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Dietary supplement

Pycnogenol 100 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bluebonnet

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

Pycnogenol 100 mg is a dietary supplement by Bluebonnet 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 Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet

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 holds inactive ingredients — cellulose, hypromellose, purified water, and magnesium stearate — which help hold the supplement together and have no active role.

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: vascular and circulatory health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins, Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Raynaud syndrome, Hemorrhoids — and 3 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 "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension, Varicose veins, and more.

Pycnogenol carries a rating of Possibly Effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), meaning there's some clinical evidence it may help, but more research would strengthen the case. For asthma, the rating is also Possibly Effective.

The evidence we hold suggests it's Possibly Ineffective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), so it's not a reliable choice for that goal.

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.

Pycnogenol is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety isn't fully mapped out. The most common side effects from oral use are stomach upset, dizziness, and vertigo; headache and severe vertigo have also been reported in trials.

One case of chest pain and one case of worsening heart failure were noted in patients taking it, though both had pre-existing heart conditions and it's unclear whether the supplement was directly responsible. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough evidence to know either way.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding to decide whether it's right for you.

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.

Before you take this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin) — Pycnogenol may increase bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take diabetes medications, since the extract may lower blood sugar further, or immunosuppressants, since it might weaken their effect.

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.

Pycnogenol may be worth considering if you have osteoarthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, or asthma and want to explore a plant-based option. Anyone on blood thinners, diabetes meds, or immunosuppressants should clear it with their own doctor or pharmacist first — the interaction risks are real, even if the exact outcome in your situation isn't certain.

If you have a history of heart problems, that's another reason to check in before starting.

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 Nov 22, 2022.

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 Pycnogenol 100 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Bluebonnet
Barcode (UPC) 743715008359
Net contents 30 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2022
DSLD ID 280181
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, No Allergies, 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 Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet, 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
30
UPC/BARCODE
743715008359
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol100 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hypromellose, Water, Purified, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Formula

Bluebonnet’s Pycnogenol 100 mg Vegetable Capsules are derived from the bark of the European coastal pine and are concentrated with oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a water-soluble bioflavonoid. Pycnogenol may help support vascular and immune function.

Bluebonnet's KOF-K Certification #K-0000700

Pycnogenol Nature's super antioxidant

K Parve (Koisher)

Formulation

Free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame. Also free of corn, gluten, barley, rice, sodium and sugar.

Vascular function & immune support

Vegan

Gluten free

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Made with non GMO ingredients

K Parve (Kosher)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet

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 container30 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: Cellulose, Hypromellose, Water, Purified, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pycnogenol 100 mg?

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 Pycnogenol 100 mg 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 Pycnogenol 100 mg, from the product label.

Bluebonnet

Name
Bluebonnet Nutrition Corporation
Street Address
12915 Dairy Ashford
City
Sugar Land
State
Texas
ZipCode
77478
Web Address
www.bluebonnetnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet: Common Questions

Does Pycnogenol 100 mg by Bluebonnet interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pycnogenol 100 mg 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?
Pycnogenol 100 mg 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.
Does Pycnogenol actually work for joint pain?
For osteoarthritis, Pycnogenol carries a Possibly Effective rating, meaning some clinical evidence suggests it may help — but it's not a slam-dunk. It's one option to discuss with your doctor if you're looking to add something to your routine.
What are the most common side effects?
The most frequent ones are stomach complaints, dizziness, and vertigo. Headache and severe vertigo have also been reported. Most people tolerate it well, but if you notice any of these, let your doctor know.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data to say yes or no. The facts advise against it during pregnancy, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your personal situation before taking it.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for breastfeeding either. Discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to figure out what's best for you and your baby.
Will Pycnogenol help lower my cholesterol?
No — the evidence we hold rates it Possibly Ineffective for high cholesterol, so it's not a reliable choice for that goal. Ask your doctor about other options if that's your concern.
How long before I notice a difference?
The facts don't give a timeframe for when benefits might appear. That's a good question for your doctor or pharmacist, who can advise based on the condition you're treating.

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

Not sure if Pycnogenol 100 mg 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.

Pycnogenol 100 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Pycnogenol 100 mg'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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