Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)
Many small trials on circulation and skin, but independent reviews call the evidence insufficient.
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What it is
This extract comes from the bark of the French maritime pine and is rich in procyanidins, a family of plant polyphenols. The most-studied version is a standardized extract known as Pycnogenol.
How it works
Procyanidins act as antioxidants and may help blood vessels relax by supporting nitric oxide production, which could affect circulation and blood pressure. They're also thought to support collagen in skin and blood vessel walls. These effects are seen in lab and short-term studies and haven't been confirmed in rigorous long-term trials.
What it's been studied for
Commonly taken for circulation and leg swelling, blood pressure, skin health, and general antioxidant support.
What the evidence shows
Dozens of small trials report benefits for circulation, blood pressure, skin, and more, but many were short, small, and funded by the manufacturer. A Cochrane review of pine bark extract for chronic disorders concluded the evidence was insufficient to support its use for any chronic condition. The honest read is intriguing but not reliable yet.
Who should consider it
People with mild circulation concerns or interest in skin support might reasonably try it, knowing the evidence is weaker than marketing suggests. It's not a substitute for treating high blood pressure or vein disease. People on blood thinners, those with autoimmune disease, and pregnant women should check with their provider first.
Amounts commonly studied
Studies typically used 100 to 200 mg per day of a standardized extract, with a range of about 50 to 360 mg.
How to take it
It's usually taken with meals to reduce stomach upset. Studies generally ran 8 to 12 weeks. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or take blood thinners, talk to your provider before starting.
Forms & absorption
Standardized extracts are typically 65 to 75 percent procyanidins, the studied form. Grape seed extract contains similar compounds but is a different product with its own research.
Food sources
None — pine bark isn't eaten. Similar procyanidins are found in foods like apples, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, and tea.
Safety & interactions
Generally well tolerated; stomach upset, dizziness, and headache are possible. It may affect clotting and blood sugar, so use caution with blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and diabetes medications; it may also stimulate immune activity, so check with your provider if you take immunosuppressants or have autoimmune disease. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your provider advises otherwise.
Myths & what it won't do
Myth: pine bark extract is proven for circulation and blood pressure. Reality: independent reviews found the trials too small and inconsistent to support its use for chronic conditions. Myth: it's the same as grape seed extract. Reality: they share compounds, but they're different products with separate research.
Common questions
- Does it lower blood pressure?
- Some small trials found modest effects, but results are inconsistent and many studies were industry-funded. It's not a replacement for blood pressure treatment.
- Why are there so many positive studies?
- Many were small, short, and funded by the manufacturer. Independent reviews found the overall quality too low for firm conclusions.
- Is it safe with blood thinners?
- It may affect clotting, so talk to your provider before combining them.
The amounts listed here are what published research has used — not a prescription or a recommended dose for you. Confirm anything you plan to take with your own healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
Related goals
Research on Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol)
Recommendations on this page are informed by published research. This is educational information, not medical advice.
- Robertson NU, Schoonees A, Brand A, Visser J. Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;(9):CD008294. View study →Note: Across 27 small trials in 10 chronic conditions, the evidence was insufficient to support pine bark extract for any of them.