When to take Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)

What is pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) good for?

Short answer: Pine bark extract has potential benefits for antioxidants, inflammation, respiratory infection and cardiovascular health.

The Pinus pinaster tree, also known as the maritime pine or cluster pine, is a type of pine tree that is native to the Mediterranean region, the bark of which can be extracted and processed into either liquid or powder form for use as a herbal supplement, known as pine bark extract.

This extract is known to be rich in minerals, vitamins, and several types of antioxidant which promote anti-inflammatory effects, and research is ongoing in the bark's potential for helping treat a wide array of chronic health conditions that are driven by inflammation, such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes.

Pycnogenol

You may also have seen the term Pycnogenol thrown around when referring to pine bark extract, and this is actually a trademarked name for a standardized preparation of pine bark extract that contains at least 70% procyanidin, one of pine bark's flavonoid compounds and a promoter of antioxidant activity.

Role in inflammation and respiratory illness

Several animal and in vitro studies have shown that Pycnogenol is able to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, showing promise as a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Other studies, both in animals and humans, have observed that pine bark extracts, especially those like Pycnogenol which are rich in procyanidin compounds, can help reduce joint inflammation that is associated with arthritis.

Role in cardiovascular health

Pine bark extract is also known for its benefits towards cardiovascular health. One study involving 24 adults that had been diagnosed with high blood pressure observed significant improvements to their blood pressure levels and also cholesterol levels after taking 150mg of pine bark extract every day for just five weeks.

Another study that involved 23 people suffering from coronary heart disease saw improved circulation and lower markers of oxidative stress after taking 200mg of Pycnogenol on a daily basis.

When should I take pine bark extract?

Short answer: Pine bark extract is best taken with a meal, at any time of day.

Some people find that pine bark extract supplements cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches or nausea, so it is advised to always take this type of supplement with a meal, although there is no particular time of day that seems to be best suited for it.

What does pine bark extract combine well with?

Short answer: Pine Bark Extract has been shown to work well together with L-arginine, ubiquinol, vitamin C and vitamin E.

Pine park extract with vitamin E & vitamin C, for migraines

Research shows that pine bark extract can be combined with vitamin C and vitamin E on a daily basis in order to reduce the severity of migraines, as well as the overall likelihood of having a migraine.

Pine park extract with vitamin E & ubiquinol, for eye health

Pine park extract in the form of Pycnogenol was shown to combine well with ubiquinol and vitamin E for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a condition which involves damage to the eye's retina caused by diabetes.

Pine park extract with L-arginine, for erectile dysfunction

Pycnogenol has also been studied in combination with L-arginine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, with a significant improvement observed in erectile function, sexual function and several other sexual satisfaction scores, when compared to the control group.

Pine Bark Extract data sources & further reading

Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025