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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- PubMed: Pycnogenol treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes
- PubMed: Pycnogenol treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes
- PubMed: Variations in C-reactive protein, plasma free radicals and fibrinogen values in patients with osteoarthritis treated with Pycnogenol
- PubMed: Variations in C-reactive protein, plasma free radicals and fibrinogen values in patients with osteoarthritis treated with Pycnogenol
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Pine Bark Extract Benefits
Pine bark extract, also known as Pycnogenol, is derived from the Pinus pinaster plant and contains potent antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which are responsible for most of its effects. Research suggests that supplementing with pine bark extract can provide an abundance of benefits that enhance overall health. Consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Boosts Kidney Function
Pine bark extract might improve kidney function and decrease the risk of kidney damage from hypertension, according to a study conducted by lead author Dr. Gianni Belcaro and fellow researchers from G D’Annunzio University in Italy. Their report, which was published in the March 2010 issue of the “Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” revealed that hypertensive subjects taking Pycnogenol for six months experienced decreases in blood pressure and improvements in kidney function from increased blood flow compared to those taking a placebo.
Treats Hemorrhoids
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Pycnogenol might be effective for treating hemorrhoids, a condition that causes inflammation of the veins surrounding the anus. Dr. Gianni Belcaro led a team of researchers from G D’Annunzio University in Italy who investigated the impact of Pycnogenol on acute hemorrhoidal episodes 2. At the end of the treatment, which was reported in the March 2010 issue of the journal “Phytotherapy Research,” scientists observed that subjects ingesting Pycnogenol for seven days experienced reductions in intensity and duration of pain and bleeding around the anus compared to those receiving a placebo.
Improves Diabetic Retinopathy
Lead author Dr. Robert Steigerwalt and colleagues from G D’Annunzio University in Italy studied the effects of pine bark extract on diabetic retinopathy, which damages the retina of the eye and can often lead to blindness 3. Subjects with early stages of diabetic retinopathy were given Pycnogenol or a placebo for two months. In a study published in the December 2009 issue of “Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” researchers found that the Pycnogenol group increased their visual acuity, or the clearness of vision, compared to the placebo group.
Reduces Inflammation
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Pycnogenol might reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis patients, according to a study conducted by researchers from Universitat Munster in Germany. They discovered that osteoarthritis patients taking Pycnogenol for three months experienced decreases in C-reactive protein and fibrinogen values, both indicators of inflammation, according to the 2008 issue of the journal “Redox Report. 4”
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References
- Nutra Ingredients: Pine bark extract may benefit blood pressure-related kidney health
- PubMed: Pycnogenol treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes
- Nutra Ingredients: Pine bark extract may boost diabetic eye health
- PubMed: Variations in C-reactive protein, plasma free radicals and fibrinogen values in patients with osteoarthritis treated with Pycnogenol
- Pj R. Relief from Menopausal Symptoms by Non-hormonal Treatment with Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark Extract). Journal of Genital System & Disorders. 2016;05(04). doi:10.4172/2325-9728.1000163.
- Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, et al. Comparison of Pycnogenol and Daflon in treating chronic venous insufficiency: a prospective, controlled study. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2006;12(2):205-12. doi:10.1177/107602960601200209
- Stanislavov R, Nikolova V. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. J Sex Marital Ther. 2003;29(3):207-13. doi:10.1080/00926230390155104
- Zibadi S, Rohdewald PJ, Park D, Watson RR. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutr Res. 2008;28(5):315-20. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2008.03.003
- Drieling RL, Gardner CD, Ma J, Ahn DK, Stafford RS. No beneficial effects of pine bark extract on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(17):1541-7. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2010.310
- Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, Zhou S, Würthwein G, Rohdewald P. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci. 2004;75(21):2505-13. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2003.10.043
- Luzzi R, Belcaro G, Hu S, et al. Improvement in symptoms and cochlear flow with pycnogenol in patients with Meniere's disease and tinnitus. Minerva Med. 2014;105(3):245-54.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Pine Bark Extract. Updated February 12, 2018.
- Schönlau F, Rohdewald P. Pycnogenol for Diabetic Retinopathy. A Review. International Ophthalmology. 2001;24(3):161-171. doi:10.1023/a:1021160924583.
- Marini A, Grether-beck S, Jaenicke T, et al. Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2012;25(2):86-92. doi:10.1159/000335261
Writer Bio
William Gamonski is a graduate of St. Francis College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health promotion and sciences. He was a dietetic intern at Rivington House and has been a personal trainer for the past two years. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in nutrition.