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Pine Extract

Also known as: Pine bark extract, Pycnogenol, Flavagenol, French maritime pine extract, Pinus pinaster extract

Overview

Pine bark extract, primarily derived from _Pinus pinaster_ (French maritime pine), is a dietary supplement rich in bioflavonoids, particularly proanthocyanidins, known for their antioxidant properties. It is marketed for preventing or treating various chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and osteoarthritis. The extract is characterized by its high antioxidant content and potential anti-inflammatory properties. While research on pine bark extract is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews available, the quality of evidence varies significantly. Many studies have low to very low certainty of evidence, impacting the reliability of reported benefits. It is available in various forms, including capsules and tablets, and is sourced directly from the bark of pine trees.

Benefits

The evidence supporting the benefits of pine bark extract is generally weak. There is no strong evidence to support significant improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as blood pressure. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found no significant change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 12 weeks of supplementation. A meta-analysis also did not suggest any significant improvement in systolic blood pressure. For chronic disorders like asthma, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and osteoarthritis, the evidence is very low-certainty and does not conclusively support its efficacy. For example, in type 2 diabetes, the reduction in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels was not statistically significant or had very low-certainty evidence. Therefore, the clinical significance of pine bark extract for these conditions remains uncertain.

How it works

Pine bark extract is believed to exert its effects through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The proanthocyanidins present in the extract may influence various biological pathways related to oxidative stress and inflammation. It may interact with cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems, among others. However, the evidence for these interactions is not robust. The exact molecular targets are not well-defined, but proanthocyanidins may interact with various cellular components involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. The absorption and bioavailability of pine bark extract components are generally considered to be bioavailable, although extensive studies are lacking.

Side effects

Pine bark extract is generally considered safe, with no significant differences in adverse events compared to placebo groups in most studies. Common side effects reported include headache, sleepiness, frequent urination, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and insomnia; however, these were equally frequent in both intervention and placebo groups. No specific uncommon or rare side effects were consistently reported across studies. No significant drug interactions have been reported, but this area is not extensively studied. No specific contraindications are well-documented. The safety and efficacy in children, pregnant women, and other special populations are not well-studied, warranting caution in these groups. Overall, while pine bark extract appears to be relatively safe, more research is needed to fully understand its potential adverse effects and interactions.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose for pine bark extract, as its efficacy is not consistently supported by evidence. Commonly studied dosages range from 100 to 200 mg per day, but optimal dosages are not defined due to the lack of clear efficacy. No maximum safe dose has been established, but doses up to 200 mg per day have been used without significant adverse effects. No specific timing recommendations are available. No form-specific recommendations are available. The absorption of pine bark extract components may vary, but specific factors influencing absorption are not well-studied. No required cofactors are identified. Given the limited evidence of efficacy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using pine bark extract.

FAQs

Is there strong evidence to support the use of pine bark extract for treating chronic disorders?

No, there is no strong evidence to support the use of pine bark extract for treating chronic disorders. Studies often show very low-certainty evidence and no clear benefits.

Are there any significant safety concerns associated with pine bark extract?

Common side effects are similar to those in placebo groups, and no significant safety concerns have been identified in studies. However, more research is needed for special populations.

What results can I expect from taking pine bark extract?

Given the low-certainty evidence, no significant clinical benefits are expected. It is often marketed for various health benefits, but the scientific evidence does not strongly support these claims.

How should I take pine bark extract?

No specific timing or administration guidelines are available. Commonly studied dosages range from 100 to 200 mg per day, but optimal dosages are not defined due to the lack of clear efficacy.

Research Sources

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/225981 – This randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 130 overweight and obese adults with elevated systolic blood pressure found no significant improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 12 weeks of pine bark extract supplementation. The study was high-quality with a low risk of bias, but the findings were nonsignificant, suggesting that pine bark extract may not be effective for reducing blood pressure in this population.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0003319719889428 – A meta-analysis of seven trials involving 626 participants did not find any significant improvement in systolic blood pressure with pine bark extract supplementation. The meta-analysis was of moderate quality, but the inconsistent findings across trials and variable study quality limit the strength of the conclusion regarding the effect of pine bark extract on blood pressure.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32990945/ – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 RCTs involving 1641 participants across various chronic disorders found very low-certainty evidence for most outcomes, indicating no clear benefits for chronic disorders. The review highlighted significant limitations in the quality of included studies, including a high risk of bias, which undermines the reliability of the findings.
https://www.cochrane.org/CD008294/CF_using-pine-bark-supplements-help-treat-variety-chronic-diseases – This Cochrane review assesses the effects of pine bark extract for treating various chronic diseases. The review concludes that the evidence is of very low quality, and there is no reliable evidence to support the use of pine bark extract for these conditions, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.
https://libguides.usc.edu/healthsciences/systematicreviews/databases – This URL provides access to databases for systematic reviews, which are essential for evaluating the overall evidence for the effectiveness of interventions like pine bark extract. These databases help researchers identify and synthesize the best available evidence to inform clinical practice and guidelines.