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Dietary supplement

Pycnogenol 100 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Preventive Nutrition

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

Pycnogenol 100 mg is a dietary supplement by GNC Preventive Nutrition 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 GNC Preventive Nutrition

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 single-ingredient capsule contains 100 mg of Pycnogenol, a standardized extract from maritime pine bark. The inactive ingredients are cellulose, gelatin, titanium dioxide, and chlorophyll—typical capsule materials and colorants.

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: heart health and circulation support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Heart failure, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Varicose veins — 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 "Possibly Ineffective" for Hyperlipidemia.
  • Also on file: Maritime Pine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Heart failure, Hypertension, Varicose veins.

The research behind Pycnogenol shows mixed results. It's rated possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (swelling and discomfort in the legs from poor blood flow back to the heart), and possibly effective for asthma.

However, for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), the evidence suggests it's probably not effective.

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 reported orally are gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, and vertigo; headache has appeared in one trial.

A single case of chest pain and one report of worsening heart failure were noted, but both patients had serious heart history, and it's unclear whether the extract was the cause. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so the evidence advises against use.

The same applies to breastfeeding—safety information is not on file. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.

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 taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin or aspirin)—Pycnogenol may increase bleeding risk. Also flag it if you take diabetes medications or immunosuppressants, since the extract may lower blood sugar or interfere with immune control.

No interactions are documented for other medication types covered by 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.

Pycnogenol may be worth considering if you have osteoarthritis, leg swelling from poor circulation, or asthma, since the research suggests possible benefit. However, if you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or immune-suppressing medications, you'll need to clear this with your own doctor or pharmacist first—the interactions are documented and may require monitoring or dose changes.

Start a conversation with your healthcare provider about whether this supplement fits your situation.

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 25, 2011.

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 GNC Preventive Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 048107100834
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 25, 2011
DSLD ID 2692
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 GNC Preventive Nutrition, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
048107100834
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol100 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Gelatin, Titanium Dioxide, Chlorophyll

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 with food.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

WARNING: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

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.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight.

HEART

Lot No./Best By:

May help maintain circulatory health*

Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

NEW

Powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage*

Pycnogenol(R) is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. Use of this product is protected by one or more of U.S. patents #4,698,360, #5,720,956, #6,372,266 and other international patents.

General

CODE 723812 KLG

Formulation

No Sugar, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Seals/Symbols

Pycnogenol(R) French maritime pine bark

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

See for yourself

Pycnogenol 100 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pycnogenol 100 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition

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

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

Pycnogenol

Interacts with
327 drugs
100 mg per serving

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, Gelatin, Titanium Dioxide, Chlorophyll. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Pycnogenol 100 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition 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.

GNC Preventive Nutrition

See all GNC Preventive Nutrition products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pycnogenol 100 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Pycnogenol 100 mg by GNC Preventive Nutrition 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.
Will Pycnogenol actually help my arthritis pain?
Research shows it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis, meaning there's some evidence it may help, but it's not proven beyond doubt. Talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying alongside your current treatment plan.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or nursing?
There isn't enough safety data during pregnancy, so the evidence advises against it. For breastfeeding, we don't have safety information on file either. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most commonly, people report stomach upset, dizziness, or vertigo. Headache has been reported in a trial. If you feel dizzy or have digestive trouble, dial back the dose or stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Does Pycnogenol help with high cholesterol?
No—the evidence suggests it's probably not effective for lowering cholesterol. If that's your goal, talk with your doctor about other approaches.
What is maritime pine bark, and why is it in this product?
It's the extract from the bark of a specific pine tree, and it contains compounds that research suggests may help with joint and circulatory health. Pycnogenol is the brand name for a standardized version of this extract.
Are there any fillers or other stuff in this capsule?
Yes—the capsule also contains cellulose, gelatin, titanium dioxide for color, and chlorophyll. These are inactive ingredients used to form and color the capsule itself.

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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