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Dietary supplement

PycnoBrain Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Doctor's Best

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

PycnoBrain Complex is a dietary supplement by Doctor's Best with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for exercise performance and endurance, heart health, energy support.Based on those ingredients, 495 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pycnogenol Maritime Pine extract, Taurine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

PycnoBrain Complex contains two active ingredients. Taurine is an amino acid your body produces naturally; it's involved in heart, muscle, and nerve function.

Pycnogenol maritime pine extract is a standardized extract from the bark of maritime pine trees, used for its antioxidant properties. The product also contains inactive ingredients—modified cellulose and cellulose—which serve as the capsule and binding material.

Does it work?

Insufficient 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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: enhance attention, concentration, memory, and cognitive functions.
  • We looked for evidence on: Academic performance, Age-related cognitive decline, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Cognitive impairment, learning — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Cognitive impairment.
  • Also on file: Taurine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Cognitive function, Academic performance.

For taurine, the evidence supports possibly effective use for hepatitis and congestive heart failure (CHF, a condition where the heart can't pump blood efficiently). It's rated possibly ineffective for weight loss.

For Pycnogenol maritime pine extract, it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (poor circulation in leg veins), and possibly effective for asthma. It's rated possibly ineffective for high cholesterol.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Taurine 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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Taurine is generally well tolerated in typical doses for up to one year, though long-term safety is less certain. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Serious adverse effects are rare but can include allergic reactions in people sensitive to sulfur-containing compounds; case reports have raised concerns about cardiovascular effects with energy drinks containing taurine, though it's unclear if taurine alone was responsible. Maritime pine extract is also generally well tolerated, though long-term safety isn't fully established.

Common side effects include digestive complaints, dizziness, and vertigo; headache and chest pain have been reported rarely. For pregnancy, taurine is rated likely safe, but maritime pine extract should be avoided—there isn't enough safety data.

For breastfeeding, maritime pine extract should be avoided; taurine occurs naturally in breast milk, but supplement safety isn't well studied, so use only under medical guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Taurine 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Maritime Pine, Taurine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 495 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 with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), blood pressure medications, lithium, drugs that suppress your immune system, or diabetes medications. Maritime pine extract may increase bleeding risk and lower blood sugar; taurine may lower blood pressure further or raise lithium levels.

Close monitoring or dose adjustments may be needed.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may help with heart conditions, circulation, joint pain, or asthma symptoms, but the evidence for each use varies. The key concern is medication interactions—especially with blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, lithium, immune-suppressing drugs, and diabetes treatments.

If you're on any of these, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Maritime pine extract isn't recommended due to lack of safety data; discuss with your healthcare provider.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 24, 2016.

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 PycnoBrain Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Doctor's Best
Barcode (UPC) 753950003354
Net contents 60 Veggie Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 24, 2016
DSLD ID 63292
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
753950003354
IngredientAmount% DV
Taurine500 mg--
Pycnogenol Maritime Pine extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Modified Cellulose, Cellulose

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.
General

P 12/13

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol is a standardized complex of highly active plant substances with many health benefits documented by clinical research.

This PycnoBrain product combines sustainably harvested Pycnogenolwith taurine, a fundamental ORTHO1 nutrient with its own array of brain benefits.

1A nutrient naturally built into the body's chemistry

Science-Based Nutrition

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. Use of this product may be protected by one or more U.S. patents (5,720,956; 6,372,266; 6,565,851) and other international patents. PycnoBrain is a trademark of Horphag Research Ltd.

General Statements

The many biochemical actions of its procyanidins, catechins, epicatechins, and phenolic acids make for an exceptionally broad range of brain benefits.

Enhances attention, concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions in children, students and the elderly* Supports nerve cell development, maintenance, communication* Promotes blood vessel integrity and brain circulation* Powerful protection for the brain and body*

BRAIN PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS*

Scan for more info

CONTAINS NOTHING OTHER THAN LISTED INGREDIENTS

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

Formula

PycnoBrain Complex Featuring Pycnogenol and Taurine

Seals/Symbols

Pyconogenol Nature's Super Antioxidant

Vegan

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Adult Use: Take 1 capsule once or twice daily with meals. For additional benefits take 2 capsules twice daily, or more, as recommended by a nutritionally-informed physician.

Precautions

Children under 100 pounds, take 1 capsule per day.

Pregnant women should consult with their physician prior to use.

Formulation

Non-GMO and Gluten Free

Non-GMO and Gluten Free

See for yourself

PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

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

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Taurine

Interacts with
173 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: L-Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid your body makes naturally and that you also get from animal foods. It is widely used in energy drinks and sports supplements,...

Taurine monograph & interactions

Pycnogenol Maritime Pine extract

Interacts with
327 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: French Maritime Pines, Procyanidins

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

Pycnogenol Maritime Pine extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Modified Cellulose, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against PycnoBrain Complex?

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
495Drugs
495 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Taurine 173

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in PycnoBrain Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Pycnogenol Maritime Pine extract3 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

Taurine2 drug types · 173 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taurine might increase the risk of hypotension when taken with antihypertensive drugs.
Some clinical evidence suggests that taurine can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, taurine might reduce excretion and increase plasma levels of lithium.
Taurine is thought to have diuretic properties, which might reduce the excretion of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for PycnoBrain Complex, from the product label.

Doctor's Best

See all Doctor's Best products
Name
Doctor's Best, Inc.
City
San Clemente
State
CA
ZipCode
92673
Phone Number
(800) 777-2474
Web Address
www.drbvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best: Common Questions

Does PycnoBrain Complex by Doctor's Best interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, PycnoBrain Complex has a known interaction with 495 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
PycnoBrain Complex contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Is this safe to take while pregnant?
Taurine is rated likely safe in pregnancy. Pycnogenol maritime pine extract, however, should be avoided—there isn't enough safety data to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product during pregnancy so you can make a personalized decision.
What are the most common side effects?
From taurine: constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. From maritime pine extract: digestive complaints, dizziness, and vertigo. Most people tolerate it well, but these effects do happen in some users.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Not without checking first. The maritime pine extract in this product may increase your bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to assess whether it's safe for you and whether you need closer monitoring.
Does this work for arthritis?
The Pycnogenol maritime pine extract in this product is rated possibly effective for osteoarthritis. That means there's some clinical evidence supporting it, but the evidence isn't definitive. Results vary from person to person.
How long can I safely take this?
Taurine is generally well tolerated for up to one year in typical doses, but long-term safety beyond that isn't well established. Maritime pine extract's long-term safety also isn't fully known. Talk with your doctor about how long to use it.
Should I take this if I have diabetes?
The maritime pine extract may lower blood sugar, so there's a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with diabetes medications. If you're interested in taking this, your doctor will need to monitor your blood glucose closely and may adjust your diabetes medication dose.

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

Not sure if PycnoBrain Complex is safe with your meds?

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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.

PycnoBrain Complex label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

PycnoBrain Complex'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 35 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.

Taurine 21 references
  1. Ahmad S, Robertson HT, Golper TA, et al. Multicenter trial of L-carnitine in maintenance hemodialysis patients. II. Clinical and biochemical effects. Kidney Int 1990;38:912-8. PubMed
  2. Machado-Vieira R, Viale CI, Kapczinski F. Mania associated with an energy drink: the possible role of caffeine, taurine, and inositol. Can J Psychiatry 2001;46:454-5. PubMed
  3. Obermann M, Schorn CF, Mummel P, et al. Taurine induced toxic encephalopathy? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2006;108:812-3. PubMed
  4. Bichler, A., Swenson, A., and Harris, M. A. A combination of caffeine and taurine has no effect on short term memory but induces changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. Amino Acids 2006;31(4):471-476. PubMed
  5. Iyadurai, S. J. and Chung, S. S. New-onset seizures in adults: possible association with consumption of popular energy drinks. Epilepsy Behav 2007;10(3):504-508. PubMed
  6. Berger, A. J. and Alford, K. Cardiac arrest in a young man following excess consumption of caffeinated "energy drinks". Med J Aust. 1-5-2009;190(1):41-43. PubMed
  7. Worthley, M. I., Prabhu, A., De, Sciscio P., Schultz, C., Sanders, P., and Willoughby, S. R. Detrimental effects of energy drink consumption on platelet and endothelial function. Am J Med 2010;123(2):184-187. PubMed
  8. Morchon, Simon D. and Perez Castrillon, J. L. [Hypoglycemia by intake of taurine]. Rev.Clin Esp. 2010;210(1):49.
  9. Livshits, Z., Hoffman, R. S., Hymes, K. B., and Nelson, L. S. If vitamins could kill: massive hemolysis following naturopathic vitamin infusion. J Med Toxicol. 2011;7(3):224-226. PubMed
  10. Schoffl, I., Kothmann, J. F., Schoffl, V., Rupprecht, H. D., and Rupprecht, T. "Vodka energy": too much for the adolescent nephron? Pediatrics 2011;128(1):e227-e231. PubMed
  11. Calabro, R. S., Italiano, D., Gervasi, G., and Bramanti, P. Single tonic-clonic seizure after energy drink abuse. Epilepsy Behav 2012;23(3):384-385. PubMed
  12. Fujita, T., Ando, K., Noda, H., Ito, Y., and Sato, Y. Effects of increased adrenomedullary activity and taurine in young patients with borderline hypertension. Circulation 1987;75(3):525-532. PubMed
  13. Darling, P. B., Lepage, G., Leroy, C., Masson, P., and Roy, C. C. Effect of taurine supplements on fat absorption in cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Res 1985;19(6):578-582. PubMed
  14. Fukuyama, Y. and Ochiai, Y. Therapeutic trial by taurine for intractable childhood epilepsies. Brain Dev. 1982;4(1):63-69. PubMed
  15. Franconi, F., Bennardini, F., Mattana, A., Miceli, M., Ciuti, M., Mian, M., Gironi, A., Anichini, R., and Seghieri, G. Plasma and platelet taurine are reduced in subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: effects of taurine supplementation. Am.J. DOI
  16. Stohs SJ, Miller M. A case study involving allergic reactions to sulfur-containing compounds including, sulfite, taurine, acesulfame potassium and sulfonamides. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014 Jan;63:240-3. PubMed
  17. Sun Q, Wang B, Li Y, Sun F, et al. Taurine supplementation lowers blood pressure and improves vascular function in prehypertension: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hypertension 2016 Mar;67(3):541-9. PubMed
  18. Jang ES, Hwang SH, Kim JW, Jeong SH. Effectiveness of 4-week oral taurine treatment for muscle cramps in patients with liver cirrhosis: a single-arm pilot study. Yonsei Med J 2021;62(1):21-8. PubMed
  19. Guan L, Miao P. The effects of taurine supplementation on obesity, blood pressure and lipid profile: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur J Pharmacol 2020;885:173533. PubMed
  20. Higgins JP, Liras GN, Liras IN, et al. Energy Drink Effects on Hemodynamics and Endothelial Function in Young Adults. Cardiology. 2021;146(2):258-262. PubMed
  21. Pallangyo P, Bhalia SV, Komba M, et al. Acute Myocardial Infarction Following the Consumption of Energy Drink in a 28-Year-Old Male: A Case Report. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep. 2023 Jan-Dec;11:23247096231168811. PubMed

See these in context on the Taurine monograph →

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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