Pycnogenol
Scientific names: Pinus maritima Mill.; Pinus pinaster Ait. Family: PinaceaeEfficacy-safety rating:
●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.
Safety rating:
●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.What is Pycnogenol?
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The name Pycnogenol is a trademark of the British company Horphag Research, Ltd. for a complex proprietary mixture of water-soluble proanthocyanidins derived from the bark of the European coastal pine, which grows along the coast of southwest France in Gascogne.
What is Pycnogenol used for?
Miscellaneous usesProduct literature indicates that Pycnogenol, when taken as a dietary supplement, is a free radical scavenger. Pycnogenol has been studied for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and inflammation, and for use as an antioxidant. It has been promoted for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is limited clinical information regarding Pycnogenol and these uses.
What is the dosage of Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol has been studied in clinical trials for lupus, CVI, vascular retinopathy, and asthma at oral doses of 60 to 300 mg daily.
Is Pycnogenol safe?
ContraindicationsContraindications have not been identified.
Pregnancy/nursingInformation regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
InteractionsNone well documented.
Side EffectsSome children taking pycnogenol for ADHD became irritable and showed decreased energy; however, pycnogenol is generally well tolerated.
ToxicitiesNo data.
References
- Pycnogenol. Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons 4.0.http: / / online.factsandcomparisons.com / MonoDisp.aspx?book=NP&monoID;=fandc - rnp - 5261&searched;=pycnogenol|pinus%20pinaster%20extract%20pine%20bark|proanthocyanidin%20pycnogenol. June 2007. Accessed July 10, 2007.
Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health
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