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Pycnogenol is a dietary supplement that is growing in popularity in Australia.
This ingredient is a proprietary extract from French maritime pine bark, that is a source of polyphenol anti-oxidants.
In Australia, Pycnogenol is available without a prescription and can be purchased online or in specialty health food stores.
It can be used as a standalone supplement, but is more often combined with other ingredients to support heart health, cognitive function and anti-aging benefits.
Generic pine bark extract contains molecules that are similar to those found in grape seeds, cocoa seeds and peanut skin. The phytonutrients in Pycnogenol supplements exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.
Pycnogenol is considered to be safe for use in dosages of up to 50-450 mg daily for one year. There have been few side effects reported when using oral capsules that contain this product or topical creams.
Heart Health
Longevity
Skin Health- Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports healthy blood sugar & heart
- Aids in collagen integrity for skin health
Top Pycnogenol Products* ❯Buy Pycnogenol in Australia
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Pycnogenol is manufactured by Horphag Research in the United States.
This branded form of Pine Bark Extract is available in dietary supplements sold by Now Foods, Source Naturals, Natrol, Nature’s Plus, Absorb Health and a number of other retailers that operate in Australia.
While the use of Pycnogenol is growing internationally, it is not one of the most widely used supplements. For this reason, many local Australian retailers may not carry this product. If you cannot find it in your local grocery store or health food store, you can purchase it online.
Pycnogenol capsules typically cost $0.30 to $0.60 AUD per serving, depending on the brand purchased. Most capsules contain between 100 – 300 mg of Pycnogenol per serving.
Some supplements provide a “Pycnogenol Complex” that may combine this ingredient with other natural anti-oxidants such as Green Tea extract, Ginkgo Biloba, Turmeric Root, Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin C and others. In complex formulas, there may be a lower dose of Pycnogenol due to the synergistic effects of other ingredients.
It is also possibly to buy generic Pine Bark Extract supplements. These non-brand name supplements may be extracted to different degrees of potency compared to Pycnogneol, though the phytonutrients present may be similar.
oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs). OPCs are found in concentrations between 65% and 75% in Pycnogenol. Procyanidins are beneficial as anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.
Other phytonutrient constituents in Pycnogenol supplements include:
- Flavonoids;
- Tannins;
- Mannitol;
- Taxiflora;
- Vitamins and minerals;
- Fiber
Health Benefits of Pycnogenol
In Australia, Pycnogenol is used to combat signs of aging, protect cognitive health and support the immune system.
There is evidence showing benefits from taking Pycnogenol for liver health, sex drive, glutathione levels, inflammation, cognitive function, menopause symptoms, cholesterol, heart disease and more.
In one research study, four weeks of Pycnogenol at 150 mg per day was effective for reducing menopause symptoms. Decreases in the frequency of the six most common symptoms by 45.6% was reported. These symptoms include night sweating, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, mood swings, irregular menstruation and hot flashes.
In another research trial, sixty-one subjects with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) were studied. The treatment group received 200mg of pycnogenol supplements daily for 4 weeks.
Hyperactivity instances were significantly reduced, learning capacities improved and attention spans increased when compared to placebo group results. When supplementation was discontinued, it took between 2 and 3 weeks for attention span in the treatment group subjects to return to baseline levels.
Pycnogenol capsules are also used to support cardiovascular health. This herbal extract has been found to decrease LDL cholesterol, decrease total cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol and generally improve blood-lipid profiles.
Pycnogenol causes vasodilation to occur in the blood vessels, the lungs and heart muscle. This means that blood vessels become wider and can carry more blood, without elevating blood pressure.
The result is enhanced circulation, with may reduce risk factors for heart disease and other conditions. In one clinical study involving patients with coronary artery disease, a 32% increase in blood delivery was reported following pycnogenol supplementation at 200mg daily for 4 weeks.
Pycnogenol tablets may also help to:
- Strengthen the immune system;
- Inhibit free radical damage by scavenging reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS);
- Improve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and male infertility:
- Improve blood glucose regulation;
- Support liver and kidney function
Pycnogenol Safety Review
In the USA, Pycnogenol and Pine Bark are rated as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration. There is not an equivalent rating scheme in Australia, but Pycnogenol has been approved as a food supplement and is considered to be safe.
This supplement is generally well tolerated with low risk of side effects when taken at dosages of between 50mg and 450mg daily. In some cases, stomach upset and nausea have been reported.
Pycnogenol can interact with certain drugs and medications. Side effects can occur if used with pharmaceutical agents that affect blood glucose levels, blood pressure, blood clotting and immune responses. Pine bark extract supplementation is not recommended for individuals with diabetes, immune disorders and/or hypertension.
Before purchasing Pycnogenol in Australia, it is recommended to consult with your doctor to determine if this supplement is appropriate for you.
- Errichi S, Bottari A, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Hosoi M, Cornelli U, Dugall M, Ledda A, Feragalli B. Supplementation with Pycnogenol® improves signs and symptoms of menopausal transition. Panminerva Med. 2011 Sep;53(3 Suppl 1):65-70.
- D'Andrea G Pycnogenol: a blend of procyanidins with multifaceted therapeutic applications? Fitoterapia. 2010 Oct;81(7):724-36. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2010.06.011. Epub 2010 Jun 20.
- Lin, Miyako Mochizuki, and Noboru Hasegawa. "Pycnogenol Ameliorates Depression-Like Behavior in Repeated Corticosterone-Induced Depression Mice Model." BioMed Research International 2014 (2014): 942927. PMC. Web. 24 June 2015.
- Khan, Mohammad Moshahid et al. "Protection of MPTP-Induced Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration by Pycnogenol." Neurochemistry international 62.4 (2013): 379–388. PMC. Web. 24 June 2015.
- Kurlbaum, Max, Melanie Mülek, and Petra Högger. "Facilitated Uptake of a Bioactive Metabolite of Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) into Human Erythrocytes." Ed. Baohong Zhang. PLoS ONE 8.4 (2013): e63197. PMC. Web. 24 June 2015.
- Harati K, Slodnik P, Chromik AM, Behr B1, Goertz O, Hirsch T, Kapalschinski N, Klein-Hitpass L,Kolbenschlag J, Uhl W, Lehnhardt M, Daigeler A. Pro?apoptotic effects of pycnogenol on HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Int J Oncol. 2015 Apr;46(4):1629-36. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2015.2854. Epub 2015 Jan 27.
- Belcaro G, Luzzi R, Cesinaro Di Rocco P, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Feragalli B, Errichi BM, Ippolito E,Grossi MG, Hosoi M, Errichi S, Cornelli U, Ledda A, Gizzi G. Pycnogenol® improvements in asthma management. Panminerva Med. 2011 Sep;53(3 Suppl 1):57-64.
- Belcaro G, Luzzi R, Hu S, Cesarone MR, Dugall M, Ippolito E, Corsi M, Caporale S. Improvement in signs and symptoms in psoriasis patients with Pycnogenol® supplementation. Panminerva Med. 2014 Mar;56(1):41-8.
Article last updated on: March 22nd, 2018 by Nootriment