What it is
Maritime Pine Bark extract, standardized to oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), is a botanical supplement derived from the bark of the Pinus pinaster tree. It is used to support cardiovascular and circulatory functions.
Supplement · Cardiovascular
Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol)
100 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
hypertensionpoor-circulationhigh cholesterol heartblood vesselskin
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How it works
Its primary active compounds, OPCs, are potent antioxidants that enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, promoting vasodilation. They also inhibit inflammatory pathways and improve blood vessel elasticity.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results?
Measurable effects on cardiovascular markers like blood pressure are typically observed within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can I take Maritime Pine Bark with my blood pressure medication?
While it may help support healthy blood pressure, it's crucial to consult your doctor before combining it with prescription medications that affect the same pathways to avoid interactions.
What is the active compound in Maritime Pine Bark?
The primary active compounds are oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are powerful antioxidants responsible for many of its benefits.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
A · A · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for cardiovascular and circulatory health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol)
Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) is a cardiovascular supplement used to support cardiovascular and circulatory health. Pine-bark OPCs for circulation, skin and cognition. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the heart, blood vessels, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-12 weeks for measurable cardiovascular markers. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) carries an evidence grade of A in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting strong human evidence for cardiovascular and circulatory health. Pine-bark OPCs for circulation, skin and cognition. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-12 weeks for measurable cardiovascular markers, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 100 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Cardiovascular category, Maritime Pine Bark (Pycnogenol) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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