Pine Bark Extract (95% OPC)
Also known as: Pycnogenol, Pinus pinaster bark extract, French maritime pine bark, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, OPC, Oligopin, Enzogenol
Pine bark extract is a polyphenol-rich extract of French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark, standardized to oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Pycnogenol is the most-studied branded form; generic 95% OPC extracts are widely used. A meta-analysis of 24 RCTs found lower fasting glucose, HbA1c, LDL, and modest blood-pressure changes, although a separate blood-pressure-focused meta-analysis found no significant effect. It appears in circulation, heart, skin, and antioxidant formulas at 50–200 mg per day.
Research summary
Procyanidins support endothelial nitric oxide production and act as potent antioxidants; also inhibit collagenase and elastase in vitro.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 50–200 mg | — | — |
50–200 mg daily, often split with meals; trials pooled in meta-analyses ranged widely in dose and duration, and results differ by outcome. Benefits on vascular and glucose markers were assessed over 4–24 weeks.
Standardization: ≥95% oligomeric proanthocyanidins (Pycnogenol: 65–75% procyanidins)
Source material: Pinus pinaster bark extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Astringent reddish-brown powder; capsules and tablets standard, gummies and liquids feasible at lower doses with masking.
Formulation notes
May modestly enhance effects of anticoagulants and blood-pressure medication. Pycnogenol is a trademark; use the brand name only when sourcing the branded material.
Sources
- Effects of pycnogenol on cardiometabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (Malekahmadi, 2019)PubMed
- Effect of Pycnogenol on Blood Pressure: Findings From a PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Studies. (Fogacci, 2020)PubMed
- Horphag Research — PycnogenolSupplier
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