Pycnogenol supplementation reduced skin redness from UV rays in a trial of 21 people over 8 weeks. The effect of polyphenolic extract from pine bark, Pycnogenol on the level of glutathione in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [Abstract]. This is thought to be due to pine bark extracts ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Helps maintain high vitamin C and E blood levels for their antioxidant effects. In 22 German heavy smokers, platelet aggregation was prevented by 500 mg of aspirin or 100 mg Pycnogenol. 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. So it may not be safe for people with immune disorders, such as: It's not known if pycnogenol is safe for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Blood pressure is an important measure of how much blood is pumping from your heart to the rest of your body . Pain score in the Pycnogenol-treated group was reduced by 56%, as compared to 9.6% reduction in the placebo group. Additionally, athletes have endured less cramping and muscle pain when using the extract. The standard dose appears to be 100-200 mg/day. The study participants symptoms started to return a month after they stopped taking pine bark extract. Placebo capsules were given to control subjects at the same times. Studies have shown that the tree bark can help decrease common symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, and others. They include: We need more research to know for sure if pycnogenol helps treat these conditions. Protection from inflammation, immunosuppression and carcinogenesis Talk to your own doctor about Pycnogenol if youre interested in using it for your own health. A study of 50 mildly infertile men found that a combination of L-arginine, L-citrulline, roburins, and Pycnogenol (Prelox R) may improve sperm quality, volume, and concentration [75]. Lowers Blood Pressure. Learn about all the potential benefits of Pycnogenol and find out which ones are most supported by science. While the aspirin reduced the risk for cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, among other cancers, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding outweighed those benefits, creating more risks to the body. Chewing gum with Pycnogenol (2.5 mg/piece) for 4 weeks reduced bad breath and mouth bacteria in a trial of 22 people [57]. Symptoms of menopausal syndrome, also known as climacteric syndrome, include: hot flashes; chills; headache; and depression. The . The dosage in most clinical studies varied between 50-360 mg/day. whole-body health. The New Pycnogenol Benefits | Dr. Steven Lamm - YouTube (13). Pycnogenol is the registered trademark brand name of French maritime pine bark extract. People who use the supplement along with their traditional medication usually take smaller doses than those who only take the supplement. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center web site: "About Herbs: Pine Bark Extract. Pine bark extract offers some amazing benefits since its so high in powerful antioxidants. Most anal fissures heal with home treatment after a few days or weeks. Pycnogenol may help reduce symptoms of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, possibly because it protects against UV rays. Thus, this powerful extract works as a natural ear infection remedy while improving balance and preventing hearing loss. In one human study, some of the reported side effects of chanca piedra supplementation included: abdominal pain. However, a study of 24 adults with ADHD found that pycnogenol did not improve ADHD symptoms better than placebo. are clickable links to these studies. Reduces Pain. 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]. Ana has many years of experience in clinical research and health advising. Pycnogenol is the leading ingredient in Isotonix OPC-3, Market America's best-. Commonly called arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused when the cartilage on your joints begins to wear down. In a study of 20 postmenopausal women, 12 weeks of pycnogenol supplementation improved hydration and elasticity of the skin. This study adds to a body of research showing the benefits of Pycnogenol . Side effects. In a study of 72 children undergoing cancer chemotherapy, Pycnogenol reduced painful mouth ulcers, both alone and in combination with vitamin E [79]. Pycnogenol is a patented extract of the French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster). Grape seed extract may have heart-health benefits. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Its true. Pycnogenol, an extract of French maritime pine bark, helps the body fight normal aging by supporting vascular health and healthy circulation. Moreover, Pycnogenol treatment led to an increase in sperm count and testosterone levels with lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Dr. Steven Lamm did a great job at explaining the new benefits of pycnogenol. You can gradually increase how much you take once you get a better idea of how your body reacts to it. Pycnogenol-treated patients had significant improvement in symptoms as well as a reduction in leg swelling as compared to those not receiving treatment. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements dont have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market. Almost 400 years later, Dr. Jacques Masquelier from France came across Cartiers account and started to look for the active ingredients from the bark of the tree. It may cause side effects such as: Dizziness. They could interact with medicines to suppress the immune system, chemotherapy drugs, and blood thinners. 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. Twenty-one patients were given Pycnogenol at 150 mg daily and 18 patients received no treatment for a period of eight weeks. Pycnogenol treatment led to significantly better improvement in the lung function and asthma symptoms. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of 60 children with mild-to-moderate asthma found that those who took Pycnogenol may be able to reduce or discontinue their use of rescue inhalers more often than the placebo group [15]. Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. 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. Possess Anti-Inflammatory Action. According to a meta-analysis of 9 trials including 549 people, 150-200 mg/day for at least 12 weeks may reduce both diastolic and systolic blood pressure [36]. New research has shown promising results for those dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) and diabetes. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. Another group of men who took just l-arginine didnt improve [66]. The active ingredients in pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed, and witch hazel bark. 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. 32 Pycnogenol & Pine Bark Extract Benefits + Dosage In addition to general healthy eating, some specific vitamins and minerals may help improve ADHD. Today's Dietitian: "Pycnogenol Supplement Offers Promise for Managing a Variety of Conditions." Discover what the research says about elimination diets, foods to eat, and more. 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]. Some small studies suggest it may also protect against coronary artery disease and blood clots. A trial of 39 people with hay fever found that Pycnogenol may reduce nose and eye symptoms. 7 Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract - Natures Fare For improving exercise capacity in athletes: 200 milligrams daily. Pycnogenol was gradually increased to 120 mg/day over this time period, while the l-arginine was maintained at 1.7 g/day throughout. It may cause side effects such as: Risks. 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. In a study of 100 healthy women mostly in their early 40s with mild sexual dysfunction, a combination product with Pycnogenol (Lady Prelox) improved sexual function over 8 weeks [74]. Pine bark extract has been studied regarding its relationship to exercise performance, oxidative stress and inflammation to body that has been imposed by exercise. Along with the rest of the crew, he developed symptoms of vitamin-C deficiency. ", Journal of Medicinal Food: "Review on Sustained Relief of Osteoarthritis Symptoms with a Proprietary Extract from Pine Bark, Pycnogenol. In the placebo group, the retinopathy worsened; whereas, in the Pycnogenol-treated group, there was no deterioration. This bark extract has been around for about 450 years. It is chronic venous insufficiency, a common disease among people who are obese or elderly and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. 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]. Two doses of 100 mg of Pycnogenol were taken two to three hours before flights and two additional capsules taken six hours later then one capsule the next day. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) may reduce leg swelling, spider veins, and cramps according to a study of 133 women with varicose veins who recently gave birth. $109.99. The supplement significantly reduced hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness. However, it can also be used topically. Optimal doses of pycnogenol have not been set for any condition. 2. 11 Skin elasticity increased, and skin fatigue decreased significantly in this study as well, further lowering the wrinkling risk. 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..