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Dietary supplement

French-Maritime Pycnogenol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Viva Naturals

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

French-Maritime Pycnogenol is a dietary supplement by Viva Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for circulation and vein health, antioxidant support, skin health and aging.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pycnogenol. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Pycnogenol, a standardized extract from maritime pine bark. The capsule also contains three inactive ingredients — rice flour, hypromellose (a capsule binder), and ascorbyl palmitate (a preservative) — to hold and protect the extract.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: cardiovascular health, immune support, antioxidant protection.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Varicose veins, Raynaud syndrome — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension, Varicose veins, and more.

Maritime pine bark extract has a "Possibly Effective" rating for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the legs), meaning there's some clinical evidence it may help, but more research is needed. For asthma, the evidence is also "Possibly Effective." However, for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), the evidence rates as "Possibly Ineffective," so this extract likely won't help lower your lipid levels.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Maritime pine bark extract is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and vertigo.

Headache and one case of chest pain have been reported in trials, though it's unclear whether the extract caused them directly. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient information.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Maritime Pine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate risk of increased bleeding), diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar), or immunosuppressants (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness). These are the drug types with documented interactions in our data.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you have osteoarthritis, poor leg circulation, or asthma, this extract may be worth trying — the evidence suggests it could help. However, if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or immunosuppressants, check with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? This one's best avoided until we know more.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 20, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about French-Maritime Pycnogenol, straight from the product label.

Brand Viva Naturals
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 20, 2024
DSLD ID 309775
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol100 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Good for: Taking care of your cardiovascular health, supporting a strong immune system, and helping to support antioxidant protection.

Non GMO Gluten free Dairy free

Supports circulation & immune health + Antioxidant protection Tested

Manufactured without dairy, gluten or GMOs.

Vivanaturals promise We're really proud of the products we make. But, if you're unhappy with your Viva Naturals purchase for any reason, just let us know within 90 days. We'll be happy to refund your money, no questions asked and no hard feelings.

Formula

Made with: French maritime pine bark extract.

Pycnogenol 100mg

Brand IP Statement(s)

Vivanaturals A wealth of wellness We make wellness possible

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research. Use of this product may be protected by one or more U.S. Patents and other international patents.

Storage

Storage information: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.

Precautions

Caution: As with any dietary supplement, consult your healthcare practitioner before using this or any other product if you are pregnant, nursing, trying to conceive, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal under cap is broken or missing.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take 1 capsule daily following a complete meal, or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

See for yourself

French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Pycnogenol

Interacts with
327 drugs
100 mg per serving Form: Pine Bark Extract

Maritime pine bark extract (often sold as Pycnogenol) is a plant-based antioxidant most studied for circulation, vein, and skin health. Some research...

Pycnogenol monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against French-Maritime Pycnogenol?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in French-Maritime Pycnogenol with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Pycnogenol3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Clinical research suggests that maritime pine bark extract inhibits platelet aggregation. However, the clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
One clinical study shows that maritime pine bark extract decreases blood sugar in patients with diabetes being treated with antidiabetes agents. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, maritime pine bark extract might decrease the effectiveness of immunosuppressant therapy.
In vitro and animal research suggests that maritime pine bark extract has immunostimulant activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for French-Maritime Pycnogenol, from the product label.

Viva Naturals

See all Viva Naturals products
Name
Viva Naturals Inc.
Street Address
228 Park Ave South Suite 2400
City
New York
State
NY
ZipCode
10003
Phone Number
1-800-921-8482
Web Address
www.vivanaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals: Common Questions

Does French-Maritime Pycnogenol by Viva Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, French-Maritime Pycnogenol has a known interaction with 327 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
French-Maritime Pycnogenol contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this work for my leg swelling and pain?
Maritime pine bark extract is rated "Possibly Effective" for chronic venous insufficiency — the condition that causes poor circulation and swelling in your legs. The evidence suggests it may help, but it's not guaranteed, and you should still follow your doctor's recommendations.
What side effects should I expect?
The most common ones are stomach upset, dizziness, and vertigo. Headache has been reported in a trial as well. Most people tolerate it okay, but if you feel dizzy or nauseated, let your pharmacist know.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it — there isn't enough information to know whether it's safe for your baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you.
Does this lower cholesterol?
No — the evidence rates it as "Possibly Ineffective" for high cholesterol, so it's unlikely to help bring your lipid numbers down.
Are there any fillers or additives I should know about?
The capsule contains rice flour, hypromellose, and ascorbyl palmitate. These are standard inactive ingredients used to make and preserve the supplement.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if French-Maritime Pycnogenol is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

French-Maritime Pycnogenol label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind French-Maritime Pycnogenol’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

French-Maritime Pycnogenol's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Maritime Pine 14 references
  1. Rice-Evans CA, Packer L, eds. Flavonoids in Health and Disease. Manhattan, NY: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1998.
  2. Liu FJ, Zhang YX, Lau BH. Pycnogenol enhances immune and haemopoietic functions in senescence-accelerated mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 1998;54:1168-72. PubMed
  3. Putter M, Grotemeyer KH, Wurthwein G, et al. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin and pycnogenol. Thromb Res 1999;95:155-61. PubMed
  4. Kohama T, Inoue M. Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy. Phytother Res 2006;20:232-4.
  5. Liu X, Zhou HJ, Rohdewald P. French maritime pine bark extract pycnogenol dose-dependently lowers glucose in type 2 diabetic patients (letter). Diabetes Care 2004;27:839. PubMed
  6. Liu X, Wei J, Tan F, et al. Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life Sci 2004;75:2505-13. PubMed
  7. Wilson D, Evans M, Guthrie N et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory study to evaluate the potential of pycnogenol for improving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Phytother Res 2010;24:1115-9.
  8. Araghi-Niknam, M., Hosseini, S., Larson, D., Rohdewald, P., and Watson, R. R. Pine bark extract reduces platelet aggregation. Integr.Med. 3-21-2000;2(2):73-77. PubMed
  9. Trebaticka, J., Kopasova, S., Hradecna, Z., Cinovsky, K., Skodacek, I., Suba, J., Muchova, J., Zitnanova, I., Waczulikova, I., Rohdewald, P., and Durackova, Z. Treatment of ADHD with French maritime pine bark extract, Pycnogenol. Eur.Child Adolesc.Psychi PubMed
  10. Suzuki, N., Uebaba, K., Kohama, T., Moniwa, N., Kanayama, N., and Koike, K. French maritime pine bark extract significantly lowers the requirement for analgesic medication in dysmenorrhea: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
  11. Cisar, P., Jany, R., Waczulikova, I., Sumegova, K., Muchova, J., Vojtassak, J., Durackova, Z., Lisy, M., and Rohdewald, P. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother.Res. 2008;22(8):1087-1092.
  12. Enseleit, F., Sudano, I., Periat, D., Winnik, S., Wolfrum, M., Flammer, A. J., Frohlich, G. M., Kaiser, P., Hirt, A., Haile, S. R., Krasniqi, N., Matter, C. M., Uhlenhut, K., Hogger, P., Neidhart, M., Luscher, T. F., Ruschitzka, F., and Noll, G. Effects
  13. Schoonees, A., Visser, J., Musekiwa, A., and Volmink, J. Pycnogenol(R) (extract of French maritime pine bark) for the treatment of chronic disorders. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2012;4:CD008294.
  14. Wang S, Tan D Zhao Y et al. The effect of pycnogenol on the microcirculation, platelet function and ischemic myocardium in patients with coronary artery diseases. Eur Bull Drug Res 1999;7:19-25.

See these in context on the Maritime Pine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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