(7). Pycnogenol can help control blood pressure, which helps improve overall heart health. Pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to poor circulation, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, diabetes, ADHD, female reproductive issues, skin, erectile dysfunction, eye disease and sports stamina. This plant extract also shows promise in such far-flung conditions as traumatic brain injury 40,41, skin problems 37, pain syndromes 38,39, and even tinnitus . During week, five without, treatment, reduction of cramps was maintained in all three groups. Arginine is a non-essential amino acid because most humans can make it in their bodies. Skin irritation. In one human study, some of the reported side effects of chanca piedra supplementation included: abdominal pain. For allergies: 50 milligrams twice daily. Work with your pediatrician to see if there are contraindications for each child. A combination product with Pycnogenol (Lady Prelox) improved sexual function in a clinical trial of 83 healthy postmenopausal women after 8 weeks. It does this by improving the time it takes the body to reach a fatigued state through increased serum NAD+ levels. Make sure to seek out the advice of your physician prior to using pine bark extract or the branded name, Pycnogenol. 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. Consequently, blood pressure is lowered. Some pycnogenol supplements are mixed with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Pine bark extracts other than pycnogenol are also sold. Pycnogenol has four main components that contribute to its benefits for men's health. The study showed that many people who participated had a drop in their systolic blood pressure after taking Pycnogenol. 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. The combination of L-arginine and Pycnogenol may help in erectile dysfunction by boosting nitric oxide, which potentially could improve blood flow in men [66]. Results failed to show any efficacy of Pycnogenol or methylphenidate when compared to placebo. Lets begin with asthma. It should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. Pycnogenol is the registered trademark name for a French formula. Extracts can also be made from other pine barks, such as Pinus radiata, Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, and Pinus massoniana. Pine bark extract offers some amazing benefits since its so high in powerful antioxidants. DOI: Luzzi R, et al. They could interact with medicines to suppress the immune system, chemotherapy drugs, and blood thinners. A small 2012 study on postmenopausal women found that pine bark extract improved hydration and elasticity of skin. 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 . All Pycnogenol-treated patients responded favorably in contrast to placebo treatment. It also may help regenerate and maintain vitamin C and E levels while also potentially increasing nitric oxide levels, which may relax and protect blood vessels [1]. L-arginine is more effective when paired with L-citrulline or pycnogenol to combat erectile dysfunction and improve exercise performance. , Allergy: "Leukotriene E4 plasma levels in adult asthmatic patients with variable disease severity. According to some researchers, Pycnogenol may lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing free radicals, and lowering inflammation. Helps Increase Athletic Performance. The supplement significantly reduced hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irregular periods, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness. 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. Based on another study of 6 trained and 7 untrained people, an antioxidant combination product containing Pycnogenol (Lactaway) may increase endurance. 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]. 5 6 However, evidence is conflictingother studies have shown no effect on the same measures. 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]. More research is needed to see how this supplement affects all of these conditions. In 22 German heavy smokers, platelet aggregation was prevented by 500 mg of aspirin or 100 mg Pycnogenol. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so they may not be up to the same safety standards as medications that have gone through clinical testing and drug trials. But what makes this miracle ingredient so amazing? ", Panminerva Medica: "Supplementation with Pycnogenol improves signs and symptoms of menopausal transition.". Enzogenol also may reduce mental fatigue and sleep problems [82]. Take Helpful Supplements. You can gradually increase how much you take once you get a better idea of how your body reacts to it. Ana spent years working with patients who suffer from various mental health issues and chronic health problems. Organika Pycnogenol 50mg 50 Tablets . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Pycnogenol acts as a sustained-release formulation. In a good-quality study, 77 patients with osteoarthritis were treated with 100 mg of Pycnogenol daily and 79 patients were treated with placebo for three months. This includes supporting healthy blood circulation, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to generate collagen and hyaluronic acid for improved skin health and aiding in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood . In this study, 155 peri-menopausal women were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Diindolylmethane, or DIM for short, is a plant indolea plant compound with health-promoting properties. A trial of 39 people with hay fever found that Pycnogenol may reduce nose and eye symptoms. According to a study in 59 cancer patients, Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) may reduce side effects associated with radiation or chemotherapy, including mouth soreness and ulcers, mouth and eye dryness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss [78]. The Best Supplements for Healthy Digestion, How to Get the Protective Power of Vitamin K. Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. 4. 1. Its likely that muscle recovery time improved as well due to the high antioxidants pine bark extract contains. Potential benefits of folic acid include a reduced risk of cancer, improved cognitive function, stronger bones, enhanced heart health, better pregnancy outcomes and reduced symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Twenty-one patients were given Pycnogenol at 150 mg daily and 18 patients received no treatment for a period of eight weeks. 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. which enables users to obtain detailed information and reports based on their genome. Pycnogenol is the US trademarked name for an antioxidant made from Mediterranean tree bark. Vinpocetine is used to increase brain circulation, alertness, cognitive function, concentration, and memory, as well as to lower inflammation and oxidative stress.This article will explore vinpocetine's history, how it works, its potential benefits, and any possible safety issues . You may want to start slow, taking smaller amounts, to ensure that your body works well with the OPCs found in pine bark extract. According to some researchers, when you take Pycnogenol [8]: Research suggests that Pycnogenol may protect cells in the body against oxidative stress. Buy Healthy Origins Pycnogenol 100 mg (Nature's Super Antioxidant, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Cardiovascular Support), . Pycnogenol may help reduce symptoms of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, possibly because it protects against UV rays. 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. Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements dont have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market. Blood clots form as a result of platelet aggregation, which is the platelets in the blood clumping together. Its used as a natural supplement for several conditions, including dry skin and ADHD. Pycnogenol in metabolic syndrome and related disorders [Abstract]. More specifically, because it strengthens the capillaries in the retina, Mirtogenol can help prevent retinopathy. Joe Cohen flipped the script on conventional and alternative medicine and it worked. Studies were conducted in Turkey on subjects who underwent abdominal surgery to determine if the pine bark extract could help reduce the inflammation. In some people lung inflammation is caused by leukotrienes chemicals that are released by the body after a person encounters allergens. In a smaller study of 58 people, pycnogenol reduced the inflammatory marker CRP [49, 50]. The most effective blood sugar-lowering dose was 200 mg/day higher doses had no further benefit [33]. Forty patients were treated with either 600 mg chestnut seed extract a day or 360 mg Pycnogenol a day over a period of four weeks. These wounds occur most frequently in hospitals or in those with weakened immune systems, such as after surgery. 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]. According to research, Pycnogenol may have a multitude of health benefits, which are likely due to this extracts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 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 is for informational and educational purposes alone. However, its always a good idea to start with a low dose so you can monitor how your body responds. In long-haul flights, Pycnogenol could be an effective prevention for blood clots. While pine bark extract is thought to be safe for children, they should only take it for a few weeks at a time. Ana received her MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade. There is currently insufficient evidence to determine what a safe and effective dose of lysine is for specific conditions. Theres evidence that Pycnogenol may be a promising nootropic for various groups of people, including middle-aged professionals, students, and people with mild cognitive decline like brain fog. Studies on human subjects have reported few side effects - even . SelfDecode is a personalized health report service, Researchers suggest that it may epigenetically turn off genes responsible for joint damage (ADAMTS) as well as reduce inflammation enzymes (MMP3) and cytokines (IL 1-beta) [47, 48]. Add to Cart. Thirty patients with diabetic ulcers were treated with 150 mg Pycnogenol daily for four weeks and another group of 30 comparable patients received no treatment. Information is shared for educational purposes only. Prunes and prune juice have many health benefits. 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]. No side effects were noted, unlike its synthetic counterpart. 3. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Once youre sure that you dont have any negative reactions, you may be able to increase your dosage according to the label. The study participants symptoms started to return a month after they stopped taking pine bark extract. For children with ADHD, research suggests that symptoms start to return after about a month without taking maritime pine, so taking periodic breaks shouldnt make it any less effective. The . 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 7-8 weeks ahead. It can also stabilize mast cells, which release histamine and trigger allergic reactions. The effect of polyphenolic extract from pine bark, Pycnogenol on the level of glutathione in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [Abstract]. In the control group, there were five thrombotic events; whereas the Pycnogenol-treated subjects only experienced nonthrombotic, local flare-ups. For improving exercise capacity in athletes: 200 milligrams daily. DIM and other plant indoles are found in . In a study of 76 people with allergic asthma, Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) added to conventional corticosteroid inhalers for 6 months helped 55% of them reduce inhaler use frequency and dosage. 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. Abdominal pain was by far the most . A systematic review of 14 studies found that Pycnogenol gum or mouthwashes may reduce dental plaque, but the quality of evidence is low [58, 59]. Systolic blood pressure measures how much blood is pumping from your heart to your arteries. Next, the doctors discuss the link between salt and hypertension, and Dr. Steve gives his insight on drinking red wine for a healthy heart. It may cause side effects such as: Risks. The same study showed that a single, 200-mg Pycnogenol dose remained effective over six days in preventing cigarette-induced enhanced platelet aggregation. All of our content is written by scientists and people with a strong science background. In patients with chronic venous insufficiency, the number of muscle cramps decreased from 6.3 to 2.6; in athletes from 8.6 to 2.4. Pycnogenol seems to help with asthma and allergies. , Improves Symptoms Associated With Menopause, A number of women experience physical discomfort due to symptoms of menopause. In another study, 61 children with ADHD were given one mg per kg/day of Pycnogenol or placebo over four weeks. Furthermore, when CHS was suppressed by 71% with exogenous treatment with cis-urocanic acid, the putative epidermal mediator of photoimmunosuppression, 0.2% Pycnogenol lotion reduced the immunosuppression to 18%. This ensures that there is a healthy flow of blood to and from the heart. While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. SelfHacked has the strictest sourcing guidelines in the health industry and we almost exclusively link to medically peer-reviewed studies, usually on PubMed. Help your body fight the effects of normal aging. However, a study of 24 adults with ADHD found that pycnogenol did not improve ADHD symptoms better than placebo. Pycnogenol has given indications that it might be able to benefit heart and artery health, to include reducing high blood pressure. Pine bark extract is usually taken by mouth in capsule form. It has many health benefits, and may help protect against several chronic conditions.