Pine Bark Concentrate
Also known as: Pine Bark Extract (PBE), Pycnogenol, Oligopin, Flavangenol, Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Pinus pinaster bark extract
Overview
Pine Bark Concentrate is a standardized extract derived from the bark of the maritime pine tree (*Pinus pinaster*), renowned for its rich content of polyphenols, particularly procyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. It is widely utilized as a dietary supplement primarily for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Key applications include supporting cardiovascular health, managing components of metabolic syndrome, and reducing oxidative stress. It aims to improve cardiometabolic risk factors such as blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glycemic control, while also supporting vascular function. Available in capsule or tablet form, typical dosages range from 60–340 mg/day. Research on its efficacy is moderate, with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses indicating some beneficial effects, though with varying quality and occasional conflicting results.
Benefits
Pine Bark Concentrate offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiometabolic health. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 RCTs (n > 1600) found significant reductions in body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and HbA1c levels. The certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to low, with the strongest support for body weight reduction. Another meta-analysis of 14 trials (n=1065) reported a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 3.27 mg/dL, though effects on total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL were inconsistent across studies. It has also shown anti-inflammatory effects by reducing C-reactive protein. Some smaller trials suggest antioxidant benefits and improvements in endothelial function, though these findings are less consistent. Benefits have been observed in populations with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stable coronary artery disease, and metabolic syndrome components. While statistically significant, many effect sizes are small and may require adjunctive therapies for clinically meaningful outcomes. Benefits on blood pressure and metabolic parameters have been observed in both short-term (<10 weeks) and longer-term (≥10 weeks) supplementation.
How it works
Pine Bark Concentrate exerts its effects primarily through its rich polyphenol content, including procyanidins and flavonoids. Its primary mechanism involves potent antioxidant activity, achieved by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by modulating inflammatory cytokines and signaling cascades. Furthermore, it contributes to improved endothelial function by enhancing the bioavailability of nitric oxide, which is crucial for vascular dilation and blood flow regulation. These actions collectively interact with the cardiovascular system to reduce blood pressure and improve lipid profiles, and with the metabolic system to enhance glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. The polyphenols have moderate bioavailability, with their metabolites contributing to systemic effects.
Side effects
Pine Bark Concentrate is generally well tolerated and has a favorable safety profile in clinical trials at doses up to 340 mg/day. The most common side effects, reported occasionally (over 5%), include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as stomach upset or nausea. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) may include headache and dizziness. Rare side effects (less than 1%) like allergic reactions are possible, particularly in individuals with known allergies to pine products. Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants, due to its mild antiplatelet effects, which could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. It is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to pine products. Data on its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding are limited, and therefore, its use in these special populations is not well established and generally not recommended without medical supervision.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Pine Bark Concentrate appears to be as low as 60 mg/day for some effects, but more consistent benefits for cardiometabolic parameters are typically observed with moderate doses. The optimal dosage range commonly used in clinical trials for cardiometabolic benefits is 100–200 mg/day. Doses up to 340 mg/day have been safely administered in trials, representing the maximum safe dose reported. It is usually recommended to administer the supplement once or twice daily, preferably with meals, to enhance absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For consistent polyphenol content and efficacy, standardized extracts (e.g., Pycnogenol) are recommended. While no specific cofactors are required, some evidence suggests that co-administration with other antioxidants like vitamin C may offer synergistic effects. Benefits on blood pressure and metabolic parameters often require at least 10 weeks of consistent supplementation to become evident.
FAQs
Does pine bark extract lower blood pressure?
Yes, meta-analyses indicate modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly with moderate doses and consistent use over 10 weeks or longer.
Is it effective for cholesterol management?
It may modestly increase HDL (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), but its effects on total cholesterol and triglycerides are inconsistent across studies.
How long until benefits appear?
Some effects can be observed within a few weeks, but more consistent and significant benefits often require at least 10 weeks of continuous supplementation.
Is it safe for long-term use?
It has been generally safe for up to 6 months in clinical trials. However, long-term safety data beyond this period are limited, and medical consultation is advised for extended use.
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, due to its mild antiplatelet effects, caution is advised if you are taking anticoagulant medications, as it could potentially increase the risk of bleeding.
Research Sources
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/225981 – This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) investigated the effects of pine bark extract (200 mg/day) on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors over 12 weeks. The study found no significant effect on these parameters, highlighting the need for further research or different dosing strategies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11847364/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 RCTs (n > 1600) evaluated pine bark extract's impact on cardiometabolic risk factors. It reported significant reductions in body weight, SBP, DBP, FBS, LDL, and HbA1c, with moderate to low evidence quality, suggesting modest benefits.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/pine-bark-extract.html – This source provides a comprehensive overview of pine bark extract, including its uses, mechanisms, and safety. It cites a meta-analysis of 14 trials (n=1065) reporting a significant increase in HDL cholesterol and notes reductions in C-reactive protein, indicating anti-inflammatory effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39987124/ – This PubMed entry refers to the Mohammadi et al., 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis. It confirms significant reductions in body weight, SBP, DBP, FBS, LDL, and HbA1c with pine bark extract, noting varying evidence quality and small effect sizes.
- https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD008294_using-pine-bark-supplements-help-treat-variety-chronic-diseases – This Cochrane Review, based on 27 RCTs (1641 participants), concluded that there is insufficient evidence to definitively confirm benefits of pine bark supplements for conditions like asthma, ADHD, heart disease, and diabetes, citing small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and low certainty of evidence.
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