french maritime pine bark extract

French maritime pine bark extract is a dietary supplement derived from the outer protective bark of the French Pinus pinaster Aiton (subspecies atlantica), a tree native to coastal southwest France. The most studied and standardized form is known as Pycnogenol. The extract contains 65–75% procyanidins (a type of flavonoid), along with other phenolic compounds such as catechin and epicatechin. It is primarily marketed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Proposed mechanisms include free radical scavenging (antioxidant activity), modulation of inflammatory pathways, improvement in blood flow via effects on vascular endothelium and platelet function, and possible immunomodulatory effects[1][2][3][4][5]. Despite widespread use for conditions like osteoarthritis, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), asthma, hypertension, cognitive decline/ADHD symptoms in children or adults—and claims regarding cardiovascular health—systematic reviews have found insufficient high-quality evidence to support efficacy for any specific disease[1][7]. It is available over-the-counter as capsules or tablets.

Brand names

PycnogenolOligopinFlavangenol

Other names

maritime pine bark extractPinus pinaster bark extractFrench pinus maritime barkpinus maritimapygenolPYC