It also may increase the activity of genes that make collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body [64]. If youre wondering how to get an even skin tone, there are plenty of remedies that can help. ", Journal of Medicinal Food: "Review on Sustained Relief of Osteoarthritis Symptoms with a Proprietary Extract from Pine Bark, Pycnogenol. These wounds occur most frequently in hospitals or in those with weakened immune systems, such as after surgery. Moreover, Pycnogenol treatment led to an increase in sperm count and testosterone levels with lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you are taking blood thinners, do not take pine bark extract or Pycnogenol unless approved by your doctor. One study found that Pycnogenol may reduce the activity of the inflammatory enzymes COX1 and COX2, similar to how NSAID drugs work. Potential for allergy when taken orally or used on the skin. There were 88 in the control group and 81 in the Pycnogenol group. What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that its loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds, OPCs for short. But what are its health benefits? This ensures that there is a healthy flow of blood to and from the heart. Prunes and prune juice have many health benefits. For mild high blood pressure: 200 milligrams daily. Grape seed extract may have heart-health benefits. It comes from the bark of a European pine tree. It had the best results when combined with compression stockings, but worked just as well alone [28]. 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]. A 2004 animal study also found that applying a gel containing pine bark extract sped up the wound-healing process. Read More: Health Benefits of Peanut Butter. A 2011 study by Dr. G. Belcaro concluded, " Pycnogenol administration was effective for better control of signs and symptoms of allergic asthma and reduced the need for medication". Considering that about 1 of 3 adults in the U . Enzogenol, a slightly different pine bark extract, may help improve brain function after mild concussions. 2. A study with four groups of 30 patients each were studied: (1) systemic Pycnogenol and local application; (2) local Pycnogenol only; (3) oral Pycnogenol and (4) medications only (control). Lowers Blood Pressure. The results of a 2013 animal study suggest that pine bark extract may help to reduce damage to nerve cells following a traumatic brain injury. Pycnogenol (pic-noj-en-all) is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. Pycnogenol lowered leukotrienes as well. Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe for Weight Loss? A trial of children with ADHD found that Pycnogenol may improve attention, possibly by increasing the total antioxidant status and reducing DNA damage. However, its unclear how clinically effective Pycnogenol is for most of these conditions due to the low quality of evidence. 5) Inflammation and Allergies. It is standardized to contain 65-75% procyanidins, a class of polyphenols and flavonoids like those found in blueberries, wine, grape skin, citrus, and cocoa. A study of 30 women found that Pycnogenol (75 mg/day) may reduce the skin area affected by melasma as well as lower symptoms of fatigue, constipation, body pain, and anxiety [62]. SelfHacked has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed. Pycnogenol improved symptoms, circulation, and reduced complications in 156 people with deep vein thrombosis (blot clots in deep leg veins) in a 12-month study. Natural Factors Pycnogenol 100mg 30 Veggie Caps. Erectile dysfunction has increased over the past decade or two, creating a pathway for various medications to land on the shelves of numerous medicine cabinets. The treatment was four 50 mg capsules of Pycnogenol. In the Pycnogenol-treated group, blood sugar levels were significantly lowered as compared to those not on Pycnogenol. It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. Systolic blood pressure measures how much blood is pumping from your heart to your arteries. But a month after pycnogenol was stopped, the symptoms came back, suggesting that it may need to be used regularly to achieve the benefits [41]. A clinical trial of 57 ADHD children found that daily Pycnogenol (1 mg/kg) for one month may reduce hyperactivity symptoms. We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic. Pycnogenol is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins . 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. Staves Off Infections. (2017). Disease of the retina in the eye. According to the National Institutes of Health, its safe for adults to take 50 to 450 milligrams of pine bark extract daily for up to one year. 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. No side effects were noted, unlike its synthetic counterpart. Luckily, the Native Americans told them about a tea prepared from the bark of a certain tree, which miraculously led to complete recovery. Taking pine bark extract supports healthy blood pressure. Can Pycnogenol help? Here are the many health benefits believed to be possible with Pycnogenol: Now lets dive into the first condition it could help treat. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home Food and Nutrition Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract): 12 Benefits According to Studies. It can also be used for local application on the skin without the risk of side effects. Ana spent years working with patients who suffer from various mental health issues and chronic health problems. $109.99. The flesh of the grape contains approximately 1/20th-1/100th of the total antioxidant capacity of the seed or the skin. So begins my look at the natural supplement, pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract)benefits. Along with the rest of the crew, he developed symptoms of vitamin-C deficiency. There havent been enough studies yet to change practice protocols for treating children. Andrographis is a medicinal herb used to treat many health conditions, such as the common cold, osteoarthritis, and ulcerative colitis. Pycnogenol and Pine Bark Extract Supplements. Diabetes-associated small blood vessel changes is the leading cause of diabetic ulcers. New studies show Pycnogenol can prevent or reverse the oxidative damage that produces blood vessel disease 4, metabolic syndrome 20, diabetes 20,24, and neurodegenerative disorders 23,24. Ana received her MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade. Pycnogenol is a substance taken from the pine bark of trees found in the southwest region of France. Here are the many health benefits believed to be possible with Pycnogenol: Reduces "leaky" blood vessels by making the wall proteins (collagen, elastin) more resistant to damage. The women taking Pycnogenol also experienced improvement in fatigue, sleep, concentration, memory, dizziness, and mood, including less irritability. This article reviews tongkat ali, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Some studies have suggested it may modestly improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol [Abstract]. Pycnogenol has several benefits to your health and beauty. The antibacterial activity was assessed indicating that the essential oil of pine bark, specifically the proanthocyanidins, were effective against P. aeruginosa, significantly inhibiting its growth. Both supplements are antioxidants, which have been shown to help with blood flow and erectile function. Studies have also safely used Pycnogenol in children and during pregnancy. Inhibits platelet aggregation like low-dose aspirin. Pycnogenol effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women [Abstract]. Since components of Pycnogenol can be modified during digestion and absorption as well as by the liver, diseases that affect the gut or liver may increase or decrease its effects [84]. In a study of 72 children undergoing cancer chemotherapy, Pycnogenol reduced painful mouth ulcers, both alone and in combination with vitamin E [79]. Pycnogenol has given indications that it might be able to benefit heart and artery health, to include reducing high blood pressure. Pine bark extract comes from the inner bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, most commonly found in Europe. 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. Children who took a pine bark extract supplement for one month had healthy antioxidant levels. Some risks associated with Pycnogenol include:, Pycnogenol and other maritime tree barks have not been studied as extensively as traditional medicine. Any medication that you take, including herbal supplements, comes with certain risks. As noted, aspirin can cause severe gastrointestinal issues. Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) supplementation may decrease symptoms of the common cold and speed up recovery, according to a clinical trial of 146 people. L-arginine is more effective when paired with L-citrulline or pycnogenol to combat erectile dysfunction and improve exercise performance. Pine bark extract has been studied regarding its relationship to exercise performance, oxidative stress and inflammation to body that has been imposed by exercise. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. (2017). In a third study, 19 men with fertility problems were given 200 mg Pycnogenol daily for 90 days. DIM and other plant indoles are found in . 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. A study of 147 people found that pycnogenol (100 mg/day) may improve running, push-ups, and sit-ups endurance in recreational athletes over an 8-week training program. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory Local Raw Honey (Bee Pollen) Considering how good it tastes, having some raw honey Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) You can now find high-quality apple cider vinegar in . Grape seed extract may be more beneficial for those who are obese. Pycnogenol treatment lowered the ACE-inhibitor dose required to control blood pressure, and lowered fasting glucose levels as well. Low-dose Pycnogenol (30 mg/day) may reduce pain in pregnant women, particularly hip, joint, lower back, groin, and calf cramps in the third trimester [71]. Pycnogenol can help control blood pressure, which helps improve overall heart health. Speak with your doctor before supplementing. but is for informational and educational purposes alone. While much of this is positive, it will be a while before doctors routinely recommend this dietary supplement for these conditions. It is chronic venous insufficiency, a common disease among people who are obese or elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. 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Pycnogenol alleviated adverse effects in cancer patients, Pycnogenol improved working memory in older adults, Pycnogenol lowered the use of analgesic drugs in dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual pain), Pycnogenol reduced symptoms in endometriosis comparable to leuprorelin, the standard drug for this condition, Pycnogenol was found to be effective for sun-caused hyperpigmented skin, Pycnogenol reduced the inflammation in lupus patients, Pycnogenol reduced gingival bleeding and plaque formation.