Pycnogenol (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica)
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| Pycnogenol |
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Pycnogenol® is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the
French maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica ),
which is grown in coastal south-west France. Pycnogenol® contains oligomeric
proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin,
epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and
taxifolin. Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations
in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples, and some supplements such as
Pycnogenol®.
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There has been some confusion in the U.S. market regarding OPC products
containing Pycnogenol® or grape seed extract (GSE), because one of the
generic terms for chemical constituents ("pycnogenols") is the same
as the patented trade name (Pycnogenol®). Some GSE products were formerly
erroneously labeled and marketed in the U.S. as containing "pycnogenols."
Although GSE and Pycnogenol® do contain similar chemical constituents
(primarily in the OPC fraction), the chemical, pharmacological, and clinical
literature on the two products is distinct. The term Pycnogenol® should
therefore only be used to refer to this specific proprietary pine bark
extract. Scientific literature regarding this product should not be referenced
as a basis for the safety or effectiveness of GSE.
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Cocklebut, condensed tannins, Evelle® (vitamins C and E, carotenoids,
selenium, zinc, amino acids, glycosaminoglycans, blueberry extract, Pycogenol),
French maritime pine bark extract, French Pinus maritime bark, grape marc
extract, leucoanthocyanidins, Pinus pinaster , Pinus
maritima , oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), Pinaceae
(familty), proanthocyanidins, PYC, pygenol, stickwort, Zinopin
(Pycnogenol and Standardized Ginger Root Extract (SGRE).
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety
and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are
potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
| Uses based on scientific evidence |
Grade* |
| Asthma
Pycnogenol® may offer clinical benefit to both children and adults with
asthma. Additional study is needed before a strong recommendation can be
made.
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B |
| Chronic venous insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a syndrome that includes leg
swelling, varicose veins, pain, itching, skin changes, and skin ulcers.
The term is more commonly used in Europe than in the United States.
Pycnogenol® used in people with chronic venous insufficiency is
reported to reduce edema and pain. Pycnogenol® may also be used in the
management of other CVI symptoms. Additional study is needed before a
strong recommendation can be made.
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B |
| ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder)
Pycnogenol® has been used in adult patients with ADHD to improve
concentration, but does not appear to be more effective than placebo.
Further research is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can
be reached.
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C |
| Antioxidant
Due to conflicting study results, it is unclear if Pycnogenol® has
significant antioxidant effects in humans. Further research is
necessary.
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C |
| Cramps (muscular pain)
Pycnogenol® may effectively prevent cramps, muscular pain at rest, and
pain after/during exercise in normals, in athletes prone to cramps, in
patients with venous disease, in claudicants, and in diabetics with
microangiopathy. Further high quality trails are needed to make a firm
recommendation.
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C |
| Diabetes
Supplementation of Pycnogenol® with conventional diabetes treatment may
lower glucose levels and improve endothelial function. Further research
is needed to confirm these results.
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C |
| Diabetic microangiopathy
Supplementation with Pycnogenol® may improve symptoms associated with
diabetic microangiopathy. Further research is needed to confirm these
results.
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C |
| Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Preliminary human data shows that Pycnogenol® may have a potential
analgesic (pain relieving) effect on menstrual pain. Further research is
needed to confirm these results.
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C |
| Erectile dysfunction
Pycnogenol®, in combination with L-arginine, may cause an improvement
in sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. It is not known
what effect each of the individual compounds may have directly on this
condition. Further research is needed.
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C |
| Gingival bleeding / plaque
Chewing gum containing Pycnogenol® is reported to minimize gingival
bleeding and plaque formation. Pyconogenol® has also been added to
toothpaste for antioxidant effect. Further research is needed to confirm
these results.
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C |
| High blood pressure
Use of Pycnogenol® may reduce the need for nifedipine and decrease
systolic blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure. Further
research is needed to confirm these results.
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C |
| Platelet aggregation
One human study reports reduced platelet aggregation in smokers. Further
research is needed before a clear conclusion can be reached.
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C |
| Prevention of blood clots/edema during long
airplane fights
Pycnogenol® treatment may be effective in decreasing the number of
thrombotic events (DVT and SVT) in moderate-to-high risk subjects,
during long-haul flights. Edema (swelling) may also be reduced. Further
research is needed to confirm these results.
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C |
| Retinopathy
Several studies report benefits of Pycnogenol® in the treatment and
prevention of retinopathy, including slowing the progression of
retinopathy in diabetics. Better-quality research is needed before a
firm conclusion can be reached.
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C |
| High cholesterol
Pycnogenol® may reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL/"bad
cholesterol") levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL/"good
cholesterol") levels. Due to conflicting data, further studies are
necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.
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C |
| Male infertility
Human studies report that Pycnogenol® may improve sperm quality and
function in sub-fertile men. Further research is needed to confirm these
results.
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C |
| Melasma (chloasma)
Melasma (or chloasma) is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation of the
skin predominately affecting sun-exposed areas in women. Formations of
tan or brown patches/spots may occur. Pycnogenol® has been reported to
decrease the darkened area and the pigment intensity of melasma and
improve symptoms of fatigue, constipation, body pains, and anxiety.
Additional research is needed before a clear recommendation can be made.
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C |
| Sunburn
Pycnogenol®, taken by mouth, may reduce erythema (redness of the skin)
caused by solar ultraviolet light. Further study is needed before a
recommendation can be made.
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C |
| Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Pycnogenol® may be useful as a second line therapy to reduce
inflammatory features of SLE. Further research is needed before a
recommendation can be made.
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C |
| Venous leg ulcers
Pycnogenol® may be useful for reduction of leg ulcers. Further research
is needed before a recommendation can be made.
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C |
*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often
have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have
not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and
should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
ACE-inhibitor activity, Alzheimer's disease, antihistamine, antimicrobial,
anti-parasitic, arthritis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, bleeding, bone
marrow production, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, cardiac mitral valve
prolapse, cardiovascular disease, cerebral ischemia, chemotherapy side effects,
easy bruising, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, exercise capacity, fat burning, G6PD
deficiency, gout prevention (xanthine oxidase and dehydrogenase inhibitor),
hemorrhoids, immune enhancement, immune suppression, improving skin smoothness
and elasticity, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, inhibition of TNF-alpha,
increased human growth hormone, joint hypermobility, leukemia, lung cancer,
musculoskeletal problems, osteoporosis, periodontitis, poor tissue healing,
premenstrual syndrome, macular degeneration, motion sickness, myocardial
ischemia/reperfusion injury, myalgia, myopathy, night vision, pelvic pain,
neurodegenerative diseases, prevention of fat formation, psoriasis, reducing
scar formation, retinal protection, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia,
skin disorders, skin aging, spinal scoliosis, varicose veins, vascular problems,
vasorelaxant, venous thromboembolism (VTE), wound healing.
The below doses are based on scientific research,
publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements
have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.
Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same
brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product
labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting
therapy.
Adults (18 years and older)
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In general, 25-360 milligrams has been taken by in divided dosed by mouth per
day. For gum health, 5 milligrams Pycnogenol® in chewing gum for 14 days has
been used.
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Pycnogenol® appears to be absorbed into the bloodstream in about 20 minutes.
Once absorbed, therapeutic effects are purported to last for approximately 72
hours, followed by excretion in the urine. Because of its astringent taste and
occasional minor stomach discomfort, it may be best to take Pycnogenol® with
or after meals.
Children (younger than 18 years)
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Due to insufficient data, Pycnogenol® in not recommended for use by children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly
regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or
safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels.
If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or
supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you
experience side effects.
Allergies
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Individuals should not take Pycnogenol® if allergic to it or any of its
components.
Side Effects and Warnings
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Pycnogenol® is generally reported as being well tolerated. Low acute and
chronic toxicity with mild unwanted effects may occur in a small percentage of
patients following oral administration. Because of its astringent taste and
occasional minor stomach discomfort, it may be best to take Pycnogenol® with
or after meals. To date, no serious adverse effects have been reported in the
available scientific literature, although systematic study of safety is not
available.
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In theory, Pycnogenol® may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in
patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or
supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be
monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be
necessary.
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In theory, Pycnogenol® may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised
in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk
of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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Pycnogenol® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to lack
of scientific evidence.
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly
tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The
interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications,
laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product
labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or
supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
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Pycnogenol® may interact with other blood pressure lowering medications,
specifically angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) such as
benazepril (Lotensin®), captopril (Capoten®), enalapril (Vasotec®),
fosinopril (Monopril®), lisinopril (Prinivil®), moexipril (Univasc®),
perindopril (Aceon®), quinapril (Accupril®), ramipril (Altace®),
trandolapril (Mavik®), or angiotensin converting enzyme receptor blockers
such as losartan (Cozaar®), irbesartan (Avapro®), candesartan, cilexetil (Atacand®),
or valsartan (Diovan®).
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Pycnogenol® may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using
medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for
diabetes by mouth (such as metformin, glyburide, glipizide) or insulin should
be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication
adjustments may be necessary.
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Pycnogenol® may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that
increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants
("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin,
anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®,
Aleve®).
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Pycnogenol® may interfere with immunosuppressant or immunostimulant drugs.
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In theory, Pycnogenol® and antioxidants may have additive effects.
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Pycnogenol® prevented fluoride induced kidney damage.
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Pycnogenol® may have protective effects against alcohol's effects on brain
neurons, but further research is needed to confirm these results.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
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Although data has yet to confirm this claim, it has been proposed that
Pycnogenol® may increase vitamin C levels.
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Pycnogenol® may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs
or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may
require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
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Pycnogenol® may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and
supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases
of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba ,
and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may
theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven
in most cases.
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In theory, Pycnogenol® may interact with herbs and supplements that effect
blood pressure. Caution is advised.
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Pycnogenol® may interfere with immunosuppressant or immunostimulant herbs and
supplements.
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Pycnogenol® and other antioxidants may have additive effects.