In large, the benefits of pycnogenol seems to be through its ability to scavenge free radicals such as superoxides, hydroxyl radical, lipid peroxyl radical, and reactive nitrogen species in the body.
The thing that makes pycnogenol really effective is how all of the components of the supplement act synergistically together to help improve oxidative stress markers, inflammation, and glucose control. The number of studies showing that pycnogenol is beneficial in improving human health is growing every year. Standard Pine Bark Extract has very few studies showing these health benefits.
There are many options out there of pine bark extract supplements, but since Pycnogenol comes from the bark of a pine tree, what is the difference? And why would you pay more money for a branded product rather than a generic pine bark extract supplement? First of all, the source of the product is very important. As already mentioned, the particular tree that the pine bark is extracted from is native to France and also grown in a very clean environment compared to other pine bark extracts which may be sourced from more polluted parts of the world like China.
That being said, there are other pine bark extracts sourced from places like Korea, which have been found to provide similar levels of polyphenols. Main differences between Pycnogenol and pine bark extract. Pycnogenol has the backing of over studies and published clinical trials, which shows its effectiveness, whereas other pine bark extract supplements have very few, and many are based on just animal models.
If you wanted the best quality pine bark supplement with the most human clinical data to support it, then the choice of obvious: Pycnogenol. French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol has a proven effect on lowering blood glucose in a dose-dependent manner.
Therefore, one could do a glucose tolerance test and try out both supplements. Or you could simply take the supplement for a period of time and test using a home glucose monitor, or be getting some lab work done.
No major side-effects have been reported in previous trials, although minor side-effects include stomach upsets and headaches. In theory, pine bark may lower blood pressure and blood sugar level, and these effects have also been reported in some RCTs.
For that reason, you should be careful taking pine bark if you have hypertension or diabetes. Osteoarthritis OA is the most common form of arthritis. It can cause joint pain and stiffness. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments. One study including 76 asthma patients found that taking milligrams of Pycnogenol daily for 6 months, in combination with inhaled corticosteroid medications, significantly improved coughing and wheezing and decreased dependency on the corticosteroids Further, human and animal studies have found that procyanidin-rich pine bark extracts may ease short- and long-term bone and joint inflammation associated with arthritis.
However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings 34 , 35 , 36 , Because pine bark is both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-like, it may support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system in a number of ways 38 , 39 , 40 , These include limiting the buildup of fat, reducing oxidative stress and the likelihood of blood clots, and improving venous function 42 , 43 , 44 , One small study including 24 adults with high blood pressure found that taking milligrams Oligopin pine bark daily for 5 weeks improved HDL good cholesterol measures and lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.
Another small study including 23 adults with coronary heart disease associated taking mg of Pycnogenol per day with improved blood flow through the arteries and lower levels of isoprostane — a measure of oxidative stress. No changes to blood pressure were noted Meta-analysis studies on Pycnogenol and blood pressure have found similar results 50 , 51 , Meanwhile, other studies have found pine bark extract to be less effective at reducing heart disease risk 53 , Pine bark extracts are also being investigated for a multitude of other uses in human, animal, and test-tube studies.
These include:. Pine bark extract is being studied as a therapeutic option to treat many different conditions. Its abilities to reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant make it a strong candidate to treat chronic diseases. Still, some people may have sensitivities to pine bark, and certain populations — including older adults, pregnant and breastfeeding people, and those who are immunosuppressed.
Because not enough research has been done supporting its safety in these groups, the use of pine bark extract should be avoided. When used as prescribed, pine bark extract is safe and tolerated by most people. Those who are pregnant, older, immunosuppressed, or taking other medications should avoid pine bark extracts.
Commercial pine bark extracts are typically sold as capsules or tablets, though powders and liquid tinctures are available, too. Pycnogenol is one of the most common pine bark extracts on the market. In the study, the placebo group had higher IgE antibodies to the birch allergen than those who took Pycnogenol during the allergy season [ 17 ]. Another clinical trial of 76 people with allergic asthma also suggests that Pycnogenol may reduce IgE antibodies and asthma symptoms [ 18 , 16 ].
Importantly, all studies found that Pycnogenol has to be taken at least 5 weeks before the allergy season in order to see potential benefits, with the best results in those who take it weeks ahead. One study suggests that Pycnogenol has no effect when given just 3 weeks beforehand, as it possibly requires a lag time to stabilize the immune response [ 17 ]. Researchers suggest it may boost sustained attention, memory, executive functions, mood, and reduce oxidative stress [ 19 ].
A trial of 53 students found that pycnogenol may improve cognitive function, memory, attention, mood, and mental performance after 8 weeks [ 20 ].
Pycnogenol also potentially improved cognitive function in 78 people with mild cognitive impairment. Enzogenol, a slightly different pine bark extract, improved cognitive function in a clinical trial of 42 older men after 5 weeks of supplementation [ 23 ]. Researchers suggest that it may have stronger benefits than elastic compression stockings. In the study, women taking Pycnogenol were more satisfied and compliant to the regimen [ 24 ].
When pycnogenol cream was added to oral supplements in a small study of 18 people with vein ulcers, it helped ulcers heal more quickly [ 26 ]. One study of found that Pycnogenol may help prevent edema and ankle swelling from long flights [ 27 ]. Pycnogenol improved symptoms, circulation, and reduced complications in people with deep vein thrombosis blot clots in deep leg veins in a month study.
It had the best results when combined with compression stockings, but worked just as well alone [ 28 ]. The following purported benefits of Pycnogenol are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Pycnogenol for any of the uses listed below. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Pycnogenol.
It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. In a study of 50 overweight people, a combination product Pycnogenol, Madeglucyl, and starches called Glucaffect reduced weight, BMI, blood glucose, and HbA1C after 8 weeks [ 30 ]. A number of clinical trials suggest that Pycnogenol may lower blood glucose if taken daily for at least 12 weeks.
It also may help those on blood pressure medications to reduce their dose [ 32 ]. In another trial, 30 people with type 2 diabetes received a range of pycnogenol doses. However, in all the above studies insulin levels did not change. In 24 people with early eye damage from diabetes, Pycnogenol improved vision, reduced eye swelling, and improved circulation in the eye after 2 months. Used early on, it may prevent eye damage and blindness from diabetes [ 34 ].
A trial of 86 people with eye damage from diabetes found that antioxidant therapy including pycnogenol, vitamin E , and Coenzyme Q10 may improve eye health and reduce reactive oxygen species levels [ 35 ].
According to some researchers, Pycnogenol may lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing free radicals, and lowering inflammation. In the study, many of the participants on Pycnogenol reduced their dosage of high-blood-pressure medication nifedipine [ 37 ]. A Pycnogenol combination product with l-arginine , alpha lipoic acid , B vitamins, and vitamin K2 may help protect the blood vessels and reduce high homocysteine levels, according to a trial of 25 people [ 39 ].
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 ]. Researchers suggest this effect may be due to reduced dopamine and adrenaline levels and increased glutathione levels. In a study of 61 ADHD children, pycnogenol reduced hyperactivity, improved attention, and motorics after 1 month.
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