A trial of 53 students found that pycnogenol may improve cognitive function, memory, attention, mood, and mental performance after 8 weeks [20]. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? A study of 32 people with heart failure lasting 12 weeks suggests that a combination of Pycnogenol with CoQ10 (PycnoQ10) may improve blood pressure, heart function, edema, and capacity for physical activity [40]. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lowers Blood Pressure. However, with the addition of twice-daily Pycnogenol, normal erection increased to 80%, which further increased to 92.5% during the third month on thrice-daily Pycnogenol. In the study, many of the participants on Pycnogenol reduced their dosage of high-blood-pressure medication (nifedipine) [37]. Your email address will not be published. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 . In patients with chronic venous insufficiency, the number of muscle cramps decreased from 6.3 to 2.6; in athletes from 8.6 to 2.4. Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. In combination with Mirtoselect, Pycnogenol may improve blood flow to the eye and reduce eye blood pressure as shown in a trial of 38 people [81]. The list goes on a bit further, as the OPCs in thisextract may inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems, which basically means it may be a natural treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. Who doesnt want amazing skin? 10 Day Erection Delay Sex Pills. Another study of 47 women found that supplementing with 30 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for over 1 month may reduce menstrual pain [73]. In one study, 200 mg a day of Pycnogenol taken three hours prior to the first cigarette for the day for two months significantly reduced cigarette-induced platelet aggregation. Moreover, Pycnogenol lowered the chemical, leukotrienes responsible for asthma attacks. For most people, pine bark extract doesnt cause any side effects. However, healthy people are not immune and can also develop mild infections, in particular after being in improperly chlorinated hot tubs or swimming pools. Tongkat ali is an herbal remedy suggested to treat various ailments, including low testosterone and male infertility. We all know the power of antioxidants to improve health and thehigh-antioxidant foodswe should eat regularly. DOI: Scheff SW, et al. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The review found evidence that pine bark extract may: Similar to its neuroprotective benefits, the metabolic benefits of pine bark extract seem to be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 10 Ways to Control Blood Sugar without Medication, Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract): 12 Benefits According to Studies, Reduces leaky blood vessels by making the wall proteins (collagen, elastin) more resistant to damage, Helps maintain high vitamin C and E blood levels for their antioxidant effects, Inhibits platelet aggregation like low-dose aspirin, Reduces hardening in the arteries by increasing nitric oxide production in blood vessels, leading to greater dilatation, Counteracts the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, Stimulates the immune system by boosting T and B cell functions, Protects brain cells from toxic chemicals. Some small studies suggest it may also protect against coronary artery disease and blood clots. It has been studied for its effects on everything from mental function to treating high blood pressure. Masquelier was easily able to create a pine bark extract from materials that were otherwise known as waste. Subjects in the study that took Pycnogenol ended up taking fewer painkillers [51]. A clinical trial of 60 health professionals found that Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) may improve cognitive function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills after 12 weeks. Pycnogenol is the registered trademark name for a French formula. Mental function. In a study of 33 people with severe osteoarthritis, pycnogenol (200 mg/day) reduced inflammatory markers after 3 weeks. However, this was a relatively small study, so larger ones are needed to fully understand pine bark extracts role in these findings. According to the lab results of 10 volunteers, a higher Pycnogenol dose (300 mg) may impact these enzymes after just 30 minutes [52]. Pine bark extract is composed of 80% to 85% proanthocyanidins, the monomers catechin and taxifolin (5%), and phenolic acids, including derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids (2% to 4%). Chewing gum with Pycnogenol (2.5 mg/piece) for 4 weeks reduced bad breath and mouth bacteria in a trial of 22 people [57]. Required fields are marked *. Eighty-six patients were treated either with Pycnogenol at 150 mg or 300 mg daily or the drugs diosmin and hesperidin (Daflon)at 1,000 mg daily for two months. A sitz bath, which involves sitting in warm water for 10 minutes, twice daily, is helpful to patients with anal itching, aching or burning and is known as one of the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids fast. In another study, 45 men with ED were given 1.7 grams of L-arginine a day during the first month, 40 mg Pycnogenol twice daily during the second month, and the dose increased to three 40-mg Pycnogenol doses daily during the third month. DOI: Luzzi R, et al. Infants and children may not be able to synthesize enough of it, but it is present in many protein-rich . If a blood clot blocks the normal blood flow, it is known as thrombosis. Several studies show how Pycnogenol helps block platelet formation and thus helps prevent thrombosis. However, in all the above studies insulin levels did not change. Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. While it may seem intimidating at first, counting macros is a common Erythritol is now one of the most popular natural zero-calorie sweeteners available. Vertigo. According to a large analysis, Pycnogenol may reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and pain short-term [45, 46]. In another study, 61 children with ADHD were given one mg per kg/day of Pycnogenol or placebo over four weeks. A review was conducted of French maritimepine bark extract, specifically using the nutritional supplement Pycnogenol. This study adds to a body of research showing the benefits of Pycnogenol for improving circulation and blood flow, strengthening the vascular system and managing cholesterol. Our team comprises of trained MDs, PhDs, pharmacists, qualified scientists, and certified health and wellness specialists. Set Ascending Direction. A clinical trial of 57 ADHD children found that daily Pycnogenol (1 mg/kg) for one month may reduce hyperactivity symptoms. Here are 12 benefits of ginkgo biloba. Frustrated by the lack of good information and tools, Joe decided to embark on a learning journey to decode his DNA and track his biomarkers in search of better health. Pycnogenol in metabolic syndrome and related disorders [Abstract]. are clickable links to these studies. In another good study, 48 patients with diabetes and high blood pressure on ACE inhibitors were randomized to receive either Pycnogenol 125 mg daily or placebo for 12 weeks. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a79cdfe7a30d8f84d45d97f833c00b8c" );document.getElementById("a6cbe26769").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pycnogenol was featured on The Dr. Oz Show in January 2013, . (11, 12), While both eliminate pain, the pine bark extract is a far better choice. In a good-quality study, 24 adults aged 24 to 53 years old with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were given Pycnogenol, placebo, or the standard drug for three weeks. Pycnogenol (200 mg/day) may reduce muscle cramps and pain according to a study of 66 healthy people, athletes, and those with venous problems after 4 weeks. In contrast, almost 20% of the participants on inhalers alone had to increase their dosage. Today's Dietitian: "Pycnogenol Supplement Offers Promise for Managing a Variety of Conditions." They were given Pycnogenolfor a period of 10 days. The most effective blood sugar-lowering dose was 200 mg/day higher doses had no further benefit [33]. 4 Items . Pycnogenol-treated patients had significant improvement in symptoms as well as a reduction in leg swelling as compared to those not receiving treatment. Berberine is a compound extracted from several plants. Side Effects of Pycnogenol. Perimenopausal women who took pine bark extract for eight weeks noticed decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. According to some researchers, Pycnogenol may lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing free radicals, and lowering inflammation. Importantly, all studies found that Pycnogenol has to be taken at least 5 weeks before the allergy season in order to see potential benefits, with the best results in those who take it 7-8 weeks ahead. , Allergy: "Leukotriene E4 plasma levels in adult asthmatic patients with variable disease severity. Some people who have asthma have higher levels of leukotrienes in their blood. In the following sections, well discuss the common forms and dosages of Pycnogenol that are commercially available. Pycnogenol is not approved by the FDA for medical use. Last medically reviewed on January 24, 2018. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. editor, The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, third edition, 2009. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. The supplement significantly reduced hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness. This includes supporting healthy blood circulation, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to generate collagen and hyaluronic acid for improved skin health and aiding in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood . Pycnogenol has several benefits to your health and beauty. They could interact with medicines to suppress the immune system, chemotherapy drugs, and blood thinners. Another one of its exemplary effects is helping manage blood pressure levels. There are also several other natural ADHD remedies you can try. Possible side effects . If youre native to Oregon, you likely know all about marionberries. Potential for allergy when taken orally or used on the skin. Arginine is a non-essential amino acid because most humans can make it in their bodies. (8). The 2012 study on the anti-aging benefits of Pycnogenol is commonly-cited by anti-aging supplement manufacturers. Andrographis is a medicinal herb used to treat many health conditions, such as the common cold, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Pycnogenol is a substance taken from the pine bark of trees found in the southwest region of France. Also, its important to note that some of these studies were funded by Horphag Research, the original developers and exclusive marketers of Pycnogenol. The same ingredient can be found in grapeseed oil, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. The goal of this study was to evaluate if Pycnogenol could prevent deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) in eight-hour flights in 196 subjects at risk of these conditions. Pycnogenol reduced foot swelling in 79% of the patients, versus one percent in the placebo group. Pycnogenol is similar to grape seed extract and cocoa polyphenols as those are the three most common . It also reduced LDL cholesterol at a slightly lower dose (125 mg/day) in those with type 2 diabetes in a clinical trial of 48 people after 12 weeks. Trees of this pine have been naturalized in Australia and New Zealand, where most Enzogenol is now made [7]. Pycnogenol also potentially improved cognitive function in 78 people with mild cognitive impairment. Studies have been conducted to review the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas infectious wounds. For asthma in children: 1 milligram per pound of body weight given in two divided doses. In one trial of 77 people with type 2 diabetes, pycnogenol (100 mg/day) for 12 weeks lowered both blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood glucose levels [31]. It decreased concussion symptoms in 42 student-athletes with a history of sports-related concussions after 6 weeks. That said, there are some instances where this extract may possibly be effective. Some research suggests that procyanidins may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In some people lung inflammation is caused by leukotrienes chemicals that are released by the body after a person encounters allergens. A 2017 review reported on the many benefits of using pine bark extract to reduce the effects of aging on skin. It also seems to help with cell regeneration and replication. Diabetes-associated small blood vessel changes is the leading cause of diabetic ulcers. Therefore, those who have autoimmune conditions could see their symptoms increase after taking it., Since Pycnogenol is used for so many conditions, doses can vary. This ensures that there is a healthy flow of blood to and from the heart.