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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

Blood thinners and allergies matter

Memorial Sloan Kettering warns that pine bark extract may increase bleeding risk with blood thinners such as warfarin. People using these medicines should discuss the combination with their treating clinician. A pine bark allergy is also a reason to avoid it. 1

Short trials leave safety gaps

The Cochrane review could not reach a clear safety conclusion. Most comparisons did not report serious adverse events or hospital admissions, and the trials were relatively short. A sparse list of reported harms is therefore not reassurance about long-term use. 2

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  1. Pine Bark Extract Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center