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Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

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

Full Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) Guide

References

  1. RCTStanislavov R, Nikolova V (2003). Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTEnseleit 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
  3. RCTLiu 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
  4. Yagi H, Sato R, Nishio K, Arai G, et al. (2017). Effects of a supplement combining Pycnogenol® and l-arginine aspartate on lower urinary dysfunction compared with saw palmetto extract.. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTJessberger S, Högger P, Genest F, Salter DM, et al. (2017). Cellular pharmacodynamic effects of Pycnogenol® in patients with severe osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled pilot study.. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. DOI PubMed
  6. Belcaro G, Dugall M, Ippolito E, Hu S, et al. (2015). The COFU3 Study. Improvement in cognitive function, attention, mental performance with Pycnogenol® in healthy subjects (55-70) with high oxidative stress.. Journal of neurosurgical sciences. PubMed
  7. Belcaro G, Luzzi R, Dugall M, Ippolito E, et al. (2014). Pycnogenol® improves cognitive function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills in healthy professionals aged 35-55.. Journal of neurosurgical sciences. PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Stanislavov R, Rohdewald P (2014). Sperm quality in men is improved by supplementation with a combination of L-arginine, L-citrullin, roburins and Pycnogenol®.. Minerva urologica e nefrologica = The Italian journal of urology and nephrology. PubMed
  2. RCTBelcaro G, Hu S, Cesarone MR, Dugall M (2013). A controlled study shows daily intake of 50 mg of French Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol®) lowers plasma reactive oxygen metabolites in healthy smokers.. Minerva medica. PubMed
  3. Marini A, Grether-Beck S, Jaenicke T, Weber M, et al. (2012). Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women.. Skin pharmacology and physiology. DOI PubMed
  4. Suzuki N, Uebaba K, Kohama T, Moniwa N, et al. (2008). French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.. The Journal of reproductive medicine. PubMed
  5. Grether-Beck S, et al. (2024). Impact of a Dietary Supplementation with French Maritime Pine Bark Extract Pycnogenol on Skin Aging.. Skin pharmacology and physiology. DOI PubMed