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Pycnogenol

antioxidant support and potential anti-inflammatory effects

Evidence · Grade C
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceInteraction risk

Pycnogenol is a French maritime pine bark extract rich in antioxidants, often studied for its potential benefits in cardiovascular, skin, and inflammatory conditions.

Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine. It is recognized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been investigated for its potential role in managing symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Quick answer

What it is: Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine.

May support:Endometriosis, Melasma, Asthma, Erectile Dysfunction

Evidence:Evidence · Grade C

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade C

As no specific PubMed studies were provided, the evidence grade for Pycnogenol's efficacy across various conditions is considered preliminary. General knowledge suggests that many claims are supported by a mix of in vitro studies, animal models, and a limited number of human clinical trials, which often vary in design, sample size, and quality. A comprehensive review of current literature would be necessary to assign a specific evidence grade for each health claim.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Pycnogenol's therapeutic effects in endometriosis are thought to be mediated by its ability to inhibit aromatase activity, thereby reducing local estrogen production, and by modulating inflammatory pathways. Its antioxidant capacity may also help to reduce oxidative stress, which is often elevated in endometriosis patients.

How it works in more detail

The active compounds in Pycnogenol, particularly procyanidins and phenolic acids, are thought to contribute to its antioxidant capacity by directly neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Additionally, Pycnogenol may modulate enzymatic activities involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. It has also been suggested to enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, leading to increased nitric oxide bioavailability, which can support vasodilation and blood flow. Furthermore, some research indicates it may interact with collagen and elastin, potentially contributing to its purported skin health benefits.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
60 mg to 120 mg daily, often divided into two doses.
Research dosage range
Studies have utilized dosages ranging from 30 mg to 360 mg per day, depending on the condition being investigated.
Typical onset
Effects may vary, with some benefits potentially observed within a few weeks, while others, such as those related to chronic conditions, may require several months of consistent use.
Typical forms
capsule, tablet
Quality markers
Look for products that specify 'French maritime pine bark extract' and are standardized to contain a certain percentage of procyanidins. Reputable brands often provide third-party testing for purity and potency.
Medication interactions
  • anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • immunosuppressants
  • diabetes medications
Avoid if
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • autoimmune diseases (theoretical concern due to immune modulation)

Community tips

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Suggested dosage

60 mg to 120 mg daily, often divided into two doses.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Procyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), catechins, taxifolin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid.

Safety

Safety warnings

Generally well-tolerated with few reported side effects. Mild gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, or headache may occur rarely.

Avoid if

  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • autoimmune diseases (theoretical concern due to immune modulation)

Medication interactions

  • anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • immunosuppressants
  • diabetes medications

Reported side effects

  • stomach upset
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (C)

As no specific PubMed studies were provided, the evidence grade for Pycnogenol's efficacy across various conditions is considered preliminary. General knowledge suggests that many claims are supported by a mix of in vitro studies, animal models, and a limited number of human clinical trials, which often vary in design, sample size, and quality. A comprehensive review of current literature would be necessary to assign a specific evidence grade for each health claim.

Filter by source type

Meta-Analyses(2)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality

  • Safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

    Zhou P, Yu X, Song T, Hou X · PloS one · 2024 · n=650

    To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Randomized controlled trials and prospective studies on antioxidant therapy in children and adolescents with ADHD were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the inception of databases to November 12, 2022. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the included studies. Network meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD 42023382824) was carried out by using R Studio 4.2.1. 48 studies involving 12 antioxidant drugs (resveratrol, pycnogenol, omega-3, omega-6, quercetin, phosphatidylserine, almond, vitamin D, zinc, folic acid, ginkgo biloba, Acetyl-L-carnitine) were finally included, with 3,650 patients. Network meta-analysis showed that omega-6 (0.18), vitamin D (0.19), and quercetin (0.24) were the top three safest drugs according to SUCRA. The omega-3

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

  • Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Liu X, Machado GC, Eyles JP, Ravi V, Hunter DJ · British journal of sports medicine · 2018

    To investigate the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements for patients with osteoarthritis. An intervention systematic review with random effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Allied and Complementary Medicine and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched from inception to April 2017. Randomised controlled trials comparing oral supplements with placebo for hand, hip or knee osteoarthritis. Of 20 supplements investigated in 69 eligible studies, 7 (collagen hydrolysate, passion fruit peel extract, Curcuma longa extract, Boswellia serrata extract, curcumin, pycnogenol and L-carnitine) demonstrated large (effect size >0.80) and clinically important effects for pain reduction at short term. Another six (undenatured type II collagen, avocado soybean unsaponifiables, methylsulfonylmethane, diacerein, glucosamine and chondroitin) revealed statistically significant improvements on pain, but wer

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Systematic Reviews(1)

Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).

Very High Quality

  • Herbal medicines in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): An updated systematic review of clinical trials.

    Golsorkhi H, Qorbani M, Sabbaghzadegan S, Dadmehr M · Avicenna journal of phytomedicine · 2023

    This study was performed to provide an updated systematic review of herbal medicines and phytochemicals used for treatment of the pediatric patients with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). International electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were investigated from 1st January 2000 to late October 2021. Interventional studies published in English language, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or open-label clinical studies, which evaluated the effect of herbal medicines and phytochemicals on pediatric ADHD were included in this review. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Several pieces of evidence support the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba L. and Pycnogenol; mainly inconclusive evidence could be found for Valeriana officinalis L., Melissa officinalis L., and ginseng. The results showed that while Hypericum perforatum L. was ineffective for ADHD, Passiflora incarnata L., Crocus sativus L, and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality

Observational Studies(1)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • Herbal preparations for the menopause: beyond isoflavones and black cohosh.

    Depypere HT, Comhaire FH · Maturitas · 2014

    Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) such as isoflavones and black cohosh are commonly used to deal with menopausal symptoms, but benefit a limited proportion of women. The aim of this minireview is to summarize the evidence of the efficacy and safety of other herbal preparations. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) find that the extracts of Mediterranean pine bark (Pycnogenol(®)), linseed, and Lepididium meyenii (Maca) reduce vasomotor symptoms. The results of RCTs of the hop flavonoid 8-prenylnaringenin are conflicting. Animal and human studies suggest that Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam),and Broccoli may protect against osteoporosis and breast and gynecological cancers but further evidence is required. Linseed may protect against breast cancer but the results are conflicting.

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Limitations: Without specific studies, it is difficult to detail precise limitations. However, common limitations in research on natural remedies often include small sample sizes, short study durations, lack of blinding, potential for publication bias, and variability in product formulations. The absence of large-scale, well-controlled human clinical trials often limits definitive conclusions regarding efficacy and optimal dosing.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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