Sea pine extract is primarily used as an ingredient in dietary supplements available in capsules, tablets and multi-ingredient formulations. In formulations, it may appear on its own or in combination with vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals and other plant extracts. Its use in everyday food is less common, and the possibility of using a specific extract depends on its legal status and compliance with food safety requirements.
Scientific research into pine bark extracts covers, amongst other things, cardiovascular parameters, glucose metabolism, cognitive function and skin condition. Sea pine extract does not currently have any authorised health claims approved by the European Commission on the basis of an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The key selection criterion is the precise identification of the raw material. The label should state the Latin name of the species, Pinus pinaster, and specify that the extract is derived from the bark. The general term ‘pine extract’ does not allow one to determine whether the preparation comes from the correct species and part of the plant.
It is worth checking the degree of standardisation, i.e. the declared content of a specific group of compounds in the extract. For example, a preparation containing 100 mg of extract standardised to 70% procyanidins nominally provides 70 mg of these substances. It is important to distinguish between procyanidins and the broader group of proanthocyanidins, as these terms do not always refer to identical analytical parameters.
Before use, please check the warnings and contraindications. Particular caution is advised for people taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication, and – due to limited safety data – also for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Maritime pine bark extract is rich in polyphenols, primarily procyanidins, which exhibit interesting biological properties. Scientists are investigating its effects on, amongst other things, the cardiovascular system, glucose metabolism and skin health. Although the results of some studies are promising, there is still insufficient evidence to consider the extract an effective treatment for specific conditions.
What is maritime pine extract used for?
The extract is an ingredient in dietary supplements, and research into it relates, amongst other things, to blood vessel health, blood pressure, glucose metabolism and skin condition. However, this does not mean that its effectiveness in these applications has been unequivocally confirmed in humans.
What is Pycnogenol and is it the same as maritime pine extract?
Pycnogenol® is the trade name for a specific, standardised extract from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). Not every extract from this species is Pycnogenol. Preparations may differ in composition, production method and polyphenol content.
What active ingredients does maritime pine extract contain?
The most important group are procyanidins, which belong to the polyphenol family. The extract also contains catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin and phenolic acids. The composition and concentration of individual substances depend on the type of preparation.
Does maritime pine extract lower blood pressure?
The effect of the extract on blood pressure has been the subject of clinical trials, but the available evidence does not allow it to be considered a proven treatment for high blood pressure. It should not replace medication or a doctor’s advice.
Does maritime pine extract help with skin and wrinkles?
Some studies have analysed its effect on skin hydration, elasticity and other parameters. However, the results are not sufficient to guarantee anti-wrinkle or rejuvenating effects. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed.
Is maritime pine extract safe?
Safety depends on the specific preparation, the dose and the user’s state of health. Particular caution should be exercised by those taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication. Data on its use during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding are limited.
How do you choose a good maritime pine extract?
It is worth paying attention to three pieces of information on the label: the species name Pinus pinaster, the specification that bark is the raw material, and standardisation for specific compounds, e.g. procyanidins. The amount of extract per serving and a transparent list of ingredients are also important.
What does ‘standardisation of the extract to 70% procyanidins’ mean?
It refers to the declared content of this group of compounds in the extract. For example, 100 mg of extract standardised to 70% procyanidins nominally contains 70 mg of these substances. However, a high standardisation level alone does not prove greater health benefits.
Sources:
- Dridi, W., & Bordenave, N. (2020). Pine Bark Phenolic Extracts, Current Uses, and Potential Food Applications: A Review. Current pharmaceutical design, 26(16), 1866–1879. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612826666200212113903
- Bayer, J., & Högger, P. (2024). Review of the pharmacokinetics of French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) in humans. Frontiers in nutrition, 11, 1389422. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1389422
- Robertson, N. U., Schoonees, A., Brand, A., & Visser, J. (2020). Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 9(9), CD008294. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008294.pub5