Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract): Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety
Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy
Quick summary
Pycnogenol is a branded French maritime pine bark extract rich in antioxidant proanthocyanidins. It has preliminary evidence across circulation, blood pressure and (with L-arginine) erectile function, though many studies are small or industry-linked.
What is Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
Pycnogenol is a trademarked extract of French maritime pine bark, standardised to a high content of proanthocyanidins — the same antioxidant flavonoid family found in grape seed. It is one of the more heavily studied branded supplement ingredients, marketed for circulation, blood pressure, skin, joint comfort and, often paired with L-arginine, erectile function. A fair caveat is that a substantial share of the research is funded by or linked to the ingredient's maker.
What Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) is commonly used for
Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) is used in supplements as nutritional support, not as a treatment for any medical condition.
How Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) works
Pycnogenol's proanthocyanidins are antioxidants that may support the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), improve nitric-oxide-related blood flow, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Better blood-vessel function is the common thread behind its circulation, blood-pressure and erectile-function claims.
What the evidence says
Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) — including where the evidence is limited.
- Studies suggest pycnogenol may modestly support blood-vessel function, circulation and blood pressure, though many trials are small or industry-linked. (PubMed research)
- Combined with L-arginine, it has shown benefit for erectile function in small trials. (PubMed research)
- It has also been studied for venous (leg circulation) symptoms and skin, with preliminary results. (PubMed research)
Typical dosage used in studies
Studies commonly use about 100-200 mg/day, sometimes split. This is research information, not a recommendation.
Side effects and safety
Pycnogenol is generally well tolerated; mild digestive upset, dizziness or headache are occasionally reported.
Medication interactions and who should avoid Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)
Medication & safety check
Because it may affect blood flow and clotting, people on blood thinners or facing surgery should check first. As it can stimulate the immune system, people with autoimmune conditions or on immunosuppressants should be cautious, and pregnancy data are limited.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. If you take any medication, confirm it's safe to combine with Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Sources & further reading
The evidence summary above is drawn from these sources. For general, authoritative background you can also consult:
- PubMed research
- PubMed research
- PubMed research
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Frequently asked questions
What is pycnogenol good for?
It has preliminary evidence for circulation, blood-vessel function and blood pressure, and for erectile function when combined with L-arginine.
Is the evidence reliable?
It's one of the more-studied branded ingredients, but many trials are small or funded by the maker, so interpret the results with some caution.
What dose is used?
Around 100-200 mg/day in studies.
How is it different from grape seed extract?
Both are proanthocyanidin-rich; pycnogenol is a specific trademarked pine-bark extract with its own body of (often industry-linked) research.
Who should be careful with it?
People on blood thinners, facing surgery, with autoimmune conditions, or who are pregnant should check first.