Pycnogenol Effects, Research Review & How it Works

Pycnogenol is the name of a proprietary brand of French maritime pine bark extract.

Pycnogenol is a water soluble dietary supplement that is comprised of numerous beneficial plant chemicals (phytonutrients).

It is demanded internationally because of its believed capacities to improve human health in various different ways. In clinical experiments, it provides anti-inflammatory effects, enhances circulation, and works as an anti-oxidant.

Pycnogenol prevented oxidative damage by scavenging for reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS and ROS). These are both known to cause cellular damage and may contribute to the development of premature aging and various diseases and conditions.

Pycnogenol also seems to improve certain metabolic functions and demonstrates immune system enhancing effects. There seems to be little difference between the reported effects of taking Pycnogenol supplements and generic pine bark extract products.

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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How Does Pycnogenol Work?

Pycnogenol contains procyanidolic oligomers (OPCs) that produce anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial effects.

In addition, taxifolin and catechin flavonoids act to promote NO (nitric oxide) synthesis. This promotes vasorelaxation of the linings of the heart, circulatory vessels and lungs, meaning that circulation is improved.

There are numerous other phytonutrient constituents of pycnogenol that have yet to be identified and tested for their therapeutic capacities.

Pycnogenol and Cardiovascular Health

In one study of human subjects with coronary artery disease, 8 weeks of pycnogenol supplementation at 200mg daily improved circulatory delivery by 32%.

Doses between 100mg and 200mg daily for at least 2 weeks exhibit a vasodilation effect, which may be mediated by an increase in acetylcholine levels. This means that blood vessels expand in diameter and are able to carry more blood throughout the body, without resulting in an increase in blood pressure.

Pycnogenol has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure and to provide cardioprotective effects. Myeloperoxidase synthesis is impeded, bringing about effects comparable to supplementation with melatonin.

In vitro experimentation in humans has also shown a 25% slowing of platelet aggregation when pycnogenol is used conjunctively with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).

The antiplatelet activity of aspirin may be enhanced with pycnogenol supplementation. This may have implications in the prevention of heart disease and reducing heart attack risk, though more research is required to explore this further.

Pycnogenol and Cholesterol

Pycnogenol extracts are also observed to reduce cholesterol levels. In one double-blind study, 150mg daily doses of pycnogenol in humans for six weeks showed a 10% reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) was increased by 10.4% as well. The placebo group demonstrated no changes.

After discontinuation of pycnogenol supplementation for four weeks, there was a return to baseline levels of cholesterol, which suggests it must be used continuously to derive the benefits. Triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were not affected in this study.

In a separate study of patients with chronic venous insufficiency, 360mg daily of pycnogenol resulted in a a 13% decrease in LDL-C and a 19.7% decrease in total cholesterol. In this case, no alterations of HDL-C were noted.

Also, plasma ORAC ratings were increased significantly, indicating elevated antioxidant capacities. Pycnogenol may be effective at limiting the oxidation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Possible Health Benefits of Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol supplementation is being researched for a wide variety of medicinal uses.

It shows promise in the treatment of certain health conditions, but is currently not approved by the FDA as a drug to treat any of these conditions.

However, it may be recommended by a healthcare practitioner as an adjunct therapy for the following health concerns:

• Obesity and various conditions associated with being overweight;
• Chronic venous insufficiency;
• ED (erectile dysfunction);
• Retinopathy (a retinal disease);
• Immunity insufficiencies;
• Anti-Cancer effects;
• Improving blood vessel integrity;
• Atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia;
• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• ADD (attention deficit disorder) and hyperactivity;
• Edema, easy bruising, varicose veins and thrombosis;
• Diabetic neuropathy, reactive hypoglycemia (prediabetes) and Diabetes Mellitus Type II;
• Poor night vision;
• Periodontal disease;
• Allergies and asthma;
• Systemic lupus;
• Menopause symptoms;
• Cirrhosis of the liver

Is Pycnogenol Supplementation Safe?

Standard Pycnogenol dosages between 100 and 200 mg daily are considered safe, even in cases of long-term usage. This brand of Pine Bark Extract is typically taken in either one single dose at breakfast, or two equal doses, one being taken with breakfast and then the other at dinner.

There are some mild side effects associated with the use of this product, including the possibilities of:

• Negative interactions with radiation therapy or chemotherapy;
• Increased bleeding risks, especially for those using blood-thinning drugs like Coumadin;
• Irritability in those with ADHD, ADD and or hyperactivity disorders;
• Nausea, upset stomach;
• Increased blood pressure in those with hypertensive disorders;

Pycnogenol Conclusions

Pycnogenol extract seems to act in various ways to enhance human health holistically. General improvements in cardiovascular health, immune system functioning, lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity have been reported in clinical.

Proanthocyanidins and flavonoids in pycnogenol have shown capacities for inducing various medicinal properties.These components are largely the same as those found in generic Pine Bark Extract products.

Pycnogenol supplementation is not associated with serious or lasting negative side effects in healthy adult human subjects, even with long-term dosing. No FDA guidelines have been established concerning pycnogenol extract usage.

Please consult with a doctor before beginning usage, especially if you are taking any prescription medications.

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