Pinaceae
Pine Bark Extract
Pinus maritima
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Southwest France (Les Landes)
Also known as: Maritime Pine Bark, Pycnogenol, French Maritime Pine
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Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic venous insufficiency (Pycnogenol — multiple RCTs), diabetic retinopathy, erectile dysfunction, ADHD (clinical trials), menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular protection. OPC-rich — strongest plant antioxidant class.
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant (20x vitamin C, 50x vitamin E), anti-inflammatory, endothelial protective, antiplatelet, vasodilatory, antidiabetic
Active Constituents
Procyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins — 65–75%), catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin, phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, vanillic)
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not applicable — extract form |
| Tincture | Pycnogenol: 50–200mg daily. Generic OPC extract: 100–300mg daily. |
| Notes | Pycnogenol is standardized Pinus maritima extract — most studied form. 50mg 3x daily for most indications. For ED: 80mg 3x daily + L-arginine. For ADHD: 1mg/kg daily. For CVI: 100mg 3x daily. Take with food. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with autoimmune medications (immunostimulant). Caution with anticoagulants. Insufficient pregnancy data.
Side Effects: GI upset. Headache. Dizziness. Generally very well tolerated.