Pycnogenol is a standardized pine bark extract derived specifically from French maritime pine trees (Pinus pinaster) found on the coast of France. It provides a concentrated source of flavonoids and phenolic acids, including procyanidin oligomers (65–75% by weight), catechin, epicatechin, taxifolin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. While other French maritime pine bark extracts exist (oligopin and flavangenol), their composition varies slightly due to different extraction techniques. Pycnogenol has been used in the vast majority of clinical trials to date, and will be the focus of this page unless otherwise mentioned.
What is pycnogenol?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Pycnogenol is a standardized extract from the bark of French maritime pine trees (Pinus pinaster) and is rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, particularly procyanidin oligomers. It is the most commonly studied pine bark extract in clinical trials.