Pycnogenol

by MedlinePlus

Pycnogenol® is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica ), which is grown in coastal south-west France. Pycnogenol® contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin, epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and taxifolin. Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples, and some supplements such as Pycnogenol®.

There has been some confusion in the U.S. market regarding OPC products containing Pycnogenol® or grape seed extract (GSE), because one of the generic terms for chemical constituents ("pycnogenols") is the same as the patented trade name (Pycnogenol®). Some GSE products were formerly erroneously labeled and marketed in the U.S. as containing "pycnogenols." Although GSE and Pycnogenol® do contain similar chemical constituents (primarily in the OPC fraction), the chemical, pharmacological, and clinical literature on the two products is distinct. The term Pycnogenol® should therefore only be used to refer to this specific proprietary pine bark extract. Scientific literature regarding this product should not be referenced as a basis for the safety or effectiveness of GSE.

Synonyms

Cocklebut, condensed tannins, Evelle® (vitamins C and E, carotenoids, selenium, zinc, amino acids, glycosaminoglycans, blueberry extract, Pycogenol), French maritime pine bark extract, French Pinus maritime bark, grape marc extract, leucoanthocyanidins, Pinus pinaster , Pinus maritima , oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), Pinaceae (familty), proanthocyanidins, PYC, pygenol, stickwort, Zinopin (Pycnogenol and Standardized Ginger Root Extract (SGRE).

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a syndrome that includes leg swelling, varicose veins, pain, itching, skin changes, and skin ulcers. The term is more commonly used in Europe than in the United States. Pycnogenol used in people with chronic venous insufficiency is reported to reduce edema and pain. Pycnogenol may also be used in the management of other CVI symptoms.

ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder)

Preliminary research comparing Pycnogenol vs. placebo in adults with ADHD reported improved concentration with both agents. After release of this study, Enfamol Nutraceuticals Inc. (maker of Efalex and Efalex Focus) and J&R Research (maker of Pycnogenol) settled a suit with the Federal Trade Commission agreeing to no longer advertise these supplements as treatments for ADHD. The companies were not required to pay fines. FTC officials stated they are particularly concerned about dietary supplements with unproven claims being marketed for children. Further research is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Antioxidant

Due to conflicting study results, it is unclear if Pycnogenol has significant antioxidant effects in humans. Further research is necessary.

Diabetes

Preliminary human data suggests that supplementation of Pycnogenol with conventional diabetes treatment may lower glucose levels and improve endothelial function. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

Preliminary human data shows that Pycnogenol may have a potential analgesic (pain relieving) effect on menstrual pain. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Erectile dysfunction

Pycnogenol, in combination with L-arginine, may cause an improvement in sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. It is not known what effect each of the individual compounds may have directly on this condition. Further research is needed.

Gingival bleeding / plaque

Chewing gum containing 5mg of Pycnogenol is reported to minimize gingival bleeding and plaque formation. Pyconogenol has also been added to toothpaste for antioxidant effect. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Platelet aggregation

One human study reports reduced platelet aggregation in smokers. Further research is needed before a clear conclusion can be reached.

Prevention of blood clots/edema during long airplane fights

Preliminary human study suggests that Pycnogenol treatment may be effective in decreasing the number of thrombotic events (DVT and SVT) in moderate-to-high risk subjects, during long-haul flights. Edema (swelling) may also be reduced. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Retinopathy

Several studies report benefits of Pycnogenol in the treatment and prevention of retinopathy, including slowing the progression of retinopathy in diabetics. Reported mechanisms include improvement of capillary resistance and reduction of leakage into the retina. Improvement of visual acuity has also been reported. Better-quality research is needed before a firm conclusion can be reached.

High cholesterol

One human trial reports Pycnogenol to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL/"bad cholesterol") levels and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL/"good cholesterol") levels. Other studies have reported decreases in total cholesterol and LDL levels with no change in HDL. Due to conflicting data and methodological problems with available research, further studies are necessary before clear conclusions can be drawn.

Male infertility

Human studies report that Pycnogenol may improve sperm quality and function in sub-fertile men. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Melasma (chloasma)

Melasma (or chloasma) is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation of the skin predominately affecting sun-exposed areas in women. Formations of tan or brown patches/spots may occur. Pycnogenol has been reported to decrease the darkened area and the pigment intensity of melasma and improve symptoms of fatigue, constipation, body pains, and anxiety. Further well-designed research is needed before a clear recommendation can be made.

Sunburn

Pycnogenol, taken orally, may reduce erythema (redness of the skin) caused by solar ultraviolet light. Topically, Pycnogenol has been studied in animals for UV radiation induced inflammation, immunosuppression and carcinogenesis. Further study is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Preliminary human and non-human data suggest that Pycnogenol may be useful as a second line therapy to reduce inflammatory features of SLE. Further research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

ACE-inhibitor activity, Alzheimer's disease, antihistamine, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, arthritis, atherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, bleeding, bone marrow production, cancer prevention, cancer treatment, cardiac mitral valve prolapse, cardiovascular disease, cerebral ischemia, chemotherapy side effects, easy bruising, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, exercise capacity, fat burning, G6PD deficiency, gout prevention (xanthine oxidase and dehydrogenase inhibitor), hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, immune enhancement, immune suppression, improving skin smoothness and elasticity, inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, inhibition of TNF-alpha, increased human growth hormone, joint hypermobility, leukemia, lung cancer, musculoskeletal problems, osteoporosis, periodontitis, poor tissue healing, premenstrual syndrome, macular degeneration, motion sickness, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myalgia, myopathy, night vision, pelvic pain, neurodegenerative diseases, prevention of fat formation, psoriasis, reducing scar formation, retinal protection, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell anemia, skin disorders, skin aging, spinal scoliosis, varicose veins, vascular problems, vasorelaxant, venous thromboembolism (VTE), wound healing.

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