Pycnogenol Dosage Guidelines for Health, Weight Loss & More

The optimal pycnogenol dosage for a given individual will depend on several variables.

Pycnogenol is the name for a brand of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract manufactured by Horphag Research.

This brand of pine bark extract is sourced from the mono-species pine trees grown in the Les Landes de Gascogne forest in southwestern France.

Pycnogenol has demonstrated several medicinal properties in clinical trials, including antioxidant and cardioprotective traits.

Pycnogenol dosages are used to improve skin appearance, reduce signs of aging in the body, stimulate sex drive, alleviate erectile dysfunction, boost immunity and strengthen cardiovascular health. Today, it has been associated with treatments for ADHD, diabetes, obesity, cancer and more.

Pycnogenol

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Heart Health

Longevity

Skin Health

How It Works:

• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Supports healthy blood sugar & heart
• Aids in collagen integrity for skin health

Dosage:

Between 50 - 360 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Pycnogenol Dosage Guidelines

Pycnogenol is used for a number of distinct health benefits.

Each of these different uses may require a different optimal dosage to achieve the desired effect.

Some of the reported benefits of Pycnogenol supplementation in studies include:

• Protect and improve cardiovascular health and blood lipid profiles;
• Protect the kidneys and stimulate enhanced renal functioning;
• Enhance liver functioning, especially in those with hepatitis;
• Boost immune system performance and fight premature aging;
• Increase sexual stamina and libido;
• Reduce risk factors associated with obesity, diabetes, stroke and metabolic syndrome;

In one clinical trial involving 61 subjects diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a pycnogenol dosage of 200mg was administered once daily for four weeks. Supplementation is reported to have reduced hyperactivity in treatment group participants, while no change was reported in the placebo group.

Attention span was significantly increased in the treatment group. Two to three weeks after supplementation was discontinued, hyperactivity and attention span length returned to baseline.

In a study of menopausal women, daily pycnogenol dosages of 150mg over 4 weeks resulted in a 45.6% improvement in common menopause symptoms. The six symptoms measured were night sweating, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, abnormal menstruation cycles and low sex drive.

Pycnogenol Dosages for Cardiovascular Health

Pycnogenol is also reported to improve cholesterol levels. At a dosage of 150mg per day over four weeks, a 7% reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was reported. In the same study, a 10.4% increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was noted.

In another double-blind human study of chronic venous insufficiency patients, daily pycnogenol dosages of 360mg were administered over four weeks. A 19.7% reduction in total cholesterol was observed along with a 13% reduction of LDL cholesterol.

In a double-blind, placebo-based trial involving adults diagnosed with coronary artery disease, 200mg pycnogenol dosages were administered each day over the course of 4 weeks. In the treatment group, a 32% increase in blood delivery throughout the body was noted. In the placebo group, no improvements were seen.

Pycnogenol dosages between 100 and 200mg daily exhibit a vasorelaxation effect. This means that there is a reduction of tension in the blood vessel walls, resulted in lower vascular pressure. This increases blood delivery (circulation) without increasing blood pressure in the cardiovascular system.

The result is improved removal of fatty acid deposits on arterial walls and better delivery of oxygen, glucose and other nutrients throughout the body with less strain on the heart.

Pycnogenol Dosages for Weight Loss

Pycnogenol dosages between 150mg and 250mg daily may be effective at reducing the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia (prediabetes) and diabetes mellitus type II.

It seems to improve blood lipid profiles by upregulating the absorption of glucose into fat cells.

This is especially true during times of oxidative stress. With routine supplementation, glucose may be better utilized and insulin sensitivity may be improved. This may reduce risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes, as well as supporting weight loss and weight management.

Pycnogenol Dosage Safety

Pycnogenol dosages between 100mg and 200mg daily are viewed as safe for human supplementation.

However, the best dosage for a given individual will depend on current lifestyle habits, dietary choices, hydration levels, physical activity levels, targeted therapeutic benefit(s), gender, weight and more. Not all natural supplements are equally beneficial for all people.

Pycnogenol and pine bark extract supplements exhibit antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties and may affect the immune system. For this reason, it is not recommended for anyone who has diabetes mellitus, prediabetes (reactive hypoglycemia), liver disease, kidney disease, immune system disorders and/or high blood pressure.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not use pycnogenol supplements without permission from their pediatricians. Not enough is understood about any possible negative side effects for developing or newborn babies.

Consult with your physician before you start taking pycnogenol dosages to determine if this supplement is right for you. Your physician can also make you aware of possible side effect risks, drug interactions and contraindications based on your medical history.

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