What are the benefits of pine bark extract?
It is considered a super antioxidant that counters oxidative stress and increases activities of other antioxidants like OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidin) for immune system health. Pine Bark has also been studied for healthy blood vessel support, brain function and increased nitric oxide in the body. The compounds in pine bark have also been shown to help strengthen blood vessel walls. Previous studies have indicated that pine bark extract may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but Stafford said these studies weren’t large or rigorous enough to provide conclusive evidence of the effects of the extract.Pine bark extract is an herbal supplement rich in healthy polyphenols like procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids. These plant compounds appear to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects on the human body. As such, pine bark extract shows great potential as a therapeutic herbal supplement.The researchers believe the benefits stem from pine bark extract’s antioxidant effects and ability to reduce oxidative stress (associated with poor diet, high stress, lack of exercise, etc. Getting enough sun exposure and vitamin D is crucial for your health and vitality.Pine bark has a market as a commercial herbal supplement high in polyphenols for anti-inflammatory purposes such as the Pycnogenol extract from French pine (Pinus pinaster) sold for arthritis. Pine bark and needles can be used as an infusion in hot water to provide a steam inhalation in colds and coughs.Pine bark has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy or clinically apparent liver injury. The mechanism by which pine bark might cause liver injury is not known but a large number of components have been identified in Pinus species extracts.
Is pine bark good for men?
Pycnogenol is an extract of French maritime pine bark. It is an antioxidant with several health benefits, but is most well-known for vascular health. It also supports sexual health, specifically in men. For both men and women, this supplement is a smart addition to many whole-body health and healthy aging regimens. In some medical studies, pine bark extract is paired with a compound called L-arginine aspartate. For instance, a 2023 review found that Pycnogenol and L-arginine helped reduce symptoms of ED and increase sexual desire, satisfaction, and intercourse. However, the supplement did not affect testosterone levels.Clinical research has shown that pine bark extract may provide significant sexual health benefits for men. Pycnogenol provides sexual health support by promoting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is an enzyme that creates nitric oxide.French maritime pine bark extract has been shown to improve sperm quality and function. Among these benefits were improvements in overall sperm count and morphology due to both the high antioxidant values and improved circulation.A recent study found the combination of pine bark extract and arginine (an amino acid that also boosts NO production) were effective for improving mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
Who cannot take pine bark extract?
In theory, pine bark may lower blood pressure and blood sugar level, and these effects have also been reported in some RCTs. For that reason, you should be careful taking pine bark if you have hypertension or diabetes. Pine bark is generally recognized as safe and has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations during therapy nor to episodes of clinically apparent liver injury.