Pine Bark Extract
Also known as: Pycnogenol, French Maritime Pine Bark, Pinus massoniana bark extract, New Zealand Pine Bark, Oligopin, Pinus pinaster
Effective Dosage
100-400 mg daily based on study doses
What the Science Says
Pine bark extract is a concentrated source of polyphenols (plant antioxidants) derived from the bark of pine trees, most commonly French maritime pine. Clinical trials show it can meaningfully reduce systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings, blunt blood sugar spikes after eating sugary foods, and lower inflammatory markers like IL-6 and CRP. Pilot studies also suggest benefits for retinal blood flow and symptoms of inflammatory vascular conditions, typically at doses of 100–400 mg daily over several weeks.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a replacement for blood pressure or diabetes medication. Blood pressure benefits appear mainly in people who already have elevated readings — don't expect results if your BP is already optimal. No evidence from these studies that it builds muscle, boosts testosterone, or burns fat. The eye and vasculitis findings are from small pilot studies only — not proven treatments.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Pine bark extract, particularly Pycnogenol, has been shown to have antioxidant properties and may improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health. Several clinical trials suggest it can also help with symptoms of ADHD and improve skin health.
Strong EvidenceEffective at: 50-200 mg daily
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown from provided studies — absorption data not reported in the available papers, though oral supplementation produced measurable clinical effects across multiple trials.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A case report links excessive Pycnogenol intake to severe rhabdomyolysis (dangerous muscle breakdown with CK levels of 154,000 U/L) — do not exceed labeled doses
- Most positive studies are small, short-term, or pilot-level — larger confirmatory trials are still needed
- Blood pressure benefits were only statistically significant in people with already-elevated BP (>120 mmHg) — not in those with optimal BP
- One paper in the dataset (PMID 41418458) is about mercury in pine bark from mining sites — not relevant to supplements, but highlights that raw pine bark source and purity matter
- Two papers in the dataset (PMIDs 40610836, 41547670) are about industrial uses of pine bark, not human health — the supplement evidence base is narrower than the total paper count suggests
Products Containing Pine Bark Extract
See how Pine Bark Extract is used in these analyzed products:
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: 2026-04-06