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    Botanical ExtractsNatural

    Pine Bark Extract

    Also known as: Pinus pinaster bark extract (generic), Maritime pine bark extract

    Standardised Pinus pinaster bark extract (~65% procyanidins); raises eNOS-derived NO and provides systemic antioxidant effects.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    58/100
    Vascular healthAntioxidantCognitive support
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Generic French maritime pine bark extract delivers procyanidins similar to Pycnogenol; supports vascular function, antioxidant defence, and cognition.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Stimulates endothelial NO production, scavenges ROS, and supports collagen cross-linking.

    Physiological Role

    Functions similarly to Pycnogenol at typically lower cost without IP standardisation; choose Pycnogenol for studied dose-response.

    Primary Pathways

    eNOS/NO productionProcyanidin antioxidantCollagen integrity

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Pine bark literature largely overlaps with Pycnogenol clinical body; generic forms are not always identical to the patented extract.

    Evidence Review

    Overall58/100
    Human Clinical60/100
    Meta-Analysis55/100
    Mechanistic80/100
    Real-World55/100
    Safety88/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    50 mg
    Optimal Range
    100–200 mg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~360 mg/day
    Timing
    With meals
    Best Format
    Capsule
    Bioavailability
    Moderate; phenolic metabolites detected in plasma.
    Absorption Considerations
    Procyanidins partially absorbed and metabolised by colonic microbiota.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset

    Contraindications

    • Autoimmune disease (theoretical)

    Drug Interactions

    • •Anticoagulants
    • •Antihypertensives

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy first trimester

    Monitoring

    None routine.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Pine Bark Extract typically used or indicated?

    Pine Bark Extract is most commonly used for: Vascular health, Antioxidant, Cognitive support. Functions similarly to Pycnogenol at typically lower cost without IP standardisation; choose Pycnogenol for studied dose-response.

    How does Pine Bark Extract work?

    Stimulates endothelial NO production, scavenges ROS, and supports collagen cross-linking.

    What is the recommended dose of Pine Bark Extract?

    The optimal range is 100–200 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 50 mg. Best taken: With meals. Upper / caution level: ~360 mg/day.

    What are the side effects of Pine Bark Extract?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset. Monitoring: None routine.

    Does Pine Bark Extract interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: Anticoagulants; and Antihypertensives. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Pine Bark Extract?

    Pine Bark Extract is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy first trimester; and Autoimmune disease (theoretical).

    How strong is the evidence for Pine Bark Extract?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 58/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Maritime pine bark extracts on cardiovascular function

    Systematic Review2017Moderate
    PubMed

    Consistent improvement in flow-mediated dilation and oxidative stress markers.

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in Botanical Extracts.

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    85/100

    Polyphenolic compound that modulates NF-κB, COX-2, and multiple inflammatory cascades with demonstrated efficacy comparable to NSAIDs in some osteoarthritis trials, when bioavailability-enhanced formulations are used.

    Pycnogenol

    78/100

    Standardised pine bark extract delivering procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids; raises eNOS-derived NO, scavenges ROS, and supports collagen integrity.

    Rhodiola Rosea

    76/100

    Adaptogenic botanical containing rosavins and salidroside that modulate cortisol response, enhance stress resilience, and improve cognitive and physical performance under fatigue conditions.

    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2017Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceMixed
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)Yes

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/pine-bark-extract

    SuppIndex. (2026). Pine Bark Extract: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/pine-bark-extract

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    General Health
    Recovery
    Cognition

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with vitamin C, L-citrulline; consider Pycnogenol for replicated dose-response.

    Vitamin CL-CitrullineOmega-3 (EPA/DHA)