Pine Bark Extract: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Written on February 10, 2022

What it is | The Best Pine Bark Extract Supplements | How it works | Benefits | Safety and Side Effects | How to buy | How to take | The Bottom Line

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What it is

Pine bark extract is a mixture extracted from pine bark for medicinal use.

This article refers to a specific pine bark extract known as Pycnogenol which is derived from the French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster).

Although pycnogenol has also been referred to as pinus maritima, the majority of products available today refer to pine bark extract as pinus pinaster [1]. They are largely interchangeable.

Pine bark extract contains procyanidins, which are a type of polyphenol and flavonoids.

Pycnogenol is a patented form of pine bark extract, standardised to contain 65-75% procyanidin compounds.

Procyanidin is commonly found in cocoa, certain vegetables, blueberries, grains and citrus fruit.

It is suggested in research that these compounds are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of pycnogenol.

Pine bark extract is typically sold in tablet form.

Common names of standardised pine bark extract include:

• Pycnogenol
• Oligopin
• Flavangenol

Many forms of pine bark extract have similar benefits.

Other types include pinus massoniana, pinus pinaster, pinus maritima, pinus sylvestris, pinus radiata, pinus radiata, pinus thunbergii & pinus densiflora.

These forms of pine bark extract each have their own benefits. For example, Pinus densiflora may be even more effective than pycnogenol (pinus pinaster) [2]. However their mechanism of action are similar. Pine bark extract has been used for a number of benefits including for skin health, improved attention and blood circulation.

The Best Pine Bark Extract Supplements

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Pine bark extract is typically sold as Pycnogenol. This is the registered trademark form of a French species of pine bark.

• Best Overall Pine Bark Extract: Whitaker Nutrition Clinical Grade Pycnogenol
• Best Pine Bark Extract for Sleep: Life Extension Pycnogenol
• Best Pine Bark Extract for Fat Loss: Life Extension Pycnogenol
• Best Pine Bark Complex for Menopause: Thorne Meta-Balance
• Best Pine Bark Extract for Athletes: Life Extension Pycnogenol
• Best Tested Pine Bark Extract: Life Extension Pycnogenol
• Best Affordable Pine Bark Extract: Natural Factors Pine Bark Extract
• Best Pine Bark Extract for Anti-aging (topical): I Woke Up Like This Skin Balance Cream
• Best Pine Bark Extract for Anti-aging (serum): Azelique Serumdipity
• Best Pine Bark Extract Cleanser: Derma E Cleanser
• Best Pine Bark Extract Eye Cream: Derma E Hydrating Eye Cream

How it works

Pine bark extract contains procyanidin compounds.

Procyanidins often occur as phenolic acids, catechins and taxifolin, which are small antioxidants.

The longer-chain antioxidants that form procyanidins reach your colon where they are broken down into active metabolites.

The immediate effects of pine bark extract are increased blood flow and improved blood glucose control.

These longer-chain compounds appear in the blood 6 hours after ingestion and remain for at least 14 hours, providing a long-term benefit to combat inflammation in your body [3].

The downstream compounds of pine bark extract can be detected in blood cells, serum and synovial fluid, where they exert their benefits.

Benefits

1. May reduce asthma and allergies

Pine bark extract possibly improves asthma and associated markers in the blood (leukotrienes).

One study found that pine bark extract improved asthma symptoms after 4 weeks [4].

No adverse effects were observed.

Compared to placebo, the treatment group had significantly lower serum leukotrienes, indicating less susceptibility to allergies.

In children with mild-to-moderate asthma pine bark extract was able to reduce or discontinue the use of rescue inhalers [5].

Pine bark extract at doses of 100 mg/day has been shown to reduce the incidence of cough, night-awakenings and need for additional medication [6].

Combined with inhalers, 55% of those taking pine bark extract reduced their inhaler dosage and frequency of use.

2. Possibly improves attention/brain fog

As a nootropic, pine bark extract in the form of pycnogenol is promising.

In students, taking pine bark extract for 8 weeks led to improved mood, attention, memory and cognitive function [7].

For older (55-70) healthy persons, 100mg/day led to improved cognitive function, attention and reduced oxidative stress when taken for 12 months [8].

This indicates that pine bark extract is not only beneficial, but can be taken safely for long periods.

In those with cognitive impairment, taking pine bark extract led to an 18% increase in a mental function exam compared to 2.5% in the standard treatment group [9].

The reason for the positive result is thought to be as result of pine bark extract’s effects on oxidative stress levels.

It is important to clarify however brain fog is not a medical condition but rather a symptom.

It may indicate excess stress, an undiagnosed medical condition, dietary issues, a response to medication or lack of sleep.

3. Helps swelling and vein diseases

Microangiopathy is a disease causing reduced blood flow throughout the body.

This may lead to a loss of organ, nerve and tissue health [10]. It is also associated with cramps and pain.

Pine bark extract was found to reduce muscular pain at rest and during/after exercise in both healthy persons and diabetics with microangiopathy [11].

The same study found that taking pine bark extract at a dosage of 200 mg/day provides benefits to athletes prone to cramps.

For athletes, the best Pine Bark Extract we have identified is Life Extension Pycnogenol. (Keep in mind we do receive an income from affiliate links – so you are helping with your support).

The dose was split into 4 x 50 mg capsules per day and patients were instructed to drink at least 1.5L of water per day.

Significant reductions in cramp episodes were exhibited after 4 weeks and 8 weeks after beginning treatment.

In patients with severe hypertension and venous ulcerations, pine bark extract led to improvements in symptoms of microangiopathy [12].

Microangiopathy occurs due to dysfunction in the small blood vessels and can be accompanied with pain.

Edema & Swelling

Taking long flights can also lead to circulation issues.

This results in excess fluid being trapped in your body, or edema.

Taking pine bark extract was able to prevent ankle swelling and edema compared to control groups [13].

Leg swelling and spider veins commonly occur during pregnancy however they commonly occur in those who stand for long periods.

This can be visually unpleasant and painful.

Pine bark extract may reduce leg swelling and spider veins according to a study of women who recently gave birth [14].

At doses of 100 mg/day, pine bark extract had a higher compliance rate and was more effective than alternative treatments such as wearing compression socks.

Standardised pine bark extract (65-70%) led to improved healing of ulcers and decrease in swelling following vascular surgery [15].

4. Boosts athletic performance

Pine bark extract can possibly improve exercise performance and enhance recovery.

Strenuous exercise typically gives rise to free radicals that are linked to muscle fatigue and poor recovery [16].

One clinical trial found that pine bark extract (pinus pinaster) reduces muscle cramps and associated pain [17].

Another clinical trial found that pine bark extract at doses of 100 mg/day can possibly improve running, sit-ups and push-up endurance in recreational athletes [18].

The same study found that professional athletes preparing for an endurance event involving running, cycling and swimming improved their performances from taking pine bark extract. There was also a significant decrease in post-run pain and cramps.

Safety & Side effects

Dosage (in studies)

Dosages in studies vary from 50mg-450mg daily for up to one year study .

Oral dosages used in studies show efficacy at 100-200 mg/day.

A dose of 50mg taken 2-4 times per day is effective.

Side effects include:

• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Headaches

How to buy

Pycnogenol is a standardised form (65-75% procyanidins) of pine bark.

The price premium of pycnogenol compared to other species of extract can vary, however it can be up to 3-4x the price of other pine bark extract.

The reason for the price disparity is due to different species (chinese red bark vs french maritime bark) but also due to the consistency in product that a patented version allows.

How to take

Standard doses of pine bark extract vary from 25mg pycnogenol to 240mg in other forms of pine bark extract.

Low doses are recommended for initial consumption as high doses can result in side effects including nausea and headaches.

Pycnogenol Can be taken with or without food.

The Bottom Line

Pine bark extract is typically sold as a standardised extract (65-70% procyanidins) under the brand name pycnogenol.

The optimal dosage is unknown, but studies using a range of 100-200mg/day have uncovered improvements in cognitive function and blood circulation.

Other benefits include a reduction in allergies and asthma symptoms.

It can improve blood flow and venous issues leading to improved recovery.

Therefore athletes may want to consider pycnogenol for it’s effects for recovery and performance.