neuroprotectiveEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Pycnogenol (Maritime Pine Bark)

aka French maritime pine bark · OPC · Pine bark extract

Branded extract of French maritime pine bark. Procyanidin and flavonoid complex with cardiovascular, cognitive, and ADHD benefits.

Dose range100–200mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety5/5high evidence base

Mechanism of action

A complex of procyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), bioflavonoids, and organic acids. Strong antioxidant activity scavenges reactive oxygen species. Enhances nitric oxide production for vasodilation. Modulates inflammatory cytokines including NF-κB. Crosses the blood-brain barrier with measurable central effects.

History

Pycnogenol is the branded standardised extract patented by Horphag Research from the bark of Pinus pinaster trees growing in the Les Landes de Gascogne forest in southwestern France. Originally developed by Jacques Masquelier in the 1950s. The branded form (Pycnogenol) has been used in over 160 published clinical studies. Trebatická 2006 demonstrated ADHD symptom improvement in children. Multiple cardiovascular trials support vascular function effects. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

ADHD symptoms in children
EVIDENCEB
Trebatická 2006.
Cardiovascular function (endothelial)
EVIDENCEA
Multiple RCTs.
Cognitive function in healthy adults
EVIDENCEB
Belcaro 2015.

Side effects

Mild GI upsetraremild

Cited research

Pycnogenol effects on ADHD in children (Trebatická)2006
PMID 16940791 ↗
Pycnogenol cognitive function in healthy adults (Belcaro)2015
PMID 25892216 ↗
Pycnogenol for chronic venous insufficiency (Cesarone)2006
PMID 16871530 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Pycnogenol (Maritime Pine Bark) — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Life Extension 4.3	Pycnogenol (Maritime Pine Bark) — Life Extension	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Pycnogenol (Maritime Pine Bark) — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Pycnogenol (Maritime Pine Bark) — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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