What is the recommended dose of Pine Bark Extract?

- **Look for:** Pycnogenol® (branded — virtually all clinical data); 50-150mg per serving; French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster) - **Avoid:** Generic "pine bark extract" without procyanidin qu...

Is Pine Bark Extract safe to take daily?

Pine Bark Extract is rated "Generally Safe" based on clinical evidence. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

Pine Bark Extract

MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated

AVELOR SUMMARY

Pycnogenol® is a standardized extract of French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster) containing procyanidins, phenolic acids, and taxifolin. Our research shows it has the broadest evidence base of any pine bark extract, with over 160 clinical trials covering cardiovascular health, skin aging, ADHD in children, endometriosis, and erectile dysfunction. A 2012 meta-analysis confirmed it reduces blood pressure by 3-5 mmHg, and a 2006 RCT found it improved ADHD symptoms by 26% in children. The procyanidin profile is similar to grape seed extract but with additional unique compounds.

WHAT IT DOES

Pycnogenol's oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) work through: (1) potent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation — increasing NO production for vasodilation and blood pressure reduction; (2) collagen and elastin cross-linking protection — inhibiting the enzymes (MMPs, elastase, collagenase) that degrade skin and vascular structural proteins; (3) antiplatelet activity — reducing thromboxane A2 without affecting prostacyclin (aspirin-like but milder); (4) NF-κB inhibition — broad anti-inflammatory effect; (5) modulation of catecholamine metabolism — the proposed mechanism for ADHD improvement (increased dopamine/norepinephrine availability).

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Look for: Pycnogenol® (branded — virtually all clinical data); 50-150mg per serving; French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster)
Avoid: Generic "pine bark extract" without procyanidin quantification; products from different pine species; under-dosed products (<25mg)
Minimum effective dose: 50mg/day for general antioxidant; 100-150mg/day for vascular/ADHD effects
Third-party tested brands: Life Extension (Pycnogenol), Swanson (Pycnogenol), NOW Foods

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SAFETY PROFILE

Critical Interactions (Do Not Combine Without Medical Supervision)

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

Theoretical/Low-Risk Interactions

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated:

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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