Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a patented standardized extract from French maritime pine bark, rich in procyanidins and other polyphenols. B-grade evidence for chronic venous insufficiency symptoms, osteoarthritis symptoms, and blood glucose improvement. Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoactive properties. Note: 'Pycnogenol' is a trademarked product - other pine bark extracts (oligopin, flavangenol) may differ. Evidence quality is moderate with relatively small studies. Expensive compared to similar polyphenol sources.
Quick Answer
What it is
Pycnogenol is a patented standardized extract from French maritime pine bark, rich in procyanidins and other polyphenols. B-grade evidence for chronic venous insufficiency symptoms, osteoarthritis symptoms, and blood glucose improvement.
Key findings
- Grade B: Blood glucose
- Grade B: Chronic Venous Insufficiency Signs (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)
- Grade B: Osteoarthritis Symptoms (Osteoarthritis (OA))
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Pycnogenol
Quick Facts: Pycnogenol
- Best Evidence:Grade B
- Conditions Studied:12
- Research Outcomes:34
- Grade B Findings:5
- Key Effect:Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Detailed Outcomes
Evidence by Condition
Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)
Research Citations (19)
Related Supplements
Saffron
10 shared conditions · 390 outcomes
Saffron is a spice with antioxidant properties derived from the flowering plant Crocus sativus. When used as a supplement, saffron seems to be effective at reducing symptoms of depression and possibly anxiety.
Vitamin D
9 shared conditions · 308 outcomes
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.
Probiotics
9 shared conditions · 215 outcomes
Probiotics are microorganisms that can have a positive effect on health.
Fish Oil
9 shared conditions · 448 outcomes
Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.
Curcumin
9 shared conditions · 502 outcomes
Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can alleviate symptoms of depression as well as improve pain and function in people with osteoarthritis.
L-Carnitine
9 shared conditions · 558 outcomes
L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.
Resveratrol
8 shared conditions · 318 outcomes
Resveratrol is a bioactive molecule found in plant sources such as grapes, peanuts, blueberries, and, famously, red wine. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit cardiovascular function, glycemic control, and lipid metabolism. Although it’s promoted for lifespan extension, there’s no evidence for this in humans and limited evidence in animals.
Vitamin E
7 shared conditions · 274 outcomes
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and is found in several common foods. Supplementing with extra vitamin E does not have broad health benefits, except in people with vitamin E deficiency, and long-term high-dose supplementation may cause harm.