Pycnogenol

What is Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol is another name for an extract from French maritime pine bark. It is used as a natural supplement for various conditions and problems including dry skin and ADHD. Pycnogenol contains active ingredients that are also found in peanut shells, grape seeds and witch hazel bark.

Benefits of Pycnogenol for the skin

Pycnogenol has many benefits for the skin, including reducing the signs of ageing. A small study conducted in 2012 (1) with postmenopausal women found that Pycnogenol improved skin hydration and elasticity.

The subjects took Pycnogenol as a supplement and it was found to be most effective in women who already suffered from dry skin at the start of the study. The scientists concluded that Pycnogenol could increase the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, both of which are found in many popular anti-ageing products.

A 2004 study conducted on animals also found that applying a gel containing Pycnogenol to the skin accelerated the wound healing process. It also reduced the size of scars (2).

A 2017 study review reported the many benefits of Pycnogenol when it comes to reducing the effects of skin ageing (23). Pycnogenol appears to reduce the formation of free radicals, which are molecules associated with various skin problems. It also appears to promote cell regeneration and cell division.

This review concluded that Pycnogenol may help with the following:

Reduction of wrinkles due to UVB rays
Decreasing the thickness of the skin
Reducing the roughness of the skin
Improving the visible signs of skin ageing
Protection from UV rays
Prevention of inflammation
Reduction of skin redness
Reduction of melasma areas
Reduction of skin discoloration
Reduction of photoaging
Protection against certain types of skin cancer

Benefits of Pycnogenol for ADHD

In addition to its skin healing properties, Pycnogenol appears to show promise in helping to control ADHD symptoms in children. A 2006 study found that children who took a daily Pycnogenol supplement showed significantly reduced signs of hyperactivity (4).

Pycnogenol also appeared to improve attention span, visual motor skills and concentration. The symptoms in the subjects returned one month after they stopped taking Pycnogenol.

Another study from 2006 investigated the antioxidant activity of Pycnogenol on oxidative stress (5), which is believed to be one of the non-genetic factors contributing to ADHD. Children who took Pycnogenol for one month showed healthy antioxidant levels.

However, while these results are promising, there is not enough research to fully understand the effects of antioxidant levels on ADHD symptoms.

Other health benefits of Pycnogenol

Neuroprotective properties of Pycnogenol

The results of a 2013 animal study (6) suggest that Pycnogenol may help reduce nerve damage following traumatic brain injury. This is believed to be based on Pycnogenol's ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further studies are needed to better understand these results and the role of Pycnogenol in reducing damage after trauma to the head.

Pycnogenol could improve heart health

A small 2017 study (7) investigated the effects of Pycnogenol in the treatment of cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with menopause.

Reduced cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels were observed in postmenopausal women who took Pycnogenol for eight weeks. High levels of these two compounds are considered risk factors for heart disease. Normalization of fasting blood glucose levels and blood pressure was also observed, which may also reduce the risk of heart disease.

However, this was a relatively small study, which means that further, larger-scale studies are needed to fully understand the role of Pycnogenol in these results.

Pycnogenol may support treatment of metabolic syndrome

A 2015 study review suggests that Pycnogenol can be used to treat metabolic syndrome and related disorders such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure (8). This review found evidence that taking Pycnogenol may do the following:

Lower blood sugar levels in diabetics
Lower blood pressure
Reduce waist circumference
Improve kidney function

Similar to the neuroprotective benefits of Pycnogenol, these benefits also appear to be linked to Pycnogenol's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How is Pycnogenol used?

Pycnogenol is usually taken orally in capsule form, but it can also be applied to the skin. Regardless of the purpose for which it is used, it is best to start with the lowest possible dosage. You can gradually increase this dose as you get a better feel for how your body reacts to this active ingredient. According to the US National Institutes of Health, a daily dose of 50 to 450 mg is safe for adults for up to one year (9). As a powder applied to the skin, Pycnogenol can be used safely for up to six weeks. There are not yet enough studies to make recommendations for use by children. It should be taken under the supervision of a pediatrician in order to assess whether there are any individual contraindications. Even if it is assumed that Pycnogenol is safe and harmless for children, it should only be taken by children for a few weeks at a time. After a subsequent break of two weeks, it can be used again for several weeks. In children suffering from ADHD, scientific research suggests that symptoms begin to slowly return after a 4-week break (10), meaning that periodic short breaks should not reduce effectiveness. There are no studies to date that have investigated potential liver damage from long-term use.

Are there any potential side effects?

For most people, Pycnogenol does not cause any unwanted side effects. However, it is always a good idea to start with a low dosage to assess how the body reacts to this active ingredient.

Possible side effects include:

Dizziness
Imbalance
fatigue
digestive problems
nausea
irritability
headaches,
drowsiness
mouth ulcers
Skin irritation
Low blood sugar levels
Problems in the urinary tract

You should discuss the use of Pycnogenol with your doctor in advance under the following conditions:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you suffer from an autoimmune disease.
If you have a bleeding disorder.
If you suffer from diabetes.
If you are due to have an operation in the next 2 weeks.
If you suffer from liver problems.
If you suffer from heart disease.

You should also talk to your doctor before taking Pycnogenol if you are taking the following:

Medication to suppress immune function
Chemotherapy drugs
Diabetes medication
Medications, plant extracts and supplements that affect blood clotting

Conclusion

Even though Pycnogenol is a natural supplement, it can have powerful effects on your health - both positive and negative. Start with a low dosage to ensure no unwanted side effects occur. Also, consult your doctor in advance if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.