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Heart/Mobility/Women

Pine Bark Extract

Standardized maritime pine bark extract rich in procyanidins, studied for venous insufficiency, joint comfort, and circulation in adults.

Pine Bark Extract

Pine Bark Extract

50
score
B
evidence
Caution
risk

Proven Benefits

01Improves chronic venous insufficien
02Lowers blood pressure modestly
03Reduces osteoarthritis knee pain
04Reduces menstrual pain
05May reduce travel-related leg edema
06May improve endothelial function
07May reduce post-exercise muscle cra

Chemical Forms

Recommended
  • French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol)
  • Standardized pine bark extract (65–75% procyanidins)
Avoid
  • Unstandardized pine bark powder
  • Unknown Pinus species without procyanidin standardization
Expert Note

Pycnogenol and equivalent standardized extracts provide a consistent 65–75% procyanidin content, matching the doses used in clinical trials. Unstandardized powders lack verified active compounds and have no human efficacy data.

Protocol

Amount
100–200 mg
Frequency
Once or twice daily
When
With meals to reduce stomach upset

Condition-Based Dosing

Chronic venous insufficiency
150–300 mg daily in divided doses for 4–8 weeks
Knee osteoarthritis
100–150 mg daily for 8–12 weeks
Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
60 mg daily starting 1 week before menses through day 2 of cycle

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit
No established UL; doses up to 300 mg/day have been studied without serious adverse events
Cycling
Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Warfarin or other anticoagulants — potential increased bleeding risk
Bleeding disorders — may prolong bleeding time
Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; avoid unless prescribed

Avoid Combining With

  • ✕Iron supplements (take 2+ hours apart — polyphenols may reduce non-heme iron absorption)
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