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Other common
name(s): pine bark extract, pygenol, Pycnogenol,
Masquelier's Original OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins)
Scientific/medical
name(s):
Pinus pinaster
Description
Pine bark extract is made from the bark of the maritime pine
tree (Pinus pinaster),
which contains naturally occurring chemicals called proanthocyanidins.
The maritime pine is native to the western Mediterranean, with a range
extending over Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco. Pine bark
extract is commonly sold under the brand name Pycnogenol. Pycnogenol is
also the name of a group of compounds that contain proanthocyanidins
taken from a number of natural sources, such as grape seeds (see Grapes)
and other plants. In addition to the Pycnogenol brand, there are
several other pine bark extract supplements available, which may use
different types of pine bark and have different formulations. Pine bark
extract is used for its antioxidant properties.
Overview
Although interest in pine bark extract is growing among
medical researchers, only limited data from clinical trials supports
the claims made about its benefits for health. A few small early
studies in humans have shown possible benefits in reducing swelling
from a circulation disorder called chronic venous insufficiency. Some
early studies have suggested it may help lower blood sugar in some
diabetic patients. Laboratory studies have indicated pine bark extract
may have some antioxidant properties.
How is it promoted for use?
Proponents claim that pine bark extract is a powerful
antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that block the action of free
radicals, activated oxygen molecules that can damage cells. Supporters
believe pine bark extract protects against arthritis, complications
from diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and problems with circulation
such as swelling and varicose veins. Other reported benefits include
improved memory, fewer effects from stress, better joint flexibility,
and decreased inflammation. Some claim that pine bark extract
supplements are much more effective in eliminating free radicals than
vitamins C and E.
What does it involve?
Pine bark extract is available as a tablet and capsule in a
range of strengths. Practitioners may recommend a dose ranging from
25to 300 milligrams per day for up to 3 weeks. After that, some suggest
a maintenance dose of 50 to 100 milligrams per day, while others
recommend continuing a "saturation dose" of 20 to 30 milligrams per 20
pounds of body weight. Others recommend doses of 600 milligrams or more
per day, depending on the reason for taking it.
What is the history behind it?
In the winter of 1535, a French explorer named Jacques Cartier
found his ship ice-bound in the St. Lawrence River, in what is now
Quebec. Having no fruits or vegetables, the crew became ill with
scurvy, a disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Several had
already died when a Native American told them how to prepare a tea made
from tree bark. Many crew members recovered and attributed miraculous
qualities to the tea. It is thought now that the tea was prepared from
the bark of the Eastern White Cedar tree and that it contained large
amounts of vitamin C.
In 1951, French researcher Dr. Jacques Masquelier reportedly
read this account in Cartier’s writings and began a search
for the active ingredients in the tea. He was able to extract
proanthocyanidins from the bark of the European coastal pine tree. He
patented the process and named the compound Pycnogenol.
In 1970, proanthocyanidins were also extracted from grape
seeds. The compound found in grape seeds and plants is referred to as
either proanthocyanidins or pycnogenol. However, it differs somewhat
from the pycnogenol extracted by Dr. Masquelier.
What is the evidence?
There are not enough data from clinical trials to support most
of the health claims made for any form of pine bark extract, although
interest in proanthocyanidins among medical researchers is growing.
There are reports from small human studies that pine bark extract may
be helpful in treating circulation disorders. One clinical trial began
in August 2003 to find out whether pycnogenol helps reduce lymphedema
(swelling from fluid buildup, which can occur after procedures in which
lymph nodes are affected) after treatment for breast cancer. This study
was still recruiting patients as of early 2007.
A small human study found that a single high dose of pine bark
extract in the form of a bioflavonoid mixture was effective in reducing
platelet clumping in smokers for more than three days, which would be
expected to reduce blood clotting. This may mean that pine bark extract
could lower risk for stroke or heart attack, but clinical studies to
find out whether this is true have not been done.
Some small brief studies have been done to look at pine bark
extract’s possible usefulness in treating asthma, menstrual
pain, blood clots and leg swelling during long airplane flights,
retinal disease in diabetics, high cholesterol, and other disorders.
All of these studies need to be done on larger groups of people under
carefully controlled conditions to find out whether pine bark extract
actually helps any of these problems.
Studies also suggest pine bark extract has antioxidant
properties, which are sometimes helpful in reducing cancer risk.
Further research is needed to find out whether pine bark extract may
have any benefit for preventing or treating cancer.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Pine bark extract has been reported to be safe. Some people
report mild problems such as headache, nausea, and upset stomach. Not
much is known about possible interactions with other drugs and herbs.
Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs or supplements
you are taking.
Allergic reactions to pine are possible, although reactions to
pine bark extract have not been reported in the available medical
literature. Pine bark extract has not been studied in pregnant or
breast-feeding women. Relying on this type of treatment alone and
avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have
serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Araghi-Niknam M, Hosseini S, Larson D, Rohdewald P, Watson RR.
Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integr Med.
2000;2:73-77.
Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rohdewald P, Pellegrini L, Ippolito E,
Scoccianti M, Ricci A, Dugall M, Cacchio M, Ruffini I, Fano F, Acerbi
G, Vinciguerra MG, Bavera P, Di Renzo A, Errichi BM, Mucci F.
Prevention of edema in long flights with Pycnogenol. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost.
2005;11:289-294.
Summary of data for chemical selection: oligomeric
proanthocyanidins from grape seeds and pine bark. National Toxicology
Program Web site.
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/Chem_Background/ExSumPdf/GrapeSeeds_PineBark.pdf.
Accessed June 6, 2008.
Devaraj S, Vega-López S, Kaul N, Schönlau
F, Rohdewald P, Jialal I. Supplementation with a pine bark extract rich
in polyphenols increase plasma antioxidant capacity and alters the
plasma lipoprotein profile. Lipids.
2002;37:931-934.
Downs AM, Sansom JE. Colophony allergy: a review. Contact Dermatitis.
1999;41:305-310.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's
Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines.
Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp; 1999.
Huynh HT, Teel RW. Effects of intragastrically administered
Pycnogenol on NNK metabolism in F344 rats. Anticancer Res.
1999;19:2095-2099.
Kohama T, Suzuki N, Ohno S, Inoue M. Analgesic efficacy of
French maritime pine bark extract in dysmenorrhea: an open clinical
trial. J Reprod Med.
2004;49:828-832.
Lau BH, Riesen Sk, Truong KP, Lau EW, Rohdewald P, Barreta RA.
Pycnogenol as an adjunct in the management of childhood asthma. J Asthma.
2004;41:825-832.
Petrassi C, Mastromarino A, Spartera C. PYCNOGENOL in chronic
venous insufficiency. Phytomedicine.
2000;7:383-388.
Pine Bark. PDRhealth Web site.
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/altmed/altmed-mono.aspx?contentFileName=ame0425.xml&contentName=Pine+Bark+.
Accessed June 6, 2008.
Pütter M, Grotemeyer KH, Würthwein G,
Araghi-Niknam M, Watson RR, Hosseini S, Rohdewald P. Inhibition of
smoking-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin and pycnogenol. Thromb Res.
1999;95:155-161.
Pycnogenol for the treatment of lymphedema. Clinical Trials
Web site. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00214032. Accessed
June 6, 2008.
Pycnogenol / polybioflavanoids. BC Cancer Agency Web site.
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/HPI/UnconventionalTherapies/PycnogenolPolybioflavanoids.htm.
Updated February 2000. Accessed June 6, 2008.
Silliman K, Parry J, Kirk LL, Prior RL. Pycnogenol does not
impact the antioxidant or vitamin C status of healthy young adults. J Am Diet Assoc.
2003;103:67-72.
Tyler VE. Pycnogenol fights cancer and the diseases of aging. Prevention.
1998;50:93.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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