Pycnogenol 100 mg tablets are commonly taken for their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
Pycnogenol is a brand name for a proprietary supplement extracted from the bark of French maritime pine trees (Pinus maritime).
This supplement is a source of flavonoids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids which may support cardiovascular function, energy levels as well as mental performance. Pycnogenol 100 mg pills have also been used in natural treatment protocols for Erectile Dysfunction.
Pine bark extract has been used for centuries as a natural medicinal agent to promote overall health and anti-aging benefits. Pycnogenol tablets, powders, skin creams and other forms of pine bark extracts are available commercially and can be purchased online or in specialty health food stores.



- Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports healthy blood sugar & heart
- Aids in collagen integrity for skin health
Pycnogenol 100mg Tablets
Related Topics
Pycnogenol 100mg tablets are sold by a number of different brands online, including Source Naturals, Natural Factors, Healthy Origins and more.
Most manufacturers recommend taking between 1 – 3 capsules a day, for a suggested daily dosage of 100 – 300 mg.
It is also possible to purchase generic Pine Bark Extract supplements. These supplements come from the same species as Pycnogenol and may be lower in price.
The primary difference between the two is that Pycnogenol is a proprietary form of Pine Bark Extract that has been trademarked by Horphag Research.
Pycnogenol is more widely researched than generic Pine Bark Extract. However, the active ingredient – Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins – is present in both of these products. It is unclear whether there are any differences in the benefits or mechanisms of action between these supplements.
Pycnogenol is similar in molecular structure to cocoa extracts and grape seed extracts. This supplement is comprised of about 70% procyanidins, as well as:
- Flavonoids;
- Phenols;
- Sterols;
- Vitamins and minerals;
- Fiber;
- Other phytonutrients
Should you Take Pycnogenol Tablets?
According to the Natural Medicines database, Pycnogenol tablets are considered Possibly Effective for hayfever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, increasing athletic performance, chronic venous insufficiency, cognitive function and retinopathy.
This supplement has a long list of additional medicinal uses
for which it is currently being researched. Not all of these additional uses have been substantiated by currently available research data.
More clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of this supplement for the following uses:
- Cardiovascular health and heart disease;
- Obesity and weight management;
- Anti-aging effects;
- Supporting kidney function;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Supporting liver function;
- Menopause;
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD);
- Type II Diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia
Pycnogenol and Cardiovascular Health
In one clinical study, 200 mg of pycnogenol extracrt was administered daily to adults with coronary artery disease.
After 8 weeks of supplementation, treatment group subjects demonstrated a 32% increase in blood flow when compared to the placebo group participants.
In various other clinical studies, pycnogenol tablets have been shown to lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol, improve blood-lipid profiles and generally support cardiovascular health.
Supplementation with pycnogenol 100mg capsules may also increase nitric oxide synthesis and promote vasodilation. When blood vessels dilate and expand, this can improve circulatory efficacy and have a number of positive effects on the body.
Pycnogenol for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
In one recent study involving 61 children diagnosed with ADHD, significant improvements were reported following administration of 100 mg Pycnogenol tabets.
After four weeks of supplementation, treatment group subjects were observed to experience fewer instances of hyperactivity. They also showed notable improvements in attention span and learning ability.
Pycnogenol for Obesity
Pcynogenol may have anti-obesity effects that could support weight loss and reduce risk factors related to carrying excess body fat. This supplement is also being investigated for its effects on obesity-related conditions including diabetes mellitus type II, reactive hypoglycemia (prediabetes), stroke, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and various others.
In mature 3T3-L1 fat cells, pycnogenol administration has been shown to suppress peroxidation. Also, PPAR-?, aP2 and CEBP-? genes were suppressed at the level of mRNA expression. During adipogenesis, G6PDH mRNA was suppressed.
Suppression of these fat accumulation genes means that Pycnogenol tablets may inhibit weight gain. The lipolytic actions of pine bark extracts have been demonstrated in vitro, but clinical studies are needed to determine efficacy in humans.
Pycnogenol 100 mg supplements may also improve insulin and leptin resistance. Glucose absorption into adipocytes via the PI3K-Akt pathway seems to be upregulated following administration of pine bark extract.
Conclusion
Pycnogenol exhibits anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and renoprotective effects in preliminary studies. This supplement has been shown to support cardiovascular function, cognitive performance, and athletic capacity in research trials.
Supplementation with Pycnogenol 100 mg tablets is generally well tolerated with few reported side effects. Consult with a doctor before starting to take Pycnogenol pills.
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Article last updated on: April 1st, 2018 by Nootriment