Research
Pine Bark Extract
31 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Does supplementation with pine bark extract improve cardiometabolic risk factors? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 RCTs with 1,685 participants evaluating the effects of pine bark extract supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors. PBE significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, body weight, and LDL cholesterol, but had no significant impact on other measured parameters.
Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders.
This meta-analysis reviewed 27 RCTs with 1641 participants to assess the efficacy and safety of pine bark extract supplements for treating various chronic disorders. The review found very low-certainty evidence for the effects of pine bark extract on conditions such as asthma, ADHD, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and others, with no definitive conclusions on efficacy or safety due to small sample sizes and poor reporting.
Efficacy and safety of a supplement combination on hand pain among people with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis an internet-based, randomised clinical trial the RADIANT study.
The RADIANT study was an internet-based, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of a supplement combination (Boswellia serrata, pine bark extract, methylsulfonylmethane, and curcumin) in people with hand osteoarthritis. The study found no significant difference in hand pain reduction between the supplement and placebo groups over 12 weeks.
Complementary effects of pine bark extract supplementation on inattention, impulsivity, and antioxidative status in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study investigated the effects of pine bark extract supplementation on inattention, impulsivity, and antioxidative status in children with ADHD. Pine bark extract significantly reduced inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and improved antioxidative status, though no correlation was found between cognitive improvements and antioxidative markers.
Mineral rich algae with pine bark improved pain, physical function and analgesic use in mild-knee joint osteoarthritis, compared to Glucosamine: A randomized controlled pilot trial.
A double-blinded crossover pilot trial with 30 participants compared the effects of Lithothamnion species, seawater-derived magnesium, and pine bark (Aq+) to glucosamine on knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Aq+ improved pain, physical function, and reduced analgesic use significantly more than glucosamine, suggesting it as a potential supplementary treatment for early-stage knee osteoarthritis.
PACR (Pine Bark Extract, L Arginine, L Citrulline, Rose Hip Extract)Improves Emotional, Physical Health and Sexual Function in Peri-Menopausal Women
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 80 peri-menopausal women supplemented with PACR (Pine Bark Extract, L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, Rose Hip Extract). PACR improved sexual function by 60% after 1 month and 73% after 2 months, and relieved climacteric symptoms compared to placebo. It also positively influenced metabolic parameters and antioxidant capacity.
Production, composition and toxicology studies of Enzogenol® Pinus radiata bark extract.
The paper presents production, composition, and safety data of Enzogenol, a pine bark extract, from rat, dog, and human studies. Toxicological studies showed no mutagenic activity and no adverse effects on body weight, blood chemistry, or organ health in animals. Human studies with doses of 480 mg/day for 6 months and 960 mg/day for 5 weeks showed no adverse effects on liver and kidney function or haematology, supporting its safe use as a food ingredient.
No beneficial effects of pine bark extract on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
RCT of 130 individuals with increased cardiovascular disease risk comparing 200 mg pine bark extract to placebo over 12 weeks. The study found no significant differences in blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors between the groups.
Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the effects of Prelox, a formulation of pine bark extract and l-arginine aspartate, on erectile dysfunction in 124 men aged 30-50 years over 6 months. The study found significant improvements in erectile function and plasma testosterone levels with Prelox compared to placebo.
Development and validation of a LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of phenolic compounds in human saliva after intake of a procyanidin-rich pine bark extract.
The study developed and validated an LC-MS/MS method for quantifying phenolic compounds in human saliva after intake of procyanidin-rich pine bark extract. The method was applied to a saliva sample from a volunteer, detecting various polyphenols and the gut microbial metabolite M1, suggesting enzymatic deconjugation during transfer from serum to saliva.
Encapsulated Pine Bark Polyphenolic Extract during Gastrointestinal Digestion: Bioaccessibility, Bioactivity and Oxidative Stress Prevention
The study encapsulated pine bark extract rich in phenolic compounds using spray-drying with maltodextrin to enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial activity during gastrointestinal digestion. The encapsulation improved bioaccessibility and protected the compounds against oxidative stress and acidic conditions, suggesting potential applications in food formulations and nutraceuticals.
A Double-Blind, Cross-Over Study to Examine the Effects of Maritime Pine Extract on Exercise Performance and Postexercise Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Muscle Soreness, and Damage.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of 20 young males examining the effects of 14 days of maritime pine extract supplementation on exercise performance and postexercise inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle soreness. Maritime pine extract significantly reduced oxidative stress compared to placebo.
Pharmacokinetic assessment of constituents of Boswellia serrata, pine bark extracts, curcumin in combination including methylsulfonylmethane in healthy volunteers.
This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of Boswellia serrata, pine bark extract, curcumin, and methylsulfonylmethane in healthy volunteers. It was a randomized, open-label, single-dose, four-treatment, four-period, crossover study with 16 participants. The study found no significant pharmacokinetic interactions among the constituents when administered in combination compared to alone.
Effects of French Pine Bark Extract Chewing Gum on Oral Malodor and Salivary Bacteria.
RCT investigating the effects of French pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) chewing gum on oral malodor and salivary bacteria in 21 adults. PYC gum significantly reduced exhaled hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide after 2 weeks, and lowered tongue-coating score and hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria in saliva after 4 weeks compared to placebo.
Pilot study on the clinical effects of dietary supplementation with Enzogenol, a flavonoid extract of pine bark and vitamin C.
A 12-week pilot study on dietary supplementation with Enzogenol, a pine bark extract, and vitamin C in 24 healthy subjects aged 55-75. The study found significant reductions in body weight, body fat percentage, systolic blood pressure, and plasma viscosity, with increased blood flow in forearm resistance vessels, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.
Effect of pine bark extract and its phenolic compounds on selected pathogenic and probiotic bacterial strains
In vitro study investigating the antimicrobial activity of French maritime pine bark extract (PBE) and its phenolic constituents on pathogenic and probiotic bacterial strains. PBE and phenolic compounds showed significant inhibitory effects on pathogens, while also affecting probiotic bacteria, with mixed outcomes on gut health.
Comparing the Effects of a Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) Bark Extract with a Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) Extract on Methane Production and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Parameters
The study compared the effects of pine bark extract (PBE) and quebracho extract (QTE) on methane production and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. Both extracts decreased methane, total volatile fatty acids, and ammonia nitrogen production, while increasing acetate proportion. QTE increased propionate proportion but decreased dry matter disappearance. PBE could be used as an additive in ruminant diets to reduce methane and ammonia nitrogen production.
Invitro effect of pine bark extract on melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity, production of endothelin‐1, and PPAR in cultured melanocytes exposed to Ultraviolet, Infrared, and Visible light radiation
In vitro study of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity, endothelin‐1 production, and PPAR in cultured melanocytes exposed to various light radiations. The study explores its depigmenting action due to antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐melanogenic activity.
Extracts of pine bark (Pinus sylvestris) inhibit Cryptosporidium parvum growth in cell culture
In vitro study examining the anti-cryptosporidial properties of Scots pine bark extract against Cryptosporidium parvum. Acetone and methanol extracts showed dose-dependent inhibition of parasite growth, with similar IC50 values for both extracts.
Pine Bark Polyphenolic Extract Attenuates Amyloid-β and Tau Misfolding in a Model System of Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropathology
The study investigates the effects of oligopin, a pine bark extract, on amyloid-β and tau misfolding in Alzheimer's disease models. Oligopin inhibited oligomer formation of Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and tau in vitro, and pharmacokinetics analysis identified metabolites in the plasma of mice.
Pine bark phenolic extract: current uses and potential food applications.
Narrative review summarizing research on Pine Bark Phenolic Extracts (PBPE), including their origin, extraction methods, composition, health effects, and incorporation into food products. PBPE are rich in procyanidins and have potential health effects on cancer, diabetes, eye, and skin health. Challenges exist in developing commercially suitable extraction methods and incorporating PBPE into food products.
French Maritime Pine Bark Extract
The paper discusses the potential immunomodulating and antioxidant activities of French maritime pine bark extract, which contains proanthocyanidins. It may inhibit cellular damage, ameliorate lymphedema symptoms, improve blood flow, stimulate the immune system, and have antioxidant effects.
Efficacy and Safety of an Oral Nutritional (Dietary) Supplement Containing Pinus pinaster Bark Extract and Grape Seed Extract in Combination with a High SPF Sunscreen in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Melasma: A Prospective Clinical Study
Prospective clinical study evaluating an oral supplement containing Pinus pinaster and Grape seed extract, along with vitamins and minerals, used with high SPF sunscreen in 30 women with mild-to-moderate facial melasma. The study found significant improvements in melasma severity and pigmentation with no adverse events.
Design of a new generation wound dressing with pine bark extract
The study designed a new wound dressing enriched with Pinus brutia extract, using microwave-assisted extraction. In vivo studies on rats showed that the extract-embedded alginate gel dressings improved wound healing rates to 75.7% compared to 48.6% in the control group.
Dose–response effect of a pine bark extract on in vitro ruminal ammonia and methane formation kinetics
In vitro study assessing the potential of pine bark extract to decrease methane and ammonia nitrogen production. The study used dietary substrates including mixed hay, soybean meal, and corn grain.
Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) suppresses cigarette smoke-induced fibrotic response via transforming growth factor-β1/Smad family member 2/3 signaling
The study explored the effects of Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) on pulmonary fibrosis in mice exposed to cigarette smoke and lipopolysaccharide. Pycnogenol reduced inflammatory cells, proinflammatory mediators, and collagen deposition in lung tissue, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for controlling COPD progression.
Ameliorative effects of pine bark extract on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats
Animal study investigating the effects of pine bark extract (PBE) on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats. PBE treatment lowered serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, attenuated histopathological and apoptotic changes, suppressed lipid peroxidation, prevented depletion of glutathione, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney tissue.
Preventive Effect of Pine Bark Extract (Flavangenol) on Metabolic Disease in Western Diet-Loaded Tsumura Suzuki Obese Diabetes Mice
The study investigated the preventive effects of Pine bark extract (Flavangenol) on metabolic disease in Tsumura Suzuki Obese Diabetes mice fed a Western diet. Flavangenol suppressed weight gain, fat accumulation, and symptoms related to insulin resistance, abnormal glucose/lipid metabolism, and hypertension. It increased adiponectin and decreased TNF-α levels, suggesting a preventive effect on metabolic disease.
Use of a pine bark extract and antioxidant vitamin combination product as therapy for migraine in patients refractory to pharmacologic medication.
Uncontrolled preliminary study of 12 patients with migraine refractory to pharmacologic medication, treated with a combination of pine bark extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E for 3 months. Significant improvements were observed in migraine disability assessment scores, headache days, and headache severity.
A systematic review of the potential uses of pine bark in food industry and health care
This narrative review highlights the potential of pine bark extract as a source of antioxidants and its use in treating various diseases. Pine bark contains bioactive molecules like polymeric flavanols and flavonoids. It has been used in the food industry as an antioxidant and tested against disorders such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
Protective effects of pine bark extract against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats
Animal study investigating the protective effects of pine bark extract (pycnogenol) against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Pine bark extract prevented hepatotoxicity and increased antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner.