Pycnogenol Benefits | Pycnogenol Side Effects

Pycnogenol Benefits | Pycnogenol Side Effects
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Pycnogenol

Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) - France

Pycnogenol® is the name of a herbal product that contains an extract from the bark of a pine tree called the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) which is grown in southwest France. It contains substances that may have antioxidant effects, improve circulation, and stimulate the immune system.

Benefits

Possible Pycnogenol benefits include:

Asthma - In one study involving 22 individuals with asthma (that completed the study), almost all of those who took Pycnogenol responded favorably in contrast to those who took a placebo. No adverse side effects were noted. The results indicate it may be a valuable treatment in the management of chronic asthma but further clinical trials are recommended.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) - CVI is a condition where the veins can not return enough blood back to the heart. This can cause problems like leg swelling, varicose veins, and skin ulcers. In one study, Pycnogenol was shown to be more effective than the drug Daflon.

High Blood Pressure (BP) - Taking Pycnogenol may decrease systolic BP in those with high BP and may reduce the need for taking the drug Nifedipine. More research is needed.

Retinopathy - Retinopathy is a disease of the retina that can cause loss of vision. It is a serious threat to people with diabetes. According to a few studies involving patients with diabetic retinopathy, Pycnogenol had favorable outcomes in the majority of participants. Side effects were rare.

Other possible Pycnogenol benefits may include helping:

  • muscular pain
  • dysmenorrhea (uterine pain during menstruation)
  • erectile dysfunction
  • gingival bleeding / plaque
  • high cholesterol (LDL - “bad cholesterol”)
  • male infertility.

Side Effects & Precautions

Pycnogenol side effects may include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. To help prevent stomach discomfort, take it with or after meals.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking.

People with auto-immune diseases or people taking immunosuppressants (drugs that decrease the immune system) should avoid taking.

Pycnogenol may interact with blood pressure medications.

People with diabetes or hypoglycemia should consult with their health care provider before using.

People with bleeding disorders or taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding should consult with their health care provider before using.

Sources Used

WebMD: Pycnogenol - https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1019-PYCNOGENOL.aspx?activeIngredientId=1019&activeIngredientName=PYCNOGENOL

Medline Plus: Pycnogenol (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica) - https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-pycnogenol.html

PubMed.gov: Pycnogenol((R)) in the Management of Asthma - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12639402

Safe journals online: Comparison of Pycnogenol® and Daflon® in Treating Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Prospective, Controlled Study - https://cat.sagepub.com/cgi/content/short/12/2/205

PubMed.gov: Pycnogenol for diabetic retinopathy. A review. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12498513

Photo Credit

Image courtesy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pinus_pinaster_JPG2.jpg

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