Pine Bark P.E.

Pine Bark P.E. is an herbal supplement derived from the bark of the maritime pine tree and is commonly marketed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Pine Bark P.E. has been studied for a wide range of clinical conditions, including asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic venous insufficiency, cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.

The benefits of Pine Bark P.E. are believed to come from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have the potential to improve conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. However, the quality of many published clinical studies has been limited by small sample sizes or the use of non-randomized or open-label designs. Some studies have been conducted by a small pool of researchers, some being industry-sponsored, and insufficient evidence exists supporting the use of pine bark extracts for any chronic condition.

Regarding dosage, Pine Bark P.E. has most often been used by adults at a dose of 50 mg, taken 2-3 times daily, for up to one year. Typical doses range from 50 milligrams to 450 milligrams per day. However, the appropriate dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.

There are generally no significant side effects of Pine Bark P.E. in the general population, and it is usually well-tolerated by most patients in clinical trials. However, there is limited information available on the long-term effects of Pine Bark P.E., and some people may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

There have been some studies conducted on the benefits of Pine Bark P.E. A small 2016 study including 24 adults with high blood pressure found that taking 150 milligrams of Oligopin pine bark daily for 5 weeks improved blood pressure. Another study found that pine bark extract may help relieve the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis by keeping blood chemicals from attacking the cartilage.

Sources:

1. Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders – PMC – NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8094515/
2. Pine Bark Extract: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects – Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pine-bark-extract
3. MARITIME PINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews – WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1019/maritime-pine
4. Pine Bark Extract Uses, Benefits & Dosage – Drugs.com Herbal Database: https://www.drugs.com/npp/pine-bark-extract.html
5. Pycnogenol: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions – RxList: https://www.rxlist.com/pycnogenol/supplements.htm
6. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical effects of Pinus pinaster bark extract – PMC – NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3203267/