Does pycnogenol affect erectile dysfunction?

    Written by:
    Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Preliminary research indicates that pycnogenol may help reduce erectile dysfunction, especially when used in combination with L-arginine; it improves various aspects such as erection maintenance and sexual satisfaction. Although its effectiveness alone is less certain, it is believed that pycnogenol enhances nitric oxide production, which is beneficial for erectile function.

    Preliminary research suggests that pycnogenol may reduce erectile dysfunction, particularly when combined with L-arginine.

    In people with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, the combination of pycnogenol and L-arginine may improve several aspects of erectile dysfunction, including the ability to achieve and maintain an erection, intercourse satisfaction, and the ability to reach orgasm.[1] While it’s less clear if pycnogenol is effective on its own, preliminary research suggests it may be.[2]

    The combination of pycnogenol and L-arginine is unique in that L-arginine is used as a building block for the synthesis of nitric oxide, and pycnogenol is thought to enhance the activity of nitric oxide synthase, the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide.[1]