Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies

This review summarises 39 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract involving 2,009 participants, with supplementation lasting from two weeks to six months. Across those trials the extract was reported to benefit cardiovascular health, chronic venous insufficiency, cognition, joint health, skin health, eye health, women's health, respiratory health and allergies, oral health and sports performance. Proposed mechanisms discussed include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, improved endothelial function and reinforcement of the extracellular matrix. No pooled effect estimates are reported, so the size of benefit in any single condition cannot be judged from this review.