What is pycnogenol?

What is pycnogenol and when is it used?

Pycnogenol is a product made of the bark of a particular pine tree, which is used as one of the ingredients of many dietary supplements. Grape seed extracts, also contain pycogenols. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features, as well as several other health benefits that it is claimed to contain, it is used in the treatment of various conditions, among which are also problems with blood circulation, asthma, diabetes, allergies, increased blood pressure, problems of the female reproductive system, erectile dysfunction, and many others. It is also particularly effective as a pain reliever and in the prevention of heart and blood vessel problems, but, besides that, it stimulates the immune system, improves the blood flow and slows down the process of aging, which is why it is an ingredient of many anti-aging products.

Are there any side effects of pycnogenol?

There is a recommended daily dosage of pycnogenol, and as long as people who use it stick to that dosage, this product is considered to be safe. Still, the guarantees of its safety after it has been used for 6 months cannot be given, because there is a possibility that certain side effects might appear then. Also, there are no reports on side effects in case when it is taken in larger dosage than suggested, but it is not recommended to exceed it. Generally, the expected side effects consist of headache, dizziness and nausea, meaning that none of them is serious, but still, they are not comfortable. It is also possible that some people may experience allergic reaction, but it is possible with any other medication or supplement, too. As for its use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, even though no side effects have been reported so far, it is better to avoid it, just in case. Children under the age of 6 and people who suffer from some autoimmune disease are also not recommended to use it, because of its effects on the immune system. It may happen that, due to the increased activity of the immune system, the symptoms of the disease in question become worse. From the same reason, it is not suggested to combine this product with immunosuppressants. People who use blood-thinners, medications for diabetes or for blood pressure should also check with their physicians whether or not they should use pycnogenol, because these combinations may lead to the increased risk of bleeding, hypotension and hypoglycemia.