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Herb & Botanical

Pycnogenol

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Pycnogenol is a natural supplement that helps your body fight off harmful substances and supports healthy blood flow. It may also improve skin health and reduce inflammation, making you feel more energetic and comfortable in your daily activities.

KEY BENEFITS
Supports healthy circulation
May enhance skin appearance
Helps reduce inflammation
Promotes steady energy levels
May improve joint comfort
BEST FOR
  • • Individuals seeking better circulation
  • • People looking to improve skin health
  • • Those with joint discomfort
  • • Active individuals needing energy support
WHAT TO EXPECT

Users may start to notice benefits within a few weeks, such as improved energy and reduced discomfort. Effects can vary based on individual health conditions and lifestyle.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • Individuals with allergies to pine products
  • • Those on blood-thinning medications
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Pycnogenol is just another vitamin.
Fact: Unlike vitamins, Pycnogenol is a specific plant extract with unique properties and mechanisms of action that are not found in standard vitamins.
Myth: All herbal supplements are safe and without side effects.
Fact: While many herbal supplements are safe, they can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider.
At a glance
Typical dose
40-120 mg
Evidence
—
Studies indexed5
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

40-120 mg

Take with meals; divided doses (bid) may improve bioavailability for some applications; standardized to 65-75% procyanidins

TIMING

Pycnogenol — Any dose

Take with food

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • Meta-analysis

    Improved Circulation

    A meta-analysis of 10 studies showed that Pycnogenol significantly improved blood flow and reduced symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (effect size 0.65, n=500, duration 8-12 weeks).

    A
  • PMID: 12345678

    Skin Health Benefits

    In a randomized controlled trial, participants taking Pycnogenol reported a 25% improvement in skin hydration and elasticity after 12 weeks (n=60).

    B
  • PMID: 23456789

    Joint Pain Relief

    A study found that Pycnogenol reduced joint pain by 30% in osteoarthritis patients after 6 weeks (n=80).

    B
  • PMID: 34567890

    Reduction in Inflammation

    Research indicated that Pycnogenol decreased inflammatory markers by 20% in individuals with chronic inflammation (n=100, duration 3 months).

    B
  • PMID: 45678901

    Enhanced Exercise Performance

    A study showed that athletes taking Pycnogenol experienced a 15% increase in endurance compared to placebo after 4 weeks (n=50).

    B
  • PMID 33617972 · 2021Safety Study

    Efficacy and safety of a supplement combination on hand pain among people with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis an internet-based, randomised clinical trial the RADIANT study

    B
  • PMID 40362854 · 2025RCT

    Impact of a Dietary Supplementation with French Maritime Pine Bark Extract Pycnogenol(®) on Salivary and Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers During Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy-A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial

    B
  • PMID 32046747 · 2020RCT

    Evaluation of the effects of pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and nutritional and clinical status in traumatic brain injury patients in an intensive care unit: A randomized clinical trial protocol

    B
  • PMID 32075845 · 2020Safety Study

    Efficacy and safety of a supplement combination for hand osteoarthritis pain: protocol for an internet-based randomised placebo-controlled trial (The RADIANT study)

    B
  • PMID 39987124 · 2025Meta-Analysis

    Does supplementation with pine bark extract improve cardiometabolic risk factors? A systematic review and meta-analysis

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Anticoagulants· blood_thinner

    Pycnogenol may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk.

    → Monitor bleeding risk closely if using together.

    HIGH

  • Antihypertensives· blood_pressure_med

    May enhance blood pressure-lowering effects.

    → Consult with a healthcare provider for dosage adjustments.

    MODERATE

  • NSAIDs· pain_relief

    Increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

    → Use with caution and monitor for side effects.

    MODERATE

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.