The Safety of Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is a plant extract and used as an over-the-counter treatment for a number of ailments. Pycnogenol is considered a fairly safe supplement, with occasional minor stomach discomfort being the most frequently reported side effect. In theory, Pycnogenol may interact with blood pressure lowering medications and also increase the risk of bleeding in patients who are on blood thinners. However, these interactions have not been observed in practice.

Definition

• The term Pycnogenol is in fact a brand name, and not a scientific notation. The substance is extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, and is rich in bioflavonoids, such as catechin, epicatechin, ferulic acid and taxifolin. All Pycnogenol comes from trees in a large forest (Europe's largest, in fact) in the southwest of France, which is free of pesticides and herbicides. The bark of the French maritime pine tree is dissolved in water to produce Pycnogenol.

Uses

• Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant and deactivates free radicals. Free radicals are produced by stress to the organism (as well as normal metabolic processes) and are thought to accelerate aging, weaken the immune system and damage the cardiovascular system. Pycnogenol is used to decrease the negative impact of stress on the body, to relieve symptoms of asthma and is effective against cramps. The product has a variety of other uses, though the scientific evidence for some of the claimed benefits is inconclusive at this point.

Safety

• There is extensive literature on Pycnogenol, and no scientific study has thus far reported serious adverse effects. Because of its astringent taste, the substance may cause minor stomach discomfort in some individuals. To avoid such discomfort, take Pycnogenol with or after meals. Due to the distinct lack of adverse effects, Pycnogenol has been granted the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the Food and Drug Administration. Pycnogenol is certified kosher.

Drug Interactions

• Due to its biological properties, Pycnogenol may, in theory, interact with a number of medications. While no life-threatening drug interactions have been observed in practice, you should nevertheless consult your doctor before taking Pycnogenol, if you are currently on any of these medications:

  Blood pressure lowering medications, specifically ACE inhibitors and angiotensin converting enzyme receptor blockers

  Medications that lower blood sugar, such as metformin, glyburide, glipizide and insulin

  Drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, including aspirin, anticoagulants, such as warfarin or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

  Immunosuppressant or immunostimulant drugs

Pregnancy

• Due to lack of studies affirming the safety of Pycnogenol during pregnancy, it is advised that pregnant women do not use this supplement. As a precaution, children too should not use Pycnogenol, unless directed by a doctor, as specific scientific studies to confirm the safety of Pycnogenol for children do not yet exist.