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Health Notes

Disclaimer:
This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only.  GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it.  Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products. 

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence.  For a supplement, little scientific support. 

Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition.  While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people. 

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals.  To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings.  We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being. 

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Dose: For plane travel: 200 mg two to three hours before a flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day
People at risk for venous thrombosis during plane travel were shown a video explaining in-flight exercises to prevent venous thrombosis and also followed a regimen of Pycnogenol, which appears to reduce frequency of episodes of venous thrombosis.(more)

High Cholesterol

Dose: 150 mg per day
Preliminary research suggests that Pycnogenol may lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol in people with normal cholesterol levels.(more)

Dose: 120 to 150 mg per day
Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that daily supplementation with Pycnogenol may slow the progression of retinopathy and improve vision. 
(more)

Type 2 Diabetes

Dose: 100 to 150 mg per day
Preliminary research has suggested that Pycnogenol might help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and slow progression of complications such as retinopathy. 
(more)

Dose: 1.1 to 1.66 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight per day during periods of high sun exposure
Proanthocyanidins (flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources) may increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn. 
(more)

Skin Ulcers

Dose: 150 mg per day orally, along with topical application of 100 mg daily
In a controlled study, symptoms of diabetic skin ulcers improved in those treated with standard medications plus oral and topical Pycnogenol. 
(more)

Melasma

Dose: 75 mg per day
Preliminary research shows that melasma, a disorder of increased skin pigmentation, may be improved by Pycnogenol supplementation. 
(more)

Dose: 1 mg daily per 2.2 pounds body weight daily
Though another story did not find effect, one study reported that Pycnogenol reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved attention, coordination, and concentration after one month in a group of children with ADHD. 
(more)

Dose: 100 to 150 mg per day
Double-blind research has shown that Pycnogenol may improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, including reducing pain and the use of pain-relieving medication and improving walking performance. 
(more)

Dose: 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, in two divided dosesIn one trial, supplementing with Pycnogenol improved lung function and asthma symptoms and reduced the need for rescue medication in children with asthma. 
(more)

Dose: 6 pieces chewing gum per day containing 5 mg each
In a double blind trial, people with gingivitis who chewed six pieces daily of a gum had less gum bleeding and no additional plaque formation, compared with a placebo group. 
(more)

Dose: 150 mg per day
A study of healthy senior people reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo. 
(more)

Dose: 150 mg per day
A study of healthy senior people reported that supplementing daily with Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo. 
(more)

Dose: 150 mg per day for seven days, beginning two days before travel
In controlled studies, Pycnogenol taken for two days before and five days after air travel led to milder symptoms that lasted for a shorter period of time, compared with untreated control groups. 
(more)

Leg Cramps

Dose: Refer to label instructionsA preliminary study of people experiencing at least four episodes per week of leg cramps due to either athletic activity, circulatory disorders, or unknown causes reported that Pycnogenol significantly reduced cramping. 
(more)

Dose: 60 to 120 mg per day
In a small, controlled study, Pycnogenol seemed to help decrease systemic lupus erythematosus activity, measured with a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood measurements. 
(more)

Dose: 120 to 150 mg per day
Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that Pycnogenol slows the progression of retinopathy and improves vision when given in typical amounts of 120 to 150 mg per day. 

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a preliminary study, supplementation with a product that provided daily 80 mg of Pycnogenol (a maritime pine bark extract) and 160 mg of a standardized bilberry extract for two months significantly decreased intraocular pressure in people who had elevated intraocular pressure.1

Dose: 100 to 200 mg per day
In a small double-blind trial, 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol lowered systolic blood pressure by about 5 mmHg in a group of people with mild hypertension.1 Another double-blind trial found that 100 mg per day of Pycnogenol made it possible to significantly reduce the amount of blood pressure medication necessary to normalize blood pressure.2 In a controlled study, hypertensive patients with signs of early kidney dysfunction were treated with blood pressure medication and either 150 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo.3 After six months, the group receiving Pycnogenol had a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure and improved in some measures of kidney function. 

Dose: 150 to 300 mg per day
A controlled study reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and reduced associated leg swelling.1 Double-blind trials have also found that 100 mg of Pycnogenol two to three times daily reduced symptoms of CVI and improved measurements of blood flow and pressure inside of the veins.2, 3 A controlled trial found that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol was more effective for CVI than use of elastic stockings alone, but that a combination of the two was better than either treatment alone.4 Several preliminary studies of CVI have investigated pycnogenol in comparison to or combined with other flavonoid extracts.  These studies reported that Pycnogenol (150 to 300 mg per day) was more effective than 1,000 mg per day of a flavonoid mixture of 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin,5 that 360 mg per day of Pycnogenol was more effective than 600 mg per day of horse chestnut seed extract,6 and that a daily combination of 40 mg Pycnogenol and 940 mg hydroxyethylrutosides was more effective than 1,200 mg per day of hydroxyethylrutosides alone.7

Dose: 150 mg per day for chronic edema
In a controlled study, 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol reduced a measurement of fluid leakage into the tissues of people being treated for hypertension who had swelling of the ankles and feet.1 In another controlled study, ankle swelling during long plane flights was reduced when people followed a regimen of 200 mg of Pycnogenol two to three hours before the flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day.2

Dose: For plane travel: 200 mg two to three hours before a flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day
In a controlled study, people at risk for venous thrombosis during plane travel were shown a video explaining in-flight exercises to prevent venous thrombosis and also followed a regimen of 200 mg of pycnogenol two to three hours before the flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg on the following day.1 Compared with a similar group who only viewed the video, the group taking pycnogenol experienced fewer episodes of venous thrombosis. 

Dose: 150 mg per day
A preliminary study reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol lowered LDL cholesterol and raised HDL cholesterol in two-thirds of a group of people with normal cholesterol levels.1 Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Dose: 120 to 150 mg per day
Preliminary and double blind studies have shown that Pycnogenol slows the progression of retinopathy and improves vision when given in typical amounts of 120 to 150 mg per day. 

Preliminary research has suggested that Pycnogenol might help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.1 Double-blind trials have shown that 100 to 125 mg per day of Pycnogenol lowers blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, but improvement in measures of long-term blood sugar control has not been consistent.2, 3

Preliminary and double-blind studies have also shown Pycnogenol (typically 120 to 150 mg per day) slows the progression of diabetic retinopathy and improves vision.4, 5, 6, 7 In a controlled trial of diabetic patients with symptoms of damage to the small blood vessels of the lower legs and feet, 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved measures of skin health and blood flow to the feet.8 In another controlled study, diabetic skin ulcers were treated with standard medications plus either 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol orally, 100 mg pycnogenol topically applied to the ulcers, or a combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol treatment.9 All treatments produced complete healing in more subjects after six weeks compared with a control group receiving no Pycnogenol treatment, but the group receiving oral and topical Pycnogenol had the greatest reductions in ulcer size and in pain and other associated symptoms. 

Dose: 60 mg per day
Preliminary research reported that 60 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for two months reduced abdominal and back pain during menses.1 A double blind trial by the same researchers using 60 mg Pycnogenol per day confirmed these findings for women with more severe pain, but not for those whose menstrual pain was mild.2

Dose: 60 to 200 mg per day In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced reduction of menopausal symptoms as measured by a women's health questionnaire.1 Improvement in menopausal symptoms was also reported in another double-blind trial, in which women took 30 mg of pycnogenol twice a day for three months.2

In a preliminary study,1 symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol, which is high in flavonoids.  Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Dose: 30 mg per day
In a controlled study, pregnant women who took 30 mg per day of Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back.1 Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Dose: 60 mg per day
Preliminary research reported that 60 mg Pycnogenol twice daily for two months reduced abdominal and back pain during menses.1 A double blind trial by the same researchers using 60 mg Pycnogenol per day confirmed these findings for women with more severe pain, but not for those whose menstrual pain was mild.2

In a preliminary study,1 symptoms of endometriosis gradually declined when women took 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol, which is high in flavonoids.  Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Dose: 1.1 to 1.66 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight per day during periods of high sun exposure

Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are a group of flavonoids found in pine bark, grape seed, and other plant sources.  In a preliminary trial, volunteers were supplemented with Pycnogenol, an extract of French maritime pine bark rich in OPCs, in the amount of 1.1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the first four weeks, and 1.66 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for the next four weeks.1 Compared with ultraviolet sensitivity before supplementation, the lower amount of Pycnogenol was found to significantly increase the amount of ultraviolet rays necessary to cause sunburn, and the higher amount was significantly more effective than the lower amount. 

Dose: 150 mg per day orally, along with topical application of 100 mg daily
In a controlled study, diabetic skin ulcers were treated with standard medications plus either 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol orally, 100 mg Pycnogenol topically applied to the ulcers daily, or a combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol treatment.1 All treatments produced complete healing in more subjects after six weeks compared with a control group receiving no Pycnogenol treatment, but the group receiving oral and topical Pycnogenol had the greatest reductions in ulcer size and in pain and other associated symptoms.  In a small controlled study of venous skin ulcers, the same combination of oral and topical Pycnogenol was more effective for healing than oral Pycnogenol treatment alone.2

Dose: 75 mg per day
Melasma is a disorder of increased skin pigmentation.  In a preliminary study, 80% of women with melasma who took 75 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced lightening and shrinking of the pigmented area of the skin.1 More research is needed to evaluate Pycnogenol for this condition. 

Dose: 1 mg daily per 2.2 pounds body weight daily
A double-blind study in Slovakia reported that 1 mg daily per 2.2 pounds body weight of Pycnogenol reduced symptoms of hyperactivity and improved attention, coordination, and concentration after one month in a group of children with ADHD.1 However, a double-blind study in adults with ADHD did not find 1 mg Pycnogenol per pound of body weight daily was effective for ADHD symptoms.2

In a double-blind trial, 100 mg per day of Pycnogenol reduced pain and other osteoarthritis symptoms, improved walking performance, and reduced the use of pain-relieving medication.1 Another double blind trial found that 150 mg per day also improved symptoms and reduced use of pain-relieving medication.2

Dose: 60 to 200 mg per day In a double-blind trial, perimenopausal women who took 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol experienced reduction of menopausal symptoms as measured by a women's health questionnaire.1 Improvement in menopausal symptoms was also reported in another double-blind trial, in which women took 30 mg of pycnogenol twice a day for three months.2

Dose: 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, in two divided dosesIn a double-blind trial, supplementing with Pycnogenol significantly improved lung function and asthma symptoms and significantly reduced the need for rescue medication in a group of children (ages 6 to 18 years) with asthma.1 In contrast, no significant changes were seen in the placebo group.  The amount of Pycnogenol used was 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, in two divided doses, for three months. 

Dose: 6 pieces chewing gum per day containing 5 mg each
In a double blind trial, people with gingivitis chewed six pieces daily of a gum, each containing 5 mg Pycnogenol.1 While a group chewing gum without pycnogenol experienced continued gum bleeding and plaque formation after 14 days, the pycnogenol group had less gum bleeding and no additional plaque formation. 

Dose: 300 mg per day for four days followed by 150 mg per day for three days, with or without daily use of a 0.5% topical cream at the same time
In a controlled trial,1 people with acute hemorrhoids were treated either with oral Pycnogenol (300 mg per day for four days followed by 150 mg per day for three days), an oral placebo, oral Pycnogenol plus daily use of a topical 0.5% Pycnogenol cream, or oral Pycnogenol plus daily use of a placebo cream.  All groups receiving either or both forms of Pycnogenol had greater reduction in signs and symptoms in 7 to 14 days, and fewer recurrences over the following month than the oral placebo group.  The combination treatment appeared somewhat more effective than oral Pycnogenol alone, but whether this difference was statistically significant is unclear. 

Dose: 150 mg per day
A double-blind study of healthy senior people reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo.1

Dose: 150 mg per day
A double-blind study of healthy senior people reported that 150 mg per day of Pycnogenol improved some measures of memory after three months, compared with a group taking a placebo.1

Dose: 30 mg per day
In a controlled study, pregnant women who took 30 mg per day of Pycnogenol reported some relief of pain in the legs, pelvis, hip, and low back.1 Double-blind research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Dose: 150 mg per day for seven days, beginning two days before travel
In controlled studies, 150 mg of Pycnogenol was taken for two days before and five days after air travel.1 Jet lag symptoms were milder and lasted for a shorter period of time compared with untreated control groups. 

Dose: Refer to label instructionsA preliminary study of people experiencing at least four episodes per week of leg cramps due to either athletic activity, circulatory disorders, or unknown causes reported that 200 mg per day of Pycnogenol significantly reduced episodes of leg cramps.1 Double-blind research is needed to further explore this use of Pycnogenol. 

In a small, controlled study, people with SLE were given medication and either a placebo or Pycnogenol in the amount of 120 mg per day for 30 days followed by 60 mg per day for another 30 days.  SLE disease activity, measured with a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood measurements, declined further in the group taking Pycnogenol.1

The information presented by Healthnotes is for informational purposes only.  It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.  The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals.  Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care.  For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available.  Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.  Information expires June 2017.