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Botanical

Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is a branded extract of French maritime pine bark. Its main compounds include procyanidins, a family of plant polyphenols.

Also listed as Pine Bark Extract, Pine Bark Procyanidins, Procyanidins

CardiovascularHair & SkinLongevityWomen's HormonesWeight Management

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Blood pressureCardiovascularModerateA3 studies
Skin textureHair & SkinModerateA3 studies
Oxidative stressLongevityModerateA3 studies
Menstruation SupportWomen's HormonesModerateBNo linked study
Blood sugarWeight ManagementModerateBNo linked study
Joint ComfortBone & JointModerateBNo linked study
All 16 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol is a branded extract of French maritime pine bark. Its main compounds include procyanidins, members of a family of plant substances called polyphenols. Other pine bark products can come from different species and contain different mixtures, so the name on the bottle matters when comparing it with a study. 1 2

Why are researchers interested?

Laboratory and animal studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. These findings provide reasons to study symptoms and disease in people; they do not by themselves tell us whether someone will feel better. Human trials have explored questions ranging from blood pressure and joint pain to skin hydration. 1 2 3

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Pycnogenol's ratings.

The role of Pycnogenol in the control of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic diseases: Molecular aspects2022Oral Pycnogenol® Intake Benefits the Skin in Urban Chinese Outdoor Workers: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, and Crossover Intervention Study2021Effect of pycnogenol supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials2020Effects of Pycnogenol on Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.2019Effect of Pycnogenol Supplementation on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis2018
All 9 studiesEvery publication linked to Pycnogenol

Why people take it

Immune Support17.8%
Cardiovascular13%
Longevity12.8%
Essential Health12.6%
Cognition11.7%
Energy10.2%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is Pycnogenol the same as any pine bark extract?

No. It is a particular standardized preparation. Other extracts may use different pine species, ingredient mixtures or procyanidin concentrations. 1

Does it lower blood pressure?

A pooled analysis found small average reductions, but the broader evidence remains uncertain. These studies do not establish that it prevents cardiovascular events. 1 4

What does the skin research actually show?

One trial in outdoor workers found better hydration and elasticity measurements than with placebo. It does not establish benefits for all skin problems or all populations. 3

Can it replace arthritis treatment?

The German rheumatology society discusses it, at most, as an addition to established osteoarthritis treatment with weak evidence made clear. It does not support it as treatment for inflammatory rheumatic disease. 5

Who needs particular caution?

People taking blood thinners face a potential bleeding interaction; those allergic to pine bark should avoid the extract. Long-term safety is also inadequately established. 1 2

Sources

  2. Pine Bark Extract Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  5. Treatment with Pycnogenol Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie