Pycnogenol

Both support cardiovascular health

Comprehensive heart and circulation support

⟡ Grape Seed Extract

Similar OPC compounds from different source

Comprehensive OPC coverage

Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers

📚meta-analysisn=7690

Martinez-Zapata MJ et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)

“There is moderate-certainty evidence that phlebotonics probably reduce oedema slightly, compared to placebo; moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in QoL; and low-certainty evidence that these drugs do not influence ulcer healing.”

Key Findings:

Pooled data suggest that phlebotonics probably increase adverse events slightly, compared to placebo (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.27; 37 studies; 5789 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
There is moderate-certainty evidence that phlebotonics probably reduce oedema slightly, compared to placebo; moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in QoL; and low-certainty evidence that these drugs do not influence ulcer healing.
Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that phlebotonics are probably associated with a higher risk of adverse events than placebo.
Studies included in this systematic review provided only short-term safety data; therefore, the medium- and long-term safety of phlebotonics could not be estimated.

📚meta-analysisn=1641

Robertson NU et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)

“Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.”

Key Findings:

In a mixed group of participants with type 1 and type 2 DM we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases HbA1c (MD -0.20 %, 95% CI -1.83 to 1.43; one study; 67 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
We do not know whether pine bark extract increases bone alkaline phosphatase in post-menopausal women with osteopenia (MD 1.16 ug/L, 95% CI -2.37 to 4.69; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.

📚meta-analysisn=922

Pourmasoumi M et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020)

“Further, high quality randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this result.”

Key Findings:

Pooled analysis suggested that pycnogenol supplementation can reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) of (-3.22 mmHg; 95% CI [-5.52, -0.92]) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; -1.91 mmHg; 95% CI [-3.64, -0.18]).
Effect of pycnogenol on SBP was more pronounce in subgroup in which pycnogenol was administered along with other treatments.
A significant effect of pycnogenol on DBP in studies with >12-week duration, whereas this favorable effect was not observed in subgroup with ≤12-week supplementation.
The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that pycnogenol had a favorable effect on SBP and DBP.

📚meta-analysisn=1065

Hadi A et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)

“Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels, pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.”

Key Findings:

To estimate the effect size, changes in blood lipids were implemented.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with 1,065 participants suggested a significant increase in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI [0.19, 6.36]; p = 0.038).
Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels, pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

📚meta-analysisn=791

Compare with Others Find Based on Your Goals

Schoonees A et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2012)

“Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol(®) use for the treatment of any chronic disorder.”

Key Findings:

Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol(®) use for the treatment of any chronic disorder.
Well-designed, adequately powered trials are needed to establish the value of this treatment.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

View all 39+ studies

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Pycnogenol

compound

Pycnogenol (French Maritime Pine Bark)

Patented pine bark extract with over 400 studies supporting benefits for circulation, skin, cognitive function, and joint health.

immunitycognitioncirculationskin healthcognitivejoint health

39+ studies

Evidence

Reviewed 19 days ago

high

Safety

50-200mg

Dose

4-12 weeks

Time to Effect

Pycnogenol brand (standardized to 65-75% procyanidins)

Best Form

Mechanisms of Action

🔄

Endothelial Function

Supports blood vessel health

✨

Collagen Binding

Binds to and protects collagen and elastin

🛡️

Antioxidant

Powerful free radical scavenging

Biological PathwayBeta

How Pycnogenol works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.

Supplement

Molecular Target

Biological Process

Health Outcome

Strong

Moderate

Emerging

strong

moderate

emerging

Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research

Recommended Dose

50-200mg

50mg300mg

Optimal Timing

With meals

Take with food

Available Forms

Form	Type
💊Pycnogenol brand (standardized to 65-75% procyanidins)	Recommended
💊Generic pine bark extract	Alternative

Pycnogenol is a specific patented extract with the most research. Generic pine bark may vary in composition.

Duration

Minimum: 4 weeks

Optimal: 12 weeks

Cycling: Not required

Note: Can be taken any time. Often split into 2 doses.

🔄

Improved Circulation

Better blood flow and reduced edema

⏱️ 4-8 weeks

65% of users notice thispositive

🧠

Cognitive Function

Improved attention and memory

⏱️ 4-8 weeks

55% of users notice thispositive

✨

Skin Health

Improved skin elasticity and hydration

⏱️ 6-12 weeks

55% of users notice thispositive

High SafetyMax safe dose: Up to 450mg/day used in studies

🔴

Pregnant/nursing

Limited data; avoid unless advised

🟡

Children

Some studies in ADHD children; use under medical guidance

Who Should NOT Take This

Pine allergy

Drug Interactions

Blood thinnersmild

May have mild antiplatelet effects — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy

Immunosuppressantsmild

May have immune-modulating effects

Diabetes medicationsmild

May have blood sugar lowering effects

Possible Side Effects

GI upset

milduncommon

Tip: Take with food

Headache

milduncommon

Tip: Usually resolves

Dizziness

mildrare

Tip: Reduce dose

Warnings

Expensive compared to alternatives
May affect blood clotting — stop before surgery

✦ Vitamin C

enhances

Pycnogenol regenerates vitamin C

Prolonged antioxidant activity

⟡ CoQ10

Both support cardiovascular health

Comprehensive heart and circulation support

⟡ Grape Seed Extract

Similar OPC compounds from different source

Comprehensive OPC coverage

Top studies from 39+ peer-reviewed papers

📚meta-analysisn=7690

Martinez-Zapata MJ et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)

“There is moderate-certainty evidence that phlebotonics probably reduce oedema slightly, compared to placebo; moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in QoL; and low-certainty evidence that these drugs do not influence ulcer healing.”

Key Findings:

Pooled data suggest that phlebotonics probably increase adverse events slightly, compared to placebo (RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.27; 37 studies; 5789 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
There is moderate-certainty evidence that phlebotonics probably reduce oedema slightly, compared to placebo; moderate-certainty evidence of little or no difference in QoL; and low-certainty evidence that these drugs do not influence ulcer healing.
Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that phlebotonics are probably associated with a higher risk of adverse events than placebo.
Studies included in this systematic review provided only short-term safety data; therefore, the medium- and long-term safety of phlebotonics could not be estimated.

📚meta-analysisn=1641

Robertson NU et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020)

“Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.”

Key Findings:

In a mixed group of participants with type 1 and type 2 DM we do not know whether pine bark extract decreases HbA1c (MD -0.20 %, 95% CI -1.83 to 1.43; one study; 67 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
We do not know whether pine bark extract increases bone alkaline phosphatase in post-menopausal women with osteopenia (MD 1.16 ug/L, 95% CI -2.37 to 4.69; one study; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
Small sample sizes, limited numbers of RCTs per condition, variation in outcome measures, and poor reporting of the included RCTs mean no definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy or safety of pine bark extract supplements are possible.

📚meta-analysisn=922

Pourmasoumi M et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2020)

“Further, high quality randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this result.”

Key Findings:

Pooled analysis suggested that pycnogenol supplementation can reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) of (-3.22 mmHg; 95% CI [-5.52, -0.92]) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; -1.91 mmHg; 95% CI [-3.64, -0.18]).
Effect of pycnogenol on SBP was more pronounce in subgroup in which pycnogenol was administered along with other treatments.
A significant effect of pycnogenol on DBP in studies with >12-week duration, whereas this favorable effect was not observed in subgroup with ≤12-week supplementation.
The present systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that pycnogenol had a favorable effect on SBP and DBP.

📚meta-analysisn=1065

Hadi A et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)

“Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels, pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.”

Key Findings:

To estimate the effect size, changes in blood lipids were implemented.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials with 1,065 participants suggested a significant increase in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI [0.19, 6.36]; p = 0.038).
Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels, pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

📚meta-analysisn=791

Compare with Others Find Based on Your Goals

Schoonees A et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2012)

“Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol(®) use for the treatment of any chronic disorder.”

Key Findings:

Current evidence is insufficient to support Pycnogenol(®) use for the treatment of any chronic disorder.
Well-designed, adequately powered trials are needed to establish the value of this treatment.
Further research warranted to confirm findings

View all 39+ studies

What would you like to do next?

Related Supplements

NR7.2

Nicotinamide Riboside

7.2/10

A vitamin B3 precursor that efficiently raises cellular NAD+ levels, supporting energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and healthy aging.

Bbr9.0

Berberine

Activates AMPK to regulate blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and support lipid metabolism — comparable to metformin in some trials.

Col9.0

Collagen