", American Heart Association: Understanding Blood Pressure Readings., Iranian Journal of Public Health: "Effect of Pycnogenol Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. DOI: Chowdhury WK, et al. $47.99. Lowers Blood Pressure. You may want to start slow, taking smaller amounts, to ensure that your body works well with the OPCs found in pine bark extract. Risks. The combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol may help in erectile dysfunction by boosting nitric oxide, which potentially could improve blood flow in men [66]. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) supplementation may decrease symptoms of the common cold and speed up recovery, according to a clinical trial of 146 people. The goal of one study was to evaluate whether or not Pycnogenol could prevent edema (fluid build-up) during long-haul flights in healthy people. Pycnogenol may help reduce symptoms of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, possibly because it protects against UV rays. (7). Thus, this powerful extract works as a natural ear infection remedy while improving balance and preventing hearing loss. There have been a variety of health benefits linked to beta glucan, specifically with the beta-1 3d glucan form which has more biological activity than other types of polysaccharides. Researchers from the study suggest that low Pycnogenol dosage and short study duration may explain the lack of benefits [44]. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using pycnogenol supplements. 5. You can find out your systolic blood pressure by looking at the top number of a blood pressure test. A new peer-reviewed study, published in the Bratislava Medical Journal, shows that daily supplementation with the natural antioxidant, Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, can improve the symptoms of ED.. Some studies also suggest it can help guard against coronary artery disease and blood clots, per webmd.com. Pycnogenol-treated subjects experienced an improvement in all menopausal symptoms. In a small/preliminary study of kids with asthma, pycnogenol helped improve symptoms. Pycnogenol (125 mg/day) had the same effects in another study of 48 people with diabetes and high blood pressure. Chewing gum with Pycnogenol (2.5 mg/piece) for 4 weeks reduced bad breath and mouth bacteria in a trial of 22 people [57]. Dr. Steven Lamm did a great job at explaining the new benefits of pycnogenol. Researchers suggest that Pycnogenol may reduce cough, night-awakenings, improve airway flow, and the need for additional asthma medication [16]. Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. Today's Dietitian: "Pycnogenol Supplement Offers Promise for Managing a Variety of Conditions." Joe Cohen flipped the script on conventional and alternative medicine and it worked. Vertigo. 7. Talk to your own doctor about Pycnogenol if youre interested in using it for your own health. chronic anal fissure may take more than 6 weeks to heal. One way to add some extra flavor and nutrients to your day is by adding prune juice to your diet. (3), Ototoxicity is ear poisoning and can occur when exposed to certain drugs or chemicals, such as cisplatin, that damage the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve. Information is shared for educational purposes only. 3. Certain studies used combination products, so its unknown what the contribution of Pycnogenol itself was. L-arginine is more effective when paired with L-citrulline or pycnogenol to combat erectile dysfunction and improve exercise performance. 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]. Traditionally, people might drink a brew made from pine bark -- rich in pycnogenol -- as a treatment. In one study, 10 patients were treated with placebo and 30 patients were treated with Pycnogenol (100 mg twice or three times daily for two months). Pycnogenol may help with other conditions as well. The standard dose appears to be 100-200 mg/day. Some people who have asthma have higher levels of leukotrienes in their blood. 4. Instead, use plain water to wipe yourself and then dry your bottom afterward. DOI: Dvorkov M, et al. Blood pressure is an important measure of how much blood is pumping from your heart to the rest of your body. Taking pycnogenol daily for 2 months seems to slow or prevent further worsening of retinal disease caused by diabetes, atherosclerosis, or other diseases. A trial of 84 people found that both Pycnogenol oral supplements and creams (0.5%) may prevent hemorrhoids from bleeding during acute attacks after 7 days. Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine, 3rd edition, Saunders, 2012. 40 years of research has been dedicated to establishing the safety of Pycnogenol and its benefits for human health. Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract's 4 basic properties. In contrast, bleeding still occurred in the control group [61]. Jonathan Ritter, PharmD, PhD (Pharmacology), Small molecule antioxidants (phenolic acids, catechin, and taxifolin) are quickly absorbed and begin to act in the body within 30 min, The remaining more complex antioxidants (long chains of procyanidins) reach the gut, where your, The microbiome-produced active compounds appear in blood 6 h later and remain for at least 14 h, Pycnogenol is standardized to contain 70 5% procyanidins, which should be on the label, Pycnogenol standardization doesnt determine other major active compounds, which can vary. So begins my look at the natural supplement, pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract)benefits. Its used as a natural supplement for several conditions, including dry skin and ADHD. Are there any risks to taking it? Last medically reviewed on January 24, 2018. Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) reduced pain in a study of 100 people with osteoarthritis after 3 months. A study of 66 healthy adults found that Pycnogenol may reduce the number of leg cramps experienced [11]. Subjects in the study that took Pycnogenol ended up taking fewer painkillers [51]. It does this by improving the time it takes the body to reach a fatigued state through increased serum NAD+ levels. This makes it very hard to set a standard dose. Potential benefits of folic acid include a reduced risk of cancer, improved cognitive function, stronger bones, enhanced heart health, better pregnancy outcomes and reduced symptoms of restless legs syndrome. According to a study of 11 patients with lupus, pycnogenol may reduce symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress [54]. Arginine is a non-essential amino acid because most humans can make it in their bodies. A systematic review of 14 studies found that Pycnogenol gum or mouthwashes may reduce dental plaque, but the quality of evidence is low [58, 59]. Inhibits platelet aggregation like low-dose aspirin. In a study of 61 ADHD children, pycnogenol reduced hyperactivity, improved attention, and motorics after 1 month. Pycnogenol is a patented extract of the French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster). Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Pycnogenol and Pine Bark Extract Supplements. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. In the study, it reduced cold symptoms and complications, the number of lost working days, and the use of over-the-counter medications compared to those who did not supplement with the extract [60]. Eye health. Pine bark extract may be the perfect treatment since its an antioxidant dynamo. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Let us discuss them in detail below. 1 Anti-Aging Beverage, An surprisingstudy found that pine bark extract was far better than aspirin at inhibiting smoking-induced clotting, using lower amounts without the bleeding often found when using aspirin. Your email address will not be published. Research into Pycnogenol has revealed some promising results in over 30 health conditions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, luteolin is being researched as a potential complementary treatment for multiple . There is limited evidence that it could be used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Moreover, Pycnogenol lowered the chemical, leukotrienes responsible for asthma attacks. 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. Helps maintain high vitamin C and E blood levels for their antioxidant effects. For children with ADHD, research suggests that symptoms start to return after about a month without taking maritime pine, so taking periodic breaks shouldnt make it any less effective. Researchers suggest that it may have stronger benefits than elastic compression stockings. COPD. For most people, pine bark extract doesnt cause any side effects. A small 2012 study on postmenopausal women found that pine bark extract improved hydration and elasticity of skin. Prunes and prune juice have many health benefits. Regardless of what youre using it for, its best to start with the lowest possible dose. It also may enhance swimming, biking, and running scores in professional athletes preparing for a triathlon (at 150 mg/day). The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 . Clearer skin, healthier hair there are a lot of claims about the health benefits of biotin. The flesh of the grape contains approximately 1/20th-1/100th of the total antioxidant capacity of the seed or the skin. Learn more about how to get even skin tone. The most effective blood sugar-lowering dose was 200 mg/day higher doses had no further benefit [33]. It had the best results when combined with compression stockings, but worked just as well alone [28]. There are also several other natural ADHD remedies you can try. Vinpocetine is a well-known substance in the health-hacking community with a variety of claimed health benefits. That said, there are some instances where this extract may possibly be effective. In 1534, a French ship led by the famous explorer Jacques Cartier became stranded in ice near Quebec, Canada. It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. Infants and children may not be able to synthesize enough of it, but it is present in many protein-rich . If you are taking blood thinners, do not take pine bark extract or Pycnogenol unless approved by your doctor. Too much pressure signals that your heart might be working too hard. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements dont have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market. Video: Why You Need Zinc and Where to Find It. Skin irritation. A combination supplement (pycnogenol with collagen, coenzyme Q10, and other ingredients) reduced skin aging, elasticity, hydration, and tonicity in a study of 30 women [65].