Pinaceae
Maritime Pine
Pinus pinaster
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Western Mediterranean (France, Spain, Portugal)
Also known as: French Maritime Pine, Sea Pine, Cluster Pine
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Bark
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic venous insufficiency, diabetic retinopathy, ADHD, menopausal symptoms, cardiovascular protection, erectile dysfunction, sports performance. Pycnogenol is standardized maritime pine bark.
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, endothelial protective, antiplatelet, vasodilatory, antidiabetic, cognitive enhancer
Active Constituents
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs — primary), procyanidins, catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid — identical to Pycnogenol source plant
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | N/A — extract form |
| Tincture | Generic OPC extract: 100–300mg daily. Pycnogenol (standardized): 50–200mg daily. |
| Notes | Maritime pine bark = source of Pycnogenol. Generic pine bark extract less standardized but lower cost. OPC content varies by extraction method. Take with food. 50–100mg 3x daily for most clinical indications. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Autoimmune concerns (immunostimulant). Caution with anticoagulants. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset. Headache. Dizziness. Very well tolerated.