Performance
Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)
Also known as: French maritime pine bark, Pinus pinaster
Antioxidant that enhances nitric oxide production. Cardiovascular and pump support.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Pine Bark Extract | 92 A | $0.09 |
| 2 | Life Extension Pycnogenol French Maritime Pine Bark Extract | 92 A | $1.10 |
| 3 | Thorne Meta-Balance™ | 90 A | $1.60 |
| 4 | Bluebonnet Nutrition PYCNOGENOL 50 mg | 84 A- | $1.33 |
| 5 | Healthy Origins Pycnogenol 150mg | 82 A- | $1.04 |
| 6 | Bluebonnet Nutrition SUPER ANTIOXIDANT FORMULA | 77 B+ | $2.29 |
| 7 | Healthy Origins Pycnogenol 100mg | 76 B+ | $0.83 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) should I take?
The typical range is 50-200mg. Ongoing for cardiovascular
When should I take Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)?
With meals or pre-workout. Yes.
Which form of Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) is best?
Capsule — Branded extract.
Is Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Headache, Dizziness. Serious warnings: None significant. No concerns
Which Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Pine Bark Extract, at 92/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Nitric oxide
- Cardiovascular
- Antioxidant
- Blood flow
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) reached a verdict on: 3 with a benefit, 3 with no effect, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (3)
“Supplementation with PBE may ameliorate specific cardiometabolic risk factors, as indicated by reductions in body weight, DBP, SBP, FBS, LDL, and HbA1c levels.” PMID 39987124
“a significant increase in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI [0.19, 6.36]; p = 0.038).” PMID 30456865
“Pycnogenol also reduced edema scores (n = 3), standard mean -4.09 (95% CI = -6.44 to -1.74), I2 98%, p = 0.0006).” PMID 33809656
Reviews found no effect (3)
“low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -3.61 mg/dl; 95% CI [-8.76, 1.55]; p = 0.171) were not altered.” PMID 30456865
“triacylglycerol (TAG; -3.64 mg/dL; 95% CI [-17.89, 10.61]; p = 0.616), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -3.61 mg/dl; 95% CI [-8.76, 1.55]; p = 0.171) were not altered.” PMID 30456865
“Current clinical evidence does not suggest any significant effect of Pycnogenol on fasting lipid profile.” PMID 24346156
Not enough to say: blood pressure.
How it works
- Increases eNOS activity
- Powerful antioxidant
- Synergistic with arginine
Dosage
- Typical range
- 50-200mg
- Timing
- With meals or pre-workout
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Ongoing for cardiovascular
- Special populations
- Cardiovascular support, pump
Forms
- Capsule
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Headache
- Dizziness
Contraindications
- Autoimmune conditions
Products containing Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for cardiovascular and NO
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Performance
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.