pine bark extract

Pine bark extract is a dietary supplement made from the bark of the French maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster); a patented, standardized version is sold under the brand name Pycnogenol. It contains plant compounds (procyanidins and other polyphenols) studied for antioxidant activity, and it is marketed as a botanical or "antioxidant" supplement.

Rigorous evidence is limited. For ADHD, NCCIH states that research on French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) is limited and has not shown that it improves ADHD symptoms; a Cochrane review based on a single small study concluded it is unknown whether the extract decreases inattention and hyperactivity on parent- and teacher-rating scales, and NCCIH describes the evidence on efficacy as insufficient. (NCCIH also calls it a "promising" botanical that needs more study before it could be used as a treatment — promising is not the same as proven.) Separately, NCCIH notes that antioxidant supplements in general have not been shown to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease; for cognition the evidence is described as mixed and low-certainty, with any observed effects small and tied to specific antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C rather than pine bark extract itself. Many other marketed uses have not been evaluated by these government sources.

There is no government-established standard or recommended dose, and the U.S. FDA does not approve dietary supplements for treating any condition. Because evidence is limited and product strengths vary, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting pine bark extract, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other medicines.

NCCIH states there is insufficient evidence on the safety of Pycnogenol for ADHD, so no firm conclusions can be drawn. More broadly, NCCIH cautions that "natural" does not mean safe: botanical supplements can have real pharmacological effects, may interact with drugs, and are not as tightly regulated as prescription medicines. Discuss use with a clinician, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or before giving it to children.

The authoritative US government sources reviewed here do not provide a detailed side-effect profile for pine bark extract, in part because the evidence base is limited. As with other botanical supplements, side effects and individual reactions are possible; report any unexpected symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Specific drug interactions for pine bark extract are not detailed in the government sources reviewed here. However, NCCIH warns generally that herbal and botanical supplements can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, so review all supplements with your doctor or pharmacist before combining them with other treatments.