Pine Bark Extract vs Pycnogenol: What’s the Difference?
Pine Bark Extract vs Pycnogenol: What’s the Difference?
The natural world has provided humanity with various wellness benefits for thousands of years, and a growing body of research shows we’re literally surrounded by a powerful health supplement you might not have heard about before: the humble pine tree. Pine bark extract can be made from various sub-species of pine trees but is sometimes marketed under the trademarked name Pycnogenol which only uses one[i]. Both may help to ensure flexible joints, maintain healthy brain and nervous system function, support your immune health, and even boost cardiovascular health. Yet there are key differences between pine bark extract versus Pycnogenol that you need to be aware of before adding pine bark extract supplements to your daily routine.
What is Pine Bark Extract?
Pine bark extract comes from the Pinus pinaster species of pine tree,[ii] which is native to the Mediterranean region but can now be found growing around the world. This type of pine bark is very high in vitamins and phytonutrients, including bioflavonoids and other antioxidants.[iii]
After washing and soaking ground-up pine bark, the liquid is extracted and purified from the bark to make health supplements. For example, you can find pine bark extract in a variety of forms that make it convenient to take, such as in tablets, powders and capsules.[iv]
What is Pycnogenol?
Pycnogenol is the trademarked version[v] of a specific type of pine bark: Pinus pinaster Aiton, predominantly found growing in specific areas of France.[vi] While the level of beneficial flavonoids in other pine bark supplements can vary, Pycnogenol is produced using a patented process in which it is standardized to contain 65% to 75% of a class of flavonoids known as procyanidins, and is manufactured to meet the quality and purity standards set by the non-profit United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Pine Bark Extract vs Pycnogenol?
A key difference between Pycnogenol and pine bark extract lies in their production and standardization.6 Pycnogenol and pine bark extract both contain beneficial properties and nutrients, but Pycnogenol always contains the specified amount of active compounds on the label. In contrast, pine bark extract can come from various sub-species of pine trees and the composition of these extracts can vary, depending on the pine species and how they are processed. Because of this, pine bark extracts may not have the same consistent levels of beneficial compounds, and their effects may differ from those of Pycnogenol.
That’s one reason why all Pycnogenol meets USP standards, while not all pine bark extract supplements carry the USP emblem. We should highlight that the USP is a voluntary program and just because a pine bark extract supplement does not have the USP emblem doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer all the health benefits of pine bark extract supplements. It’s also important to note that by and large, Pycnogenol is more well-studied than pine bark for its benefits.
Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
Whether you choose to take pine bark extract or pycnogenol, research suggests you may experience a wide array of wellness benefits by adding pine bark to your daily routine.
Joint Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
If you experience occasional joint discomfort and want to keep your joints healthy, pine bark may help.
Multiple studies have found that taking pine bark may assist with joint discomfort and stiffness associated with physical activity or overexertion. For instance, after taking Pycnogenol for three months, those who had worries about their joint discomfort were able to be more physically active for longer periods of time.[vii]
Skin Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
Get your youthful glow on and replenish your skin’s youthful vitality. The antioxidants in pine bark extract may help address a wide range of common skin health concerns on a cellular level.[viii] It may also provide DNA protection from environmental factors that affect your skin health.[x] One study even found that Pycnogenol supplements may enhance collagen production and boost your skin's firmness and appearance.[xi] [xii]
Heart Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
Pine bark supplements have been shown to provide support for healthy circulation and blood flow.[xiii] For example, for those concerned about healthy circulation to the legs, research suggests pine bark extract, specifically Pycnogenol, taken orally may help with leg discomfort and legs feeling "heavy.”[xiv] Similarly, pine bark extract has been shown to help maintain blood pressure already within a normal range.[xv]
Respiratory Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
If you want to maintain long-term healthy respiratory function and lung health, pine bark may address numerous respiratory health concerns. It may help some people breathe easier and may even help address those seasonal woes many experience in the spring and summer as grasses and flowers release pollen.[xvi],[xvii],18
Brain Health Benefits of Pine Bark Extract
If you want optimal neurological health, it starts with your brain and healthy cognitive function. Pine bark supplements may support memory and concentration and encourage mental sharpness and focus[xviii] by giving your brain the nutrients it needs to fire on all cylinders.
Pine Bark Extract Side Effects
There have been no widespread reports of serious side effects when using pine bark extract or Pycnogenol.[xix] However, as with many supplements, some people experience dizziness or stomach discomfort when taking pine bark extract orally.[xx]
Individuals who may want to be cautious when considering pine bark extract include those who are:[xxi]
- Pregnant
- Trying to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Allergic to pine tree bark
- Taking blood thinner medications or any prescription medications or have a medical condition
- Scheduled for an upcoming surgery
Always talk to a medical professional before adding a new supplement to your routine.
Compare the Best Pine Bark Extract vs Pycnogenol Supplements with Swanson
Whether you’re curious about the difference between Pycnogenol and pine bark extract, or if you are ready to see how pine bark extract supplements can work for you, let Swanson be your source for the best pine bark extract and Pycnogenol supplements available. Not only will you find high-quality, ultra-pure Pycnogenol, but we also offer an array of supplements that combine pine bark extract with other ingredients to target your specific health concerns — whether that's skin health, eye health or topical skincare to support healthy aging.
You be well, now.
Swanson
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This article has been medically reviewed and accepted.
About Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a Pennsylvania-licensed pharmacist and independent medical writer with over 14 years of experience in community and hospital pharmacy. She is dedicated to creating evidence-based health content that empowers individuals to take an active role in their healthcare. Areas of expertise include dietary supplements, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, vaccines, weight loss, cancer, eye care, and more. She has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
[i] Pycnogenol. Dietary Supplement Label Database. Read source.
[ii] Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Read source.
[iii] Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Read source.
[iv] Pine Bark Extract. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Read source.
[v] Pycnogenol. Dietary Supplement Label Database. Read source.
[vi] Review of the pharmacokinetics of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) in humans. Front Nutr. Read source.
[vii] Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies. Front Nutr. Read source.
[viii] New Herbal Biomedicines for the Topical Treatment of Dermatological Disorders. Biomedicines. Read source.
[ix] French maritime pine bark extract (pycnogenol) in association with triple combination cream for the treatment of facial melasma in women: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Read source.
[x] Oral administration of French maritime pine bark extract (Flavangenol(®)) improves clinical symptoms in photoaged facial skin. Clin Interv Aging. Read source.
[xi] Pycnogenol® effects on skin elasticity and hydration coincide with increased gene expressions of collagen type I and hyaluronic acid synthase in women. Skin Pharmacol Phsiol. Read source.
[xii] Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies. Front Nutr. Read source.
[xiii] Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Read source.
[xiv] Maritime Pine. National Library of Medicine. Read source.
[xv] Effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary supplement containing Pinus massoniana bark extract on blood pressure in healthy adults: A parallel, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Read source.
[xvi] Maritime Pine. National Library of Medicine. Read source.
[xvii] Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies. Front Nutr. Read source.
[xviii] Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies. Front Nutr. Read source.
[xix] Pine Bark Extract. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Read source.
[xx] Maritime Pine. National Library of Medicine. Read source.
[xxi] Maritime Pine. National Library of Medicine. Read source.
