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    Botanical ExtractsNatural

    Pycnogenol

    Also known as: French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, Pinus pinaster bark extract

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

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

    Evidence Score
    78/100
    Vascular healthPumpRecoverySkin healthCognitive support
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

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    Overview

    Pycnogenol is a patented standardised French maritime pine bark extract (~65–75% procyanidins) with extensive RCT evidence in vascular, recovery, cognitive, and skin endpoints.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Stimulates endothelial NO production, scavenges free radicals, supports collagen cross-linking, and modulates inflammatory cytokines.

    Physiological Role

    RCTs show improved blood flow, reduced muscle cramps, faster post-exercise recovery, and cognitive benefits in older adults.

    Primary Pathways

    eNOS activation/NO productionROS scavengingCollagen supportAnti-inflammatory cytokine modulation

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Over 160 published clinical studies covering vascular, cognitive, dermatological, and athletic endpoints.

    Evidence Review

    Overall78/100
    Human Clinical85/100
    Meta-Analysis80/100
    Mechanistic82/100
    Real-World76/100
    Safety92/100

    Practical Use & Dosage

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

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild GI upset
    • •Headache (rare)

    Contraindications

    • Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune modulation)

    Drug Interactions

    • •Anticoagulants
    • •Antihypertensives
    • •Diabetes meds

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy first trimester

    Monitoring

    None routine.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    When is Pycnogenol typically used or indicated?

    Pycnogenol is most commonly used for: Vascular health, Pump, Recovery, Skin health, Cognitive support. RCTs show improved blood flow, reduced muscle cramps, faster post-exercise recovery, and cognitive benefits in older adults.

    How does Pycnogenol work?

    Stimulates endothelial NO production, scavenges free radicals, supports collagen cross-linking, and modulates inflammatory cytokines.

    What is the recommended dose of Pycnogenol?

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

    What are the side effects of Pycnogenol?

    Reported side effects include: Mild GI upset; and Headache (rare). Monitoring: None routine.

    Does Pycnogenol interact with medications?

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

    Who should avoid Pycnogenol?

    Pycnogenol is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy first trimester; and Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune modulation).

    How strong is the evidence for Pycnogenol?

    Evidence level: Strong (overall score 78/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Pycnogenol for cardiovascular health: meta-analysis

    Meta-Analysis2019Strong
    PubMed

    Significant improvement in flow-mediated dilation and modest BP reduction.

    Trademark Ingredients

    Pycnogenol®

    Manufacturer:

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    Research Overview

    Strong Evidence
    1Total Studies
    0Human Trials
    1Meta-Analyses
    2019Latest 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/pycnogenol

    SuppIndex. (2026). Pycnogenol: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/pycnogenol

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Strong.

    Goal Ratings

    Recovery
    General Health
    Endurance
    Cognition

    Stack Compatibility

    Pair with vitamin C (synergistic NO), L-citrulline, omega-3.

    Vitamin CL-CitrullineOmega-3 (EPA/DHA)