Last verified: 17 days ago
Pine Bark Extract
Also known as: Pycnogenol, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Pinus massoniana bark extract, Oligopin, New Zealand Pine Bark Extract
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Polyphenol-rich bark extract with evidence for blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation support.
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What it does
Pine bark extract is a concentrated source of polyphenols — plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — derived from the bark of pine trees. Clinical trials show it can...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
50-400 mg daily based on study doses
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Found in
Transparent Labs Nitric Oxide, Plasmaide Advanced Liquid Adaptogen, Mind Lab Pro and 2 more
What the Science Says
Pine bark extract is a concentrated source of polyphenols — plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — derived from the bark of pine trees. Clinical trials show it can meaningfully reduce systolic blood pressure (especially in people with elevated readings), blunt blood sugar spikes after eating sucrose, and lower inflammatory markers like IL-6, IL-1β, and CRP. Effects on blood pressure were seen after 12 weeks at high doses, while blood sugar benefits appeared with a single 400 mg dose.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a proven treatment for traumatic brain injury on its own — the ICU study was small and short. No solid evidence it boosts athletic performance or builds muscle. Don't expect it to replace blood pressure medication. Animal and fish studies don't translate directly to human benefits. No proven cognitive enhancement based on the provided data.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings after 12 weeks of supplementation.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 1322 mg/day (in liquid supplement form)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Blunts blood sugar spikes after eating sugary foods in healthy adults.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 400 mg single dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Lowers key inflammatory markers including IL-6, IL-1β, and CRP in critically ill patients.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 150 mg/day for 10 days
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May reduce symptoms of chronic inflammatory vascular conditions in otherwise healthy adults.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 50 mg/day
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies — no pharmacokinetic data reported in the available papers
Red Flags to Watch For
- A case report links excessive Pycnogenol intake to severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown with CK levels of 154,000 U/L) — exceeding label doses may be dangerous
- Most human studies are small (20–124 participants) and short-term; long-term safety data is limited
- The blood pressure study was a secondary analysis, not the primary endpoint — results should be interpreted cautiously
- Products vary widely in source (French maritime, New Zealand, Chinese Pinus massoniana) and dose — standardization is inconsistent across brands
- Over 1,000 registered supplement products contain pine bark extract, making quality control and dosing consistency a real consumer concern
Products Containing Pine Bark Extract
See how Pine Bark Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pine Bark Extract do?
Polyphenol-rich bark extract with evidence for blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation support.
What is the effective dose of Pine Bark Extract?
50-400 mg daily based on study doses
Is Pine Bark Extract safe?
A case report links excessive Pycnogenol intake to severe rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown with CK levels of 154,000 U/L) — exceeding label doses may be dangerous
What doesn't Pine Bark Extract do?
Not a proven treatment for traumatic brain injury on its own — the ICU study was small and short.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25