DR. WALKER

Pine Bark Extract: Health Benefits

Name and Origin:

Pine bark extract, also known as Pycnogenol, is derived from the bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, a species native to the Mediterranean region. For centuries, this extract has been used in traditional medicine due to its remarkable health benefits (Snyder, 2021).

Benefits

- Antioxidant Powerhouse Pine bark extract is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties. It contains proanthocyanidins, which help combat free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall well-being (Snyder, 2021).

- Heart Health Support Studies have shown that pine bark extract may aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and improving endothelial function, thus benefiting cardiovascular health (Snyder, 2021).

- Asthma Using a particular daily oral intake of Pycnogenol, which is a specific extract from maritime pine bark, in conjunction with asthma medications, appears to reduce asthma symptoms and reliance on rescue inhalers in both children and adults with asthma. It is important to note that maritime pine bark extract should not be used as a substitute for asthma medication (Maritime Pine - Uses, Side Effects, and More, n.d.).

- Osteoarthritis Individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis may experience an improvement in certain symptoms related to their condition. Furthermore, this extract might potentially decrease the reliance on pain medications for certain individuals (Maritime Pine - Uses, Side Effects, and More, n.d.).

Expanded Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract

 Skin health: Pine bark extract has been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration, and to protect against UV damage.

 Cognitive function: Some studies have suggested that pine bark extract may improve cognitive function, including memory and attention.

 Athletic performance: Some studies have suggested that pine bark extract may improve athletic performance by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle fatigue.

Other Names

Aside from Pycnogenol, pine bark extract is also known as pine bark, maritime pine bark extract, and flavangenol.

Adverse Reactions

In general, pine bark extract is well-tolerated. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or dizziness (Maritime Pine - Uses, Side Effects, and More, n.d.). It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reactions occur.

Contraindications

If you have autoimmune diseases like MS, lupus (SLE), RA, or similar conditions, using maritime pine could worsen symptoms by making your immune system more active. Avoid maritime pine in these cases.
People with bleeding conditions should be cautious when taking high doses of maritime pine because it can increase the risk of bleeding.
If you have a scheduled surgery, maritime pine can affect blood clotting and lower blood sugar levels. This could lead to excessively low blood sugar and increased bleeding risks during and after the surgery. It is recommended to stop using maritime pine at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled surgery (Maritime Pine - Uses, Side Effects, and More, n.d.).

Drug Interactions

Pine bark extract may interact with blood-thinning medications, anti-diabetes drugs, and immune suppressants (Maritime Pine - Uses, Side Effects, and More, n.d.). So individuals taking such drugs should seek medical advice before using the supplement.

Dose

There are various types of pine bark supplements available for purchase, including liquid, capsule, and powder forms. However, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage of pine bark extract, if any, for your needs.

References:

Maritime Pine - Uses, Side Effects, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved from WebMD:
Snyder, C. (2021, February 11). Pine Bark Extract: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects. Retrieved from Healthline: