7 Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract

The lush and beautiful pine forests in northern France offer numerous health benefits. The use of extract from these plants dates back to 1500 AD when Jacques Cartier, a French explorer, and his team struggled with vitamin C deficiency during their long voyage to the New World.  There is a legend that the local tribes of the New World shared their knowledge with Jacques Cartier about this pine tree bark and its ability to treat scurvy. 

It is a well-known fact that Pine Bark extract is a good source of vitamin C and contains numerous other natural plant ingredients & phytochemicals that support general health. One of the best phytochemicals in this group is proanthocyanidins, a powerful antioxidant with multiple health benefits. 

Let's have a closer overview of this bark and its 7 major health benefits. 

Strong Antioxidant Potential  

The body of an overweight and obese person is in poor shape. It produces excessive free radicals that cause inflammation throughout the body, damaging the cellular DNA and compromising overall health. These free radicals are linked to many health diseases. 

Antioxidants help extinguish these flames, and according to research, the pycnogenol, the potent formulae present in the pine bark extract, minimises and even totally prevents the damage caused by these oxide free radicals. Nevertheless, numerous diets containing fruits, vegetables, and coffee are rich sources of antioxidants and must be incorporated into the diet for better overall effects. 

Better erectile health 

Pine bark Extract stimulates the nitric oxide (N0) levels in the body, which improves blood flow and causes vasodilation in the penis. Consequently, a clinical trial published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy in 2003 noted that a combination of L-arginine (the amino acid that boosts NO levels) and pine bark extract helps in mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. 

A three-month regular treatment with this combination ensured normal erection in 92.5% of the men. If one is struggling with erectile dysfunction or poor libido or has high blood pressure, this improvement in the NO levels is an effective way to reverse these changes. 

Help against common colds 

Few things are as annoying as nagging colds, which stall a person's productivity at the gym and the workplace. A study involving 146 people (70 used Pycnogenol® and 76 acted as controls) with a common cold noted that supplementation with pycnogenol prevents the duration and severity of common cold symptoms. 

The pine bark extract is thus an excellent way to maintain performance even with nose stiffness due to the common cold. 

Better sugar levels 

Pine bark extract has numerous health benefits for those who are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or have high sugar levels for any reason. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 77 diabetic people using prescription medications for type II diabetes for 12 weeks in combination with 100mg of pycnogenol experienced a significant improvement in cardiovascular health and blood glucose levels. 

This combination significantly lowered  HbA1(c). However, talk to the doctor before combining any medications with dietary supplements. 

Reduces inflammation 

Cytokines are the pro-inflammatory chemicals released in response to flu, cold, injuries, and chronic illnesses. Research published in PLOS One in 2015 suggested that pine bark extract reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL-6 & IL-1, associated with the adverse effects of chronic inflammation. 

Pine bark extract is an excellent addition to the nutritional arsenal as it has antioxidant potential and improves skin health, brain functions, immunity, inflammation, blood sugar levels, and blood flow. Pycnogenol provides these benefits as it contains 65-70% proanthocyanidins that give these benefits. 

However, regular exercise and a good diet must always be a part of any other health program. Sometimes, the body needs very little added support, and pycnogenol promises this support. 

Improved brain health 

If one struggles to forget the minor details, like one a person is supposed to take in at dinner or where a person has put the keys, these are the early signs of an age-related decline in cognitive health. A lack of sleep, poor health, and high-stress levels contribute to lower brain performance. 

Although exercise and diet are fantastic aids to boost brain health, the pine bark extract offers enormous benefits. A recent research published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology suggested that people over 55 supplemented with pycnogenol for a year had better brain performance than the placebo group. This research attributed the benefits of pine bark extract to lower oxidative stress even in the absence of exercise, high stress, and poor diet. 

Protects the skin from photodamage  

Taking vitamin D and getting enough sun exposure are vital for overall vitality and health. A recent research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2020 linked the lack of proper sun exposure to adverse health impacts. Nevertheless, excessive exposure to sunlight damages the skin. 

As no one wants to sacrifice health for any reason, supplementation with pycnogenol helps improve the skin barrier, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects the skin from harmful UVB rays.

It is, therefore, an excellent ingredient for additional skin support if one needs to spend a lot of time in the sunlight. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it okay to take French Maritime pine bark extract every day? 

Yes, there is no issue in this usage. The Maritime pine bark extract is often recommended (for adults) at the dose rate of 50-150 mg and 2-3 times daily for up to a year. Consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific guidelines.

Enlist the side effects of using pine bark extract. 

The clinical & safety trials have noted no severe or significant side effects. It causes some mild side effects, e.g., headaches and stomach upsets. It lowers blood sugar and blood pressure, and these effects are reported in many randomised controlled trials.

Does pine bark extract improve kidney health? 

Yes, pine bark extract helps improve kidney health and functions by lowering the risk of hypertension-related complications and enhancing blood flow. Its fruit and bark help treat and prevent kidney diseases due to its antioxidant and diuretic properties. 

Who needs to avoid pine bark? 

Those who are taking other medications are immunocompromised, have advanced age, and pregnant women must avoid pine bark extract unless consulted with a healthcare provider.  

How quickly does the pine bark extract work? 

Although pine bark extract starts working quickly by absorbing into the bloodstream, it is necessary to take it for several days and weeks before expecting results. 

Is it safe to take pine bark extract on an empty stomach? 

Yes, it is okay to take it without food. The presence or absence of foods doesn't affect its effects. 

Bottom-line  

Pine bark extract offers numerous health benefits ranging from anti-inflammatory & cardiovascular support to potent antioxidant properties. It improves cognitive health, athletic performance, and skin health and helps manage diabetes, making it a versatile and worthwhile option for overall health.

Incorporation of pine bark extract into the daily health routine boosts overall health and is backed by centuries of traditional usage and scientific research. It is necessary to consult the healthcare provider before adding new supplements to ensure they align with health goals and needs. 

Welzo offers Source Naturals Pine Bark Extract Tablets & Life Extension Pycnogenol® French Maritime Pine Bark Extract 100mg vegetarian capsules. Visit our product pages for information and place the order.