Apotentantioxidant,pine bark extractwas originally used by indigenous people of North America and Asia as a medicinal herb. French expeditioner Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for France, reportedly used pine bark extract in 1535 during his expedition as a treatment for scurvy, a condition due to insufficient levels ofvitamin Cintake.
Today, Integrative Healthcare professionals have also realized the many health and anti-aging benefits ofpine bark extract, which was first introduced into the United States as a dietary supplement in 1987. There are several formulas on the market, and it can be taken as acapsule, used as anessential oil, or mixed into alotionand applied topically.
Pine bark extract(Pinus massonianafrom Asia) is one of the most common formulations used whilePycnogenol® (Pinus pinaster ssp. Atlanticais from Europe) is a patented blend ofthis powerful nutrient.
Antioxidant Power
Antioxidantsare substances that protect tissue and organs against damaging free radicals. A study inOphthalmic Researchdemonstrated that the antioxidant potency ofFrench maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol® was more powerful thanvitamin C,vitamin E,alpha lipoic acid, andcoenzyme Q10. The antioxidants in pine bark extract containbioflavonoids,catechins,epicatechins, procyanidins and phenolic acids—some of these antioxidants are unique to pine bark extract while others can also be found in a variety of fruits such as avocados, strawberries, bananas, and grapes.
Benefits of Pine bark extract
Helps the body regeneratevitamin CReduces risk ofcataractsImproves heart health andblood pressurecontrolHelps reducevaricose veinswellingAntiplatelet properties help keep platelets from sticking together (similar to aspirin,fish oilandkrill oil)Protects against hay fever,allergies, and lung diseaseReduces joint inflammation due toarthritisReduces menstrual disordersImprovesmemoryfunctionMay help improve fertility by improving sperm qualityAppears helpful forattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Improvesimmunesystem functionHelps with wound healing and reduces skinbruisingProvides anti-aging benefits due to its protection against free radicals with benefits for skin’scollagenandelastin
Helps the body regeneratevitamin C
Reduces risk ofcataracts
Improves heart health andblood pressurecontrol
Helps reducevaricose veinswelling
Antiplatelet properties help keep platelets from sticking together (similar to aspirin,fish oilandkrill oil)
Protects against hay fever,allergies, and lung disease
Reduces joint inflammation due toarthritis
Reduces menstrual disorders
Improvesmemoryfunction
May help improve fertility by improving sperm quality
Appears helpful forattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Improvesimmunesystem function
Helps with wound healing and reduces skinbruising
Provides anti-aging benefits due to its protection against free radicals with benefits for skin’scollagenandelastin
Vitamin C Regeneration
Vitamin C(ascorbic acid) is a crucial antioxidant. A severe deficiency leads to scurvy, which results in bleeding gums, easy bruising, poor wound healing, fatigue, and general weakness. It is more common in smokers, the elderly, and in those with poor intake of fruits and vegetables. I have diagnosed two patients in my practice with scurvy over the years—it is more common than many healthcare providers realize.Pine bark extracthelps the body regenerate vitamin C back into the active form in the body, preventing deficiency.
Reduces Risk of Cataracts
Acataractis caused when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Scientists believe oxidation is the main reason this occurs. Excessive sun exposure is a risk factor for developing cataracts. A 2017 animal study by Dr. J. Kim showed that pine bark extract could prevent the formation of cataracts. A diet high in fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants is also beneficial.
Improves Heart Health
Cardiovasculardisease is the leading killer worldwide.Pine bark extracthelps to lower badcholesterol, which is believed to clog and block arteries while elevating good (HDL) cholesterol. It also helps reducechronic inflammationand prevent platelets from sticking together.
According to a 2015 study inEvidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, pine bark extract helps prevent arteries from developing atherosclerosis, a precursor to a clogged artery. A 2012 study in theEuropean Heart Journalshowed pine bark extract could help improve overall health and function of arteries.
French maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol® also helps the body produce an important chemical known as nitric oxide, which aids circulation. Nitric oxide also helps blood vessels relax so it can help lower blood pressure.
Improves Varicose Veins
Varicose veinsare a common problem that causes leg swelling. A 2015 study in theInternational Journal of Angiologydemonstrated that pine bark extract at a dose of 100 mg per day for eight weeks could help improve circulation and reduce swelling. A 2017 study in the same journal showed similar findings.
Improves Blood Pressure
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, results when there is increased stiffness in the arteries. It is diagnosed when the systolic pressure (the top number) is above 140 and/or the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is above 90. It also helps control blood pressure according to a 2016 study inPhytomedicine.
Diabetes
Worldwide, more than 422 million people have diabetes.Diabetesis diagnosed when a fasting blood sugar measures 126 mg/dl (6.99 mmol/L) or more. Also, a hemoglobin A1C of 6.5% or a random blood glucose over 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/L) is diagnostic of diabetes. Diabetes causes damage to the brain, nerves, tissues, eyes, heart, and kidneys. When blood sugar is elevated, the walls of the arteries become damaged (endothelial dysfunction), leading to blockage of arteries, stroke, or heart attack. Diabetes also increases the risk of cancer andAlzheimer’sdisease.
A 2013 study found that subjects who took 150 mg per day of the patented form ofFrench maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol®had their average blood sugar drop from 123 mg/dl to 106 mg/dl after three months and then down to 105 mg/dl after six months. More studies are needed.
Improves Memory
As we age,memorydecline is common. Preventing memory loss is crucial to optimizing health. A 2012 study showed improvement in memory in test subjects when a certain type of pine bark extract was given withvitamin C. Learn more aboutnatural approaches to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Allergies and Asthma
Allergiesandasthmacause significant issues including missed school and work. Reducing allergy symptoms can improve quality of life. A 2013 study inFood and Chemical Toxicologyshowed pine bark extract could play a potential role. A 2011 study by Dr. G. Belcaroconcluded, “Pycnogenol® administration was effective for better control of signs and symptoms of allergic asthma and reduced the need for medication”.
COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease caused primarily by tobacco use. Millions are hospitalized each year for complications. A 2016 study by Dr. Shin concluded that pine bark extract could be a potential treatment for COPD while a 2017 study showed those with COPD could slow progression withpine bark extract.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA)results from destruction of cartilage within joints. It is estimated that more than 250 million people are affected worldwide. As one ages, the protective cartilage which covers the joints wears out, resulting in pain and swelling with movement. In an attempt to avoid prescription medications, which have potential side effects, many choosenatural arthritis supplementsto reduce arthritis-related pain. Pine bark extract is one alternative.
A 2017 study in theBritish Journal of Sports Medicinesupported pine bark extract as an effective option for arthritis-related pain. Another 2017 study in theJournal of Medicinal Foodconcluded, “Because of its favorable safety profile and sustained anti-inflammatory action,French maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol®represents an option as an add-on supplement for OA patients”.
Fertility
Fertility issues are a concern for many couples. Low sperm count and poor sperm quality are common reasons a couple is unable to conceive. Treatment for infertility-related issues by specialists can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A 2015 studyfrom Italy showedFrench maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol® andL-argininecould improve the quality of sperm.
Protects Skin
Pine bark extract helps protectskinwhile helping the body to rebuild tissue. Its strong antioxidant power can help protect against ultraviolet sunlight damage and be applied topically to the face.Antioxidantproperties help protect thecollagenand elastic tissue from oxidative damage, the primary cause of skinaging.
Wound healing
Wounds are common in those with poor circulation and in those with diabetes. When applied topically, studies have shown Pycnogenol can help improve wound healing. It may also help minimizescarring. A 2017 study inOstomy Wound Management, using diabetic rats showed that wounds healed faster when topical Pycnogenol was applied to the lesion.
Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots on the skin due to sun exposure and pregnancy is common. A study out of China showed 80 percent of the patients had a reduction in abnormal skin coloring while applyingtopical pine bark extract. A 2016 study also showed that pine bark extract could also help reduce unwanted skin pigmentation spots.
Psoriasis
When applied topically and taken orally, pine bark extract has been reported to help reducepsoriasislesions. A 2014 study inPanminerva medicasupported this. Fixing aleaky gutissue is also important in those who have psoriasis.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
Those afflicted have trouble concentrating and staying focused. A 2017 study inComplementary Therapies in Medicineshowed some limited evidence of benefit when pine bark extract was used by children withADHDwhile another 2017 study inTrialsof 144 pediatric patients showed pine bark extract could be beneficial in children with ADHD and help them stay focused.
Immune System
Keeping theimmunesystem strong is not only important when it comes to preventing infection but also helps prevent autoimmune diseases. Pine bark extract helps optimize the immune system according to an article inNutrition Research and Practice
Suggested Dose
There are various supplements and beauty products along with the patented formulation ofFrench maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol® on the market that allow one to realize the benefits of pine bark extract. Here are three ways to take it.
Pine bark extractcapsules 50 to 250 mg once or twice per day.Pycnogenol topical creamand facial serum–apply daily as directedPine extract essential oil—use as directed on label
Pine bark extractcapsules 50 to 250 mg once or twice per day.
Pycnogenol topical creamand facial serum–apply daily as directed
Pine extract essential oil—use as directed on label
Safety
There are no known safety issues with pine bark extract. However, it is always advised that pregnant woman and small children consult with their healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Also, if you are on blood thinners, consult with your physician first.
An Effective Antioxidant
French maritime pine bark extractorPycnogenol® is a very safe and effective antioxidant that should be considered with any routine vitamin and supplement regimen. Consuming generous servings of fruits and vegetables is an important way to load up on disease protecting anti-oxidants. I frequently tell patients that supplements are just that, a supplement—they are not to be considered “replacements” for healthy lifestyle choices. Pine bark extract is a good option when one is trying to avoid a variety of negative health conditions.
