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Pycnogenol (Pine Bark)

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Pycnogenol (Pine Bark). French maritime pine bark for circulation.

How it works. Procyanidins; NO synthase enhancer.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves endothelial function (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 100–200 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, CoQ10, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Pycnogenol (Pine Bark). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Pycnogenol (Pine Bark). French maritime pine bark for circulation.

Key compound: procyanidin B2C30H26O12 · 578.5 g/mol

What it is

French maritime pine bark for circulation.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Cardiovascular HealthBrain & Cognitive

How it works

Procyanidins; NO synthase enhancer.

Pathways

  • Procyanidins
  • NO synthase enhancer

Effects

  • +endothelial function supports

What the research supports

Improves endothelial functionmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
100–200 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
  • CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) — Improves endothelial function ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) and "Improves endothelial function". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Pycnogenol (Pine Bark) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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