Pycnogenol

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evidence score

supplement

Evidence Level B

French maritime pine bark extractPinus pinaster extractpine bark OPC+1 more

Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from French maritime pine bark (Pinus pinaster) containing procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids. Its primary mechanism is endothelial nitric oxide (NO) potentiation — Pycnogenol activates eNOS and increases NO bioavailability, improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing erectile function. In TRT contexts, Pycnogenol is the standout cardiovascular support supplement because testosterone increases erythropoiesis (raising hematocrit and blood viscosity) while Pycnogenol counteracts this by improving endothelial function and blood flow. The Stanislavov & Nikolova (2003) study demonstrated that L-arginine + Pycnogenol restored normal erectile function in 92.5% of men with ED — the "Prelox" stack. Additional RCTs show blood pressure reduction of 3-8 mmHg systolic, improved glycemic control (HbA1c reduction), and reduced CRP. One of the most well-studied botanical extracts with 400+ published studies and 100+ clinical trials.

Current literature links

Treatment of erectile dysfunction with Pycnogenol and L-arginine(2003)Pycnogenol supplementation lowers blood pressure and improves endothelial function(2012)Pycnogenol effects on blood pressure: systematic review(2017)

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Multiple RCTs; no formal FDA approval (supplement)

Last Sync

Not synced yet

Last Reviewed

Not reviewed yet

Dosing

Typical

150 mg

50 mgRange300 mg

Frequencydaily (1-2 divided doses with meals)

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Pharmacology

Half-life~3-5 hours (active procyanidin metabolites)

OnsetBlood flow improvements within 2-4 hours; sustained BP and endothelial effects 4-8 weeks

DurationOngoing with daily dosing

Routes

oral

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(24%)—

Quality(24%)—

Sample Size(12%)—

Consistency(14%)—

Replication(8%)—

Recency(18%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Pycnogenol is currently categorized as a supplement compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Activates eNOS → increases NO bioavailability; potent antioxidant (procyanidins scavenge ROS); inhibits NF-κB; reduces platelet aggregation via COX inhibition

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.