Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)
Performance
Also known as: French maritime pine bark, Pinus pinaster
B
Grade B💊 50-200mg🎯 4 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upFitness+50 pts
Overview
Antioxidant that enhances nitric oxide production. Cardiovascular and pump support.
Primary Uses
Nitric oxideCardiovascularAntioxidantBlood flow
Frequently Asked About Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)
How much Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) should I take?
The typical effective range is 50-200mg. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
With meals or pre-workout. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) with food?
Yes.
Does Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Immunosuppressants and Blood thinners. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract).
What does Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) pair well with?
Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) stacks well with L-Arginine and Citrulline — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) should be avoided or used with caution by people with Autoimmune conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
Most people tolerate Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset, Headache, and Dizziness. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
50-200mg
Timing
With meals or pre-workout
With food
Yes
Duration
Ongoing for cardiovascular
Special Populations
Cardiovascular support, pump
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)yet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Search Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) research
Mechanism of Action
- • Increases eNOS activity
- • Powerful antioxidant
- • Synergistic with arginine
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade B
Good evidence for cardiovascular and NO
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • None significant
Contraindications
- • Autoimmune conditions
Common Side Effects
- • GI upset
- • Headache
- • Dizziness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avoid
Liver & Kidney Notes
No concerns
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Immunosuppressants
- • Blood thinners
🧪 Supplements
- • Arginine (synergistic)
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • With food
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Avoid Combining With
Nothing significant
Best Goal Synergies
Blood flowCardiovascular
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Genuine Pycnogenol brand
Standardization Markers
Pycnogenol brandProcyanidin content
Adulteration risk
Moderate
Practical Notes
- • Synergistic with arginine
- • Branded extract
Tags
antioxidantnitric oxidecardiovascularblood flow
Top Products with Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)
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More in Performance
Other ingredients in the Performance category.
Agmatine Sulfate
Arginine metabolite with nitric oxide and pain-modulating effects. Enhances pumps.
Arachidonic Acid (ARA)
Omega-6 fatty acid that amplifies exercise-induced muscle signaling. Increases training response but also inflammation.
BCAAs
A branched-chain amino acid blend in a 2:1:1 leucine-to-isoleucine-to-valine ratio, formulated in instantized (micronized) form for improved solubility. BCAAs support muscle protein synthesis and may reduce exercise-induced fatigue, though whole protein sources provide comparable benefits at lower cost.
Beetroot / Nitrates
Dietary nitrates converted to nitric oxide for improved endurance and blood flow. Can enhance exercise efficiency.
Beta-Alanine
Increases muscle carnosine for buffering acid during high-intensity exercise. Delays fatigue in 1-4 minute efforts.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
Exogenous ketone body that can elevate blood ketone levels. Used for energy, cognitive function, and supporting ketogenic diets.
Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/pycnogenol
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.