The results indicate that pycnogenol supplementation improves levels of HDL-C ; however , the changes in TC , TAG , and LDL-C were not clinical ly relevant .
Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels  , pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases
The effects of pycnogenol on plasma lipids are controversial .
A systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials were conducted to obtain a conclusive result in humans .
Comparative study of Venostasin and Pycnogenol in chronic venous insufficiency.
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Venostasin ( horse chestnut seed extract ) and Pycnogenol ( French maritime pine bark extract ) in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency ( CVI ) . In an open , controlled comparative study 40 patients with diagnosed CVI were treated either with 600 mg chestnut seed extract per day or 360 mg Pycnogenol per day over a period of 4 weeks . The following parameters were investigated before the start of treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment : circumference of the lower legs and rating of subjective symptoms ( scores ) of pain , cramps , night-time swelling , feeling of " heaviness " , and reddening of the skin . In addition , blood levels of cholesterol LDL and HDL were determined before and at the end of treatment . Pycnogenol significantly reduced the circumference of the lower limbs and significantly improved subjective symptoms . Furthermore , Pycnogenol significantly decreased cholesterol and LDL values in the blood , whereas HDL remained unaffected . Venostasin only moderately but not significantly , reduced the circumference of the lower limbs and marginally improved symptoms .  Venostasin had no influence on the determined lipid values . Both medications were equally well tolerated . In conclusion , Pycnogenol was found to be more efficacious than Venostasin for the treatment of CVI
The results indicate that pycnogenol supplementation improves levels of HDL-C ; however , the changes in TC , TAG , and LDL-C were not clinical ly relevant .
Since there are few phytochemicals that have a significant increasing effect on HDL-C levels  , pycnogenol may have important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases
The effects of pycnogenol on plasma lipids are controversial .
A systematic review and meta- analysis of clinical trials were conducted to obtain a conclusive result in humans .