Pycnogenol (200 mg/day) may reduce muscle cramps and pain according to a study of 66 healthy people, athletes, and those with venous problems after 4 weeks. We don't yet know what the best dose to use is, but studies have used two 50 mg Pycnogenol capsules per day. All rights reserved. While pine bark extract is thought to be safe for children, they should only take it for a few weeks at a time. Upset stomach. People who use the supplement along with their traditional medication usually take smaller doses than those who only take the supplement. In those treated with Pycnogenol, the edema score was increased by 17.9% versus an increase of 58.3% in the control group. All included participants had subclinical cognitive impairment, which looks like typical brain fog [22]. This ensures that there is a healthy flow of blood to and from the heart. Another study in 2012 showed that Pycnogenol alone, at a dose of 75 mg/day, increased skin hydration by 8% after just 6 weeks; in women with dry skin at baseline the increase was 21%. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements, but that does not guarantee that they are safe or effective. Some pycnogenol supplements are mixed with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Pine bark extracts other than pycnogenol are also sold. Still, more research is needed to better understand these findings and pine bark extracts role in reducing damage from head trauma. There's good evidence that pycnogenol helps with eye damage caused by diabetes. Regardless, a natural option is available and far worth the wait. The active ingredients in pycnogenol can also be extracted from other sources, including peanut skin, grape seed, and witch hazel bark. But the actual bioavailability of this complex mixture is still unknown. Pycnogenol significantly reduced the swelling as well as the feeling of heaviness. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Enzogenol also may reduce mental fatigue and sleep problems [82]. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor first if you have an underlying medical condition or take other medications. Here are the many health benefits believed to be possible with Pycnogenol: Now lets dive into the first condition it could help treat. PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone), also called methoxatin, is a vitamin-like compound that exists naturally in soil and a variety of foods, including spinach, kiwi, soybeans, and human breastmilk . With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. after four weeks of treatment, Pycnogenol-treated patients showed definite evidence of improved in small blood vessel functions and circulation as compared to those not treated. A sitz bath, which involves sitting in warm water for 10 minutes, twice daily, is helpful to patients with anal itching, aching or burning and is known as one of the best ways to get rid of hemorrhoids fast. Beta 1-3D Glucan is recognized by cells in the immune system, and can modify your immune system responses. Helps maintain high vitamin C and E blood levels for their antioxidant effects. The study participants symptoms started to return a month after they stopped taking pine bark extract. In 24 people with early eye damage from diabetes, Pycnogenol improved vision, reduced eye swelling, and improved circulation in the eye after 2 months. 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]. Pycnogenol has been shown to help relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis by keeping blood chemicals from attacking the cartilage. Cigarette smoking increases platelet aggregation. A study was conducted by the Guang An Men Hospital of Chinese Medical Science Research Institutewith 77 diabetes type II patients to determine if theextract of the French Maritime pine bark provided anti-diabetic effects. Potential for allergy when taken orally or used on the skin. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. Pycnogenol-treated patients reported significant improvement with knee pain, as compared to the placebo group. It also reduced the size of scars. Importantly, all studies found that Pycnogenol has to be taken at least 5 weeks before the allergy season in order to see potential benefits, with the best results in those who take it 7-8 weeks ahead. Abdominal pain was by far the most . It is standardized to contain 65-75% procyanidins, a class of polyphenols and flavonoids like those found in blueberries, wine, grape skin, citrus, and cocoa. Ginkgo biloba has been widely cultivated across the globe for a variety of uses, most of which are medicinal. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) supplementation may decrease symptoms of the common cold and speed up recovery, according to a clinical trial of 146 people. Regardless of what youre using it for, its best to start with the lowest possible dose. 11 Skin elasticity increased, and skin fatigue decreased significantly in this study as well, further lowering the wrinkling risk. The flesh of the grape contains approximately 1/20th-1/100th of the total antioxidant capacity of the seed or the skin. The studies revealed that the sperm concentration greatly increased after about eight to 16 weeks of treatment, to include improved orgasmic function. We believe that the most accurate information is found directly in the scientific source. After taking a break for one to two weeks, they can start taking it again for several weeks. A total of 40 patients with retinopathy (damage to the retina part of the eye) from diabetes and other vascular causes were enrolled in one study. The effect of polyphenolic extract from pine bark, Pycnogenol on the level of glutathione in children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [Abstract]. In another trial, a combination supplement (Pycnogenol 60 mg/day, L-arginine 690 mg/day and aspartic acid 552 mg/day) improved erectile dysfunction and sexual satisfaction in men after 8 weeks. painful urination. In addition to OPC, grape seed extract contains linoleic acid, flavonoids and phenolic procyanidins that help protect and strengthen capillaries, blood vessels, veins and arteries, which can then improve blood circulation. Another one of its exemplary effects is helping manage blood pressure levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate dietary supplements; however, it treats them like foods rather than medications. A study of 32 people with heart failure lasting 12 weeks suggests that a combination of Pycnogenol with CoQ10 (PycnoQ10) may improve blood pressure, heart function, edema, and capacity for physical activity [40]. 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]. Joe Cohen flipped the script on conventional and alternative medicine and it worked. It also may help regenerate and maintain vitamin C and E levels while also potentially increasing nitric oxide levels, which may relax and protect blood vessels [1]. Traditionally, people might drink a brew made from pine bark -- rich in pycnogenol -- as a treatment. Some people who have asthma have higher levels of leukotrienes in their blood. It had the best results when combined with compression stockings, but worked just as well alone [28]. (1, 2). Masquelier was easily able to create a pine bark extract from materials that were otherwise known as waste. Who doesnt want amazing skin? Finally, research suggests that Pycnogenol may improve triathlon time while possibly reducing cramps and post-running pain [10]. Research into Pycnogenol has revealed some promising results in over 30 health conditions. Forty-seven Japanese men with mild erectile dysfunction were given supplementation L-arginine and French maritime pine bark extract over a period of time. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study, 50 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) were treated with either L-arginine plus Pycnogenol or placebo for a month. The same ingredient can be found in grapeseed oil, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. In a small/preliminary study of kids with asthma, pycnogenol helped improve symptoms. $31.99. It also slightly decreased blood pressure and increased testosterone [67]. Dizziness. Pine bark extract is composed of 80% to 85% proanthocyanidins, the monomers catechin and taxifolin (5%), and phenolic acids, including derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids (2% to 4%). Various brands of pycnogenol are available. Studies have been conducted to review the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas infectious wounds. But did you know that pine bark extract, like pine oil, is one of natures super antioxidants? The standard dose appears to be 100-200 mg/day. Study participants took pine bark extract as a supplement, and it was found to be most effective in women who started out with dry skin. Consequently, blood pressure is lowered. Learn more about how to get even skin tone. Millions are hospitalized each year for . Although the preliminary studies show many health benefits with the use of Pycnogenol, future larger and better studies are needed. There are several causes for erectile dysfunction, such as neurological and psychological issues. Extracts can also be made from other pine barks, such as Pinus radiata, Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, and Pinus massoniana. Pycnogenol is considered possibly safe when taken orally or when applied topically as a cream or ointment. No side effects were noted, unlike its synthetic counterpart. Let us discuss them in detail below. Pycnogenol is a patented formulation of Pine Bark Extract which is standardized to 65-75% Procyanidin compounds by weight. Research indicates that Pycnogenol provides an increase in survival performance of train athletes. In one study, people with high blood pressure were examined to see how the supplement impacted their blood pressure. Enzogenol, a slightly different pine bark extract, may help improve brain function after mild concussions. Pycnogenol (100 mg/day) may reduce leg swelling, spider veins, and cramps according to a study of 133 women with varicose veins who recently gave birth. Not bad. Here are the many health benefits believed to be possible with Pycnogenol: Reduces "leaky" blood vessels by making the wall proteins (collagen, elastin) more resistant to damage. Pycnogenol may stimulate the immune system. But two months ago, erectile dysfunction health food with the help of the Divine Tool Alliance, the price of all materials related to the puppet mechanism was raised by 20 erectile dysfunction health food 30 , and the price of selling the puppet was reduced by 10. Grape seed extract may be more beneficial for those who are obese. Placebo capsules were given to control subjects at the same times. The dosage in most clinical studies varied between 50-360 mg/day. Flavonoids and proanthocyanidins within these fruits can . The usual recommended duration of treatment for topical application is 7 days for Pycnogenol cream and 6 weeks for Pycnogenol powder. blood in the urine. DOI: Chowdhury WK, et al. Pycnogenol may help reduce symptoms of melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation, possibly because it protects against UV rays. Pycnogenol accelerates wound healing and reduces scar formation [Abstract]. He learned about the seemingly omnipotent antioxidant within it and how those antioxidants increase the absorption of vitamin C. Continued research showed that the pine bark contained flavonols and bioflavonoids, which hold tissue-repairing properties. This includes supporting healthy blood circulation, acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to generate collagen and hyaluronic acid for improved skin health and aiding in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood . A 2006 study found that children who took a daily pine bark extract supplement for four weeks had significantly lower levels of hyperactivity. Thus, this powerful extract works as a natural ear infection remedy while improving balance and preventing hearing loss. , Improves Symptoms Associated With Menopause, A number of women experience physical discomfort due to symptoms of menopause. When pycnogenol cream was added to oral supplements in a small study of 18 people with vein ulcers, it helped ulcers heal more quickly [26]. (8). 1 Anti-Aging Beverage, Daniel Fast: Benefits for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health, 15 Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut and Overall Health, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, L-Glutamine Benefits Leaky Gut & Metabolism, Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More, What Is a Marionberry? One study suggests that Pycnogenol has no effect when given just 3 weeks beforehand, as it possibly requires a lag time to stabilize the immune response [17]. Procyanidins are chain-like structures consisted of catechins similar to some found in green tea (the green tea catechins that do not have 'gallate' in their names). In one human study, some of the reported side effects of chanca piedra supplementation included: abdominal pain. Required fields are marked *. This article explains which supplements are believed to be safe during pregnancy and which ones you should avoid. Lutein uses and benefits include helping prevent eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, skin disorders and skin cancer, several types of cancer, including colon or breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.