Study results showed that 18 of the 24 participants who took Pycnogenol had an improvement in their vision, while no such improvements were observed in those who took the placebo. The study's authors suggest that pine bark extract may help stimulate circulation in the retina and inhibit swelling, which in turn may improve vision.
Pycnogenol has also been shown to lower blood glucose. Marked by continuous noise or ringing in the ears, tinnitus is a common condition sometimes triggered by low or high blood pressure or a disorder in the circulatory system.
In one study published in , participants with tinnitus took Pycnogenol or a placebo daily for six months. While tinnitus decreased in both groups, the decrease was more significant in those taking Pycnogenol. Some people taking pycnogenol may experience bad breath, upset stomach, dizziness, sores in the mouth, or headaches. Pycnogenol may also cause irritability and lower energy levels, especially when used in the treatment of ADHD. The safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.
Theoretically, eople with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and celiac disease, should use caution when using Pycnogenol as animal studies suggst it may influence immune system activity.
Pycnogenol may increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be avoided by those with bleeding disorders, people taking blood thinning medication or supplements, or in the weeks before surgery. Although Pycnogenol is generally considered safe, it may interfere with the action of certain drugs used in chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Pycnogenol may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and corticosteroids. Because Pycnogenol lowers blood sugar, it may interact with other medications taken by people with diabetes.
Doses up to mg daily have been used safely for up to six months. Procyanidins are chain-like structures consisting of catechins, which confer the supplement's antioxidant properties. Trusted suppliers of Pycnogenol are those that have been GMP-certified. If you have trouble finding a supplier you trust, many of the active ingredients of Pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed , and witch hazel bark.
Is a product labeled "pine bark extract" the same as Pycnogenol? Essentially, yes. Pycnogenol is simply a patented formula of pine bark extract. Is it true that Pycnogenol is good for your skin?
Pycnogenol increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production, two components of popular anti-aging products that may lead to more hydrated and elastic skin. A study of postmenopausal women found Pycnogenol was most helpful as a skin supplement for women whose skin started out dry. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.
Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. Stanislavov R, Nikolova V. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. J Sex Marital Ther. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation.
Nutr Res. No beneficial effects of pine bark extract on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Arch Intern Med. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci. Improvement in symptoms and cochlear flow with pycnogenol in patients with Meniere's disease and tinnitus. High levels of both of these are considered risk factors for heart disease.
A review indicates that pine bark extract can be used to treat metabolic syndrome and related disorders such as obesity , diabetes , and high blood pressure. The review found evidence that pine bark extract may:. Similar to its neuroprotective benefits, the metabolic benefits of pine bark extract seem to be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pine bark extract is usually taken by mouth in capsule form. However, it can also be used topically. You can gradually increase how much you take once you get a better idea of how your body reacts to it. As a skin powder, however, you can use it safely for up to six weeks. Work with your pediatrician to see if there are contraindications for each child. While pine bark extract is thought to be safe for children, they should only take it for a few weeks at a time.
After taking a break for one to two weeks, they can start taking it again for several weeks. If possible, try to get pine bark extract from a local supplier, such as a health food store.
The staff there can often answer any questions you have and give you more information about specific brands. You should also do additional research or talk to your doctor before taking pine bark extract if you also take:. While pine bark extract is a natural supplement, it can have powerful effects on your health, both positive and negative. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor first if you have an underlying medical condition or take other medications.
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According to the lab results of 10 volunteers, a higher Pycnogenol dose mg may impact these enzymes after just 30 minutes [ 52 ]. According to a study of 11 patients with lupus, pycnogenol may reduce symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress [ 54 ]. Chewing gum with Pycnogenol 2. 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 ]. In the study, it reduced cold symptoms and complications, the number of lost working days, and the use of over-the-counter medications compared to those who did not supplement with the extract [ 60 ].
A trial of 84 people found that both Pycnogenol oral supplements and creams 0. In contrast, bleeding still occurred in the control group [ 61 ]. Pycnogenol may help reduce symptoms of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, possibly because it protects against UV rays. Pycnogenol supplementation reduced skin redness from UV rays in a trial of 21 people over 8 weeks.
With time, the participants were able to handle more UV radiation without experiencing skin damage [ 63 ]. In a study of 20 postmenopausal women, 12 weeks of pycnogenol supplementation improved hydration and elasticity of the skin. It also may increase the activity of genes that make collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body [ 64 ]. A combination supplement pycnogenol with collagen, coenzyme Q10 , and other ingredients reduced skin aging, elasticity, hydration, and tonicity in a study of 30 women [ 65 ].
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 ]. In a clinical trial of 40 men with erectile dysfunction, It also slightly decreased blood pressure and increased testosterone [ 67 ]. A combination product with Pycnogenol Lady Prelox improved sexual function in a clinical trial of 83 healthy postmenopausal women after 8 weeks.
The study suggests it may increase desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and reduce pain [ 70 ]. These benefits appeared to persist for some time even after stopping supplementation [ 72 ]. Another study of 47 women found that supplementing with 30 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for over 1 month may reduce menstrual pain [ 73 ]. In a study of healthy women mostly in their early 40s with mild sexual dysfunction, a combination product with Pycnogenol Lady Prelox improved sexual function over 8 weeks [ 74 ].
A study of 50 mildly infertile men found that a combination of L-arginine, L-citrulline , roburins, and Pycnogenol Prelox R may improve sperm quality, volume, and concentration [ 75 ]. In a study of 72 children undergoing cancer chemotherapy, Pycnogenol reduced painful mouth ulcers, both alone and in combination with vitamin E [ 79 ]. In combination with Mirtoselect, Pycnogenol may improve blood flow to the eye and reduce eye blood pressure as shown in a trial of 38 people [ 81 ].
Enzogenol, a slightly different pine bark extract, may help improve brain function after mild concussions. It decreased concussion symptoms in 42 student-athletes with a history of sports-related concussions after 6 weeks. Enzogenol also may reduce mental fatigue and sleep problems [ 82 ]. A study of 68 people found that Pycnogenol, started 2 days prior to flying, may reduce the duration of jet lag symptoms [ 83 ].
A study of 66 healthy adults found that Pycnogenol may reduce the number of leg cramps experienced [ 11 ]. However, these studies appear to be methodologically sound and reliable, with no blatant errors in the study design and data collection. Pycnogenol is considered possibly safe when taken orally or when applied topically as a cream or ointment.
Studies have also safely used Pycnogenol in children and during pregnancy. However, research on these two groups is limited [ 71 , 15 ].
Pycnogenol acts as a sustained-release formulation. But the actual bioavailability of this complex mixture is still unknown. Since components of Pycnogenol can be modified during digestion and absorption as well as by the liver, diseases that affect the gut or liver may increase or decrease its effects [ 84 ]. Pycnogenol is not approved by the FDA for medical use. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements, but that does not guarantee that they are safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.
There is currently insufficient evidence to determine what a safe and effective dose of lysine is for specific conditions.
Various brands of pycnogenol are available. Some pycnogenol supplements are mixed with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Pine bark extracts other than pycnogenol are also sold.
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