Every now and again a natural nutritional supplement reaches the market surrounded by of a lot of buzz and hype about its miraculous properties. Pine bark extract is one such supplement.
Pine bark extract is a substance usually made from the bark of the maritime pine, a tree native to the western Mediterranean region. Proponents of this substance tout it as a powerful antioxidant with a wide range of uses including treatments for cancer, arthritis, and many chronic conditions.
According to a 1998 study at UC Berkeley, pine bark extract is one of the most potent antioxidants ever discovered. Antioxidants are believed to help control what are known as free radicals, extra molecules which can wreak havoc on some of the body's systems.
Although not enough clinical data exists to back up the claims made in the UC Berkeley study, there is sufficient evidence to at least warrant further study.
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Pine Bark Extract History In 1951 a French scientist read the account of Jacques Cartier and his group of explorers who, in 1535, found themselves the victims of scurvy. Native Indians instructed Cartier and his group to drink tea made out of tree bark which ostensibly helped many of them ... more
In 1951 a French scientist read the account of Jacques Cartier and his group of explorers who, in 1535, found themselves the victims of scurvy. Native Indians instructed Cartier and his group to drink tea made out of tree bark which ostensibly helped many of them recover.
The French researcher decided to look into tree bark further and eventually came up with a process to extract what's known as proanthocyanidins. The results of his extraction process was a compound he called Pycnogenol. It is this substance which is commonly marketed today as pine tree extract.
Because of its history, it is still a subject of controversy among those who debate whether it was the vitamin C or the proanthocyanidins in the original story that helped the explorers recover from scurvy. Despite the debate, pine bark extract is one of the more popular supplements on the market today.
Most responsible supplement makers market pine bark extract simply as a powerful antioxidant. There have been enough studies over the last 35 years to suggest this is probably true, despite the fact that the overall effects of antioxidants are not yet fully known.
Nonetheless, marketed in this way pine bark extract seems to be rather benign. Individuals who believe they're getting some benefit from its antioxidant properties may very well be. If not, it does no serious harm in moderation.
On the other hand, there are some supplement makers and natural medicine proponents who push pine bark extract as a treatment for cancer and heart disease. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that this is true.
In fact, pine bark extract has been shown to interfere with some types of chemotherapy drugs. When used properly in conjunction with chemotherapy, this supplement can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.
In terms of heart disease, the lack of scientific results is the same. There is no evidence at all to suggest pine bark extract is helpful in treating such conditions.
The fact that other proven treatments exist for heart disease and cancer suggests that pine bark extract should not be used as a substitute until further studies indicate otherwise.
Taking pine bark extract as a daily supplement has not been satisfactorily addressed by the USDA or the FDA. There are just too many questions regarding possible side effects that are as yet unknown.
As with many nutritional supplements, gastrointestinal distress is a very real possibility and is common in some people. Most of the time side effects are minor and includes diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach.
Experts warn against the use of pine bark extract by those diagnosed with ADHD and other similar disorders. Pine bark extract is believed to cause agitation in these individuals, thus making their conditions worse.
In otherwise healthy people pine bark extract could cause mood swings, irritability, and heightened anxiety. For individuals suffering from diabetes or hypoglycemia, extreme care should be taken if using pine bark extract as a daily supplement.
According to some early studies pine bark extract can sometimes lower blood glucose levels which can be dangerous to people suffering from these two conditions. If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic you should check with your doctor before beginning regular use of pine bark extract.
Pine bark extract supplements are readily available from multiple retailers online such as VitaCost and Amazon. You can also find limited numbers of supplements at your local health food store, nutritional supplement store, or pharmacy.
Prices typically range from $5-$20 per vial, depending on the number of capsules and the strength of the extract. Always be sure to follow product labeling when taking this or any other supplement. To compare pine bark extract products, use the supplement finder now!
| Diarrhea |
| Nausea |
| Irritability |
| Upset Stomach |
| Mood Changes |
| Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions |
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| Antioxidant |