Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Mild GI discomfort (nausea, stomach upset) — usually resolves within first week
- Headache (infrequent, typically mild)
- Dizziness (rare, may relate to blood pressure-lowering effect)
- Excellent overall safety profile established across 160+ clinical studies with no serious adverse events
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) — Pycnogenol has mild antiplatelet effects; monitor INR if combining with blood thinners
- Blood pressure medications — additive hypotensive effects; monitor blood pressure
- Diabetes medications — may enhance blood sugar lowering; monitor glucose levels
- Immunosuppressants — Pycnogenol may modulate immune function; discuss with physician
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 450mg daily has been used safely in clinical studies
References
- Stanislavov R, Nikolova V (2003). Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. DOI PubMed
- Enseleit F, Sudano I, Periat D, et al. (2012). Effects of Pycnogenol on endothelial function in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. European Heart Journal. DOI PubMed
- Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, Zhou S, Würthwein G, Rohdewald P (2004). Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, improves endothelial function of hypertensive patients. Life Sciences. DOI PubMed