Pine Bark
Scientific Name: Pine Bark Extract
Other Names: French Marine Pine Bark Extract, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Leucoanthocyanidins, OPC, Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, PCO, Pinus maritima, Pinus pinaster, Procyandiol Oligomers, Procyanodolic Oligomers, Pycnogenol, Pygenol
Should I take it?
Pine bark extract is obtained from the inner bark of specific types of pine trees (Pinus maritima and Pinus pinaster) that grow mainly in the coastal areas of southwestern France. Since the 1850s, forests of these trees have been planted for use as lumber and paper. Through careful planting and harvesting, the forests now cover more than 2 1/2 million acres. As trees are cut, their fresh bark is removed, the soft inner layer is separated from the rough, outer bark, and the inner bark bark is then processed to produce a powder that can be made into oral or topical products.
Dosage and Administration
Pine bark extract is commonly used in Europe and Asia. Standardized commercial preparations were introduced to the U.S. market in the late 1980s. Standardization by the manufacturer should assure the same amount of active ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation. Generally, pine bark extract capsules, tablets, or oral liquid forms should contain between 85% and 90% of proanthocyanidins (also known as polyphenols), the active ingredient of pine bark extract. Lotions or creams usually contain between 0.5% and 2% of pine bark extract.
Dosing varies, but typical oral doses used in clinical studies include:
| For chronic venous insufficiency: | 45 mg to 360 mg per day--usually divided into three doses. |
| For retinopathy: | 50 mg three times a day |
| For uneven skin tone: | 1 mg to 1.7 mg per kilogram of body weight per day* |
| For exercise enhancement: | 200 mg three times a day |
| For male infertility caused by low sperm count: | 200 mg once a day |
| For coronary heart disease: | 150 mg three times a day |
| For high cholesterol: | 120 mg three times a day |
| For osteoarthritis: | 100 mg once a day |
| For abdominal pain in women: | 30 mg to 60 mg once a day |
| For improving memory: | 120 mg to 150 mg once a day |
* a kilogram is about 2 1/4 pounds
Summary
Pine bark extract has been shown in studies to help relieve swelling and pain associated with chronic venous insufficiency in the legs and to delay or prevent damage to blood vessels in the retinas of the eyes. Study evidence also supports its use in enhancing exercise capacity, improving fertility for men with inadequate sperm quality and/or movement, and smoothing out uneven skin color. Less support is available for a number of other proposed uses for pine bark extract such as relieving symptoms of coronary artery disease, lowering cholesterol, lessening abdominal pain from endometriosis, and treating Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed before these and other possible uses of pine bark extract can be recommended.
Risks
Due to its possible effects on the immune system, pine bark extract should not be taken by transplant recipients or by individuals who have autoimmune conditions. Because little is known about pine bark extract, its use is also not recommended for children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Other than nausea, few side effects have been attributed to the use of pine bark extract, but not enough information about it is available to determine whether other side effects are possible.
Interactions
Pine bark extract should not be used while taking immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, or antiplatelet agents.
Last Revised April 15, 2008
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Should I take it? 
