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Pycnogenol Ingredient Notes
Pycnogenol is a branded extract of French maritime pine bark. Generic pine bark extract or an OPC declaration alone does not identify this branded ingredient.
Pycnogenol is a branded extract of French maritime pine bark. Generic pine bark extract or an OPC declaration alone does not identify this branded ingredient.
Community experiences
Selected positive personal experiences from external communities, edited and summarized. These accounts do not establish effectiveness.
A contributor who started Pycnogenol for eye health wrote that, after about two weeks, they felt more energetic and mild ankle swelling had almost disappeared. They were taking blood pressure medication and personally linked the swelling to that medicine. They also felt their eyes were healthier, but provided no vision or eye-pressure test results. This should not be read as verified improvement in eyesight or resolution of a medication side effect.
Experience shared by external community contributor A
A contributor bothered by ringing in their ears wrote that the ringing had noticeably decreased after about three months of Pycnogenol use. They planned to continue for another three months and observe what happened, but the review did not establish the outcome of that plan. Without hearing tests, measurements of tinnitus severity or details of other treatment, this does not mean the cause was resolved or that everyone would improve over the same period.
Experience shared by external community contributor B
This page is for general reference only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prescription. Ask a qualified professional if you need medical advice or diagnosis.
What is Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is a branded extract of French maritime pine bark. Generic pine bark extract or an OPC declaration alone does not identify this branded ingredient.
On Supplecipe, you can search iHerb products that mention Pycnogenol and compare single-ingredient products against broader supplement blends.
Evidence and limitations
A placebo-controlled crossover trial in 76 outdoor workers in Beijing reported improved skin elasticity and less seasonal loss of skin hydration. The specific environment and branded preparation limit how far the findings can be applied to other people and pine bark products.
Zhao et al. (2021): Pycnogenol skin trial · MSK: Pine Bark Extract
Forms and other names
Pycnogenol and generic Pine Bark Extract describe different scopes of ingredients. Other branded extracts are not alternative names for Pycnogenol.
Related ingredients
Related reading, not a recommendation to combine supplements.
Side effects and cautions
Check with a healthcare professional before use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines because bleeding risk may increase. Do not use if allergic to pine bark; discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding or other medicines before use.
Zhao et al. (2021): Pycnogenol skin trial · MSK: Pine Bark Extract
How to compare iHerb products
- Check the branded ingredient and its individual amount. Extract weight and the amount or percentage of procyanidins within it are separate measurements; an OPC percentage alone cannot establish the brand.
- Look for form, serving size, extra ingredients, allergens, and whether the product is a single ingredient or a blend.
- Compare brand, price per serving, ingredient form, and single-ingredient versus complex products.
- Use the search button below to compare iHerb products that mention this ingredient.
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