds, very notably a group called proanthocyanidins.

Proanthocyanidins are complex polyphenols that are clinically associated with decreased risks for developing coronary heart disease, and decreased mortality rates in general.

Although pine bark extract is widely believed to enhance circulatory performance, and thereby lower the probabilities of developing various cardiovascular conditions, it is not officially recognized as a viable treatment option for any chronic health condition. However, some physicians have begun recommending it as an adjunct therapy for numerous ailments.

Pine Bark Extract

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti- Oxidant

Longevity

Brain Function

How It Works:

• Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective
• Supports heart health & longevity
• Increases glutathione levels for detox

Dosage:

Between 50 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Therapeutic Uses of Pine Bark Extract

Many doctors utilize pine bark extract in medical settings to treat the following conditions:

• Various issues concerning circulation inefficiency;
• Asthma and allergies;
• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder);
• Type II diabetes mellitus;
• Ear ringing (tinnitus);
• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• Muscle soreness:
• Symptoms of menopause and endometriosis;
• Erectile dysfunction (ED);
• Osteoarthritis and general joint pains;
• Retinopathy

Pine bark extract is also used medically to prevent heart disease, stroke and varicose veins. It is believed to inhibit the progression of aging via its antioxidant capacities. Further, physicians use Pycnogenol to help patients maintain skin elasticity and clarity, reverse the symptoms of infertility in males, and to enhance performance levels in athletes.

Pine bark extract vs. Pycnogenol

The term “Pycnogenol” is used, in many cases, synonymously with “pine bark extract”. Pycnogenol is actually a name given to a group of phytochemical compounds that contain proanthocyanidins.

Additionally, in the United States, Pycnogenol is a registered name of a pharmaceutical trademark for the chemical compounds extracted from the bark of Pinus pinaster.

The Pycnogenol group of compounds can be sourced naturally from the skins of peanuts, the bark of witch hazel trees and the seeds of grapes. There may be some slightly different effects when comparing Pycnogenol supplements to generic Pine Bark Extract capsules. However, many will use Pine Bark supplements as a cheaper alternative to the brand-name compound.

Additional Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract

Aside from the therapeutic uses of Pinus pinaster listed above, researchers are testing compounds in the extract for their capacity to treat, prevent and/or reverse the following health conditions:

• Arthritis and lacking flexibility in joints;
• Allergic complications resulting from diabetes;
• Various forms of cancer;
• Inflammation;
• Memory loss and degenerative mental conditions;
• Chronic stress;
• Low libidic activity;
• more…

Clinical Proof for Pine Bark Extract

Although there is widespread interest among clinical researchers concerning the possible therapeutic uses for pine bark extract supplements, there is only a small amount of data available from human trials.

A small number of preliminary human-based studies have shown that there is a possible action against chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory issue that causes inflammation. However, further research is necessary in order to determine any quantifiable benefits.

Other clinical studies are showing promise of pine bark extract as a generally effective antioxidant.

Antioxidants travel the blood stream with the capacity to negate the ionic imbalances of free radicals like superoxide. Free radicals are chaotic molecules that violently attack other molecules, stable or not, and steal their electrons. This damages the structures of the target molecules, sometimes resulting in cellular mutation and/or necrosis.

Cell damage may result in a number of preventable health conditions and may increase the risk of developing cancer.

Safety and Side Effects of Pine Bark Extract

According to the AMA, pine bark extract is “possibly safe” when administered orally at doses between 50 and 450 milligrams daily. It is known to be safe for usage of up to a full year. It is also commonly used in the form of a skin cream, or in powder form, for periods of up to six weeks with no ill side effects.

Also, pine bark extract is considered possibly safe for use by pregnant women, although this should be done only in accordance with a pediatrician’s approval. Finally, it is classified as possibly safe for short-term oral use by children.

The following groups are not recommended for Pinus pinaster supplementation:

• People with autoimmune diseases including SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), MS (multiple sclerosis) and RA (rheumatoid arthritis):
• People with clotting and/or bleeding conditions;
• People with type ii diabetes mellitus;
• People scheduled for surgery

Improper use of supplements may cause mouth ulcerations, intestinal disturbances, headaches and/or dizziness. As with all types of intended supplementation, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor before initiating any programs. Aside from those listed above, there may be other groups of people and certain medications that pine bark extract supplementation may not be suitable with.

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