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Dietary supplement

Pycnogenol 100 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

Pycnogenol 100 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Pycnogenol 100 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Pycnogenol 100 mg is a dietary supplement by Protocol For Life Balance with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for circulation and vein health, antioxidant support, skin health and aging.Based on those ingredients, 492 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Pycnogenol, Organic Amla extract, Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 3 active ingredients. Vitamin C supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.

Organic amla extract (also called Indian gooseberry) is a traditional botanical extract. The capsule itself is made from cellulose and contains inactive ingredients like cellulose powder, stearic acid, and silica.

Does it work?

Strong 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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Vitamin C deficiency — rated "Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Anemia of chronic disease — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Asthma — rated "Possibly Effective" (Maritime Pine) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Atrial fibrillation — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Cataracts — rated "Possibly Effective" (Vitamin C) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold is mixed. Vitamin C is effective for treating vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-related respiratory infections.

For organic amla extract, the data shows it's possibly effective for acid reflux (GERD) and high cholesterol, but there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate it for hair loss. We don't have effectiveness data on file for pycnogenol.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine Vitamin C Indian Gooseberry

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses, but very high doses can cause stomach cramping, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and kidney stones — especially in people prone to them. Most side effects appear above 2 grams daily.

For organic amla extract, it's generally well tolerated as a food, but supplement safety is less studied. A small number of trial participants reported stomach discomfort, fatigue, or muscle pain.

The safety notes advise avoiding high-dose vitamin C supplements in pregnancy unless your doctor recommends it, and there isn't enough data to know whether organic amla extract is safe during breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine Vitamin C Indian Gooseberry

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Indian Gooseberry, Vitamin C, Maritime Pine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 492 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 list before taking this if you're on blood thinners or anti-clotting drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) — amla extract may increase bleeding risk and vitamin C can reduce warfarin effectiveness. Also double-check if you take diabetes medications (amla can lower blood sugar), birth control or hormone therapy (vitamin C may raise estrogen levels), thyroid medication, or chemotherapy drugs.

Any of these warrant a conversation with your pharmacist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product might work well for you if you take no medications or only those unaffected by vitamin C and amla extract. If you take a blood thinner, diabetes medication, thyroid medication, birth control, or any chemotherapy, talk to your pharmacist before starting — the interactions here are real and could affect how your drugs work.

Your pharmacist can review your full medication list and help you decide if this is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.

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 Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359132672
Net contents 60 Vcap(s)(R)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2012
DSLD ID 15455
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Protocol For Life Balance, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
707359132672
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol100 mg--
Vitamin C120 mg200%
Organic Amla extract240 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Cellulose powder, Stearic Acid, Silica

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 Statements

Contains no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.

HOW IT WORKS: Pycnogenol(R) is a proprietary extract from French Maritime Pine bark grown exclusively in the coastal region of southwest France. The unique growing conditions and natural processing used to obtain it result in an extract with constant proportions of procyanidins, organic acids, and other bioactive compounds. Pycnogenol(R) possesses potent anti-oxidant properties and is known to support proper inflammatory and immune system responses. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Pycnogenol(R) can help to support healthy circulation and helps to maintain normal vascular function.

For more information on this product go to www.protocolforlife.com/P3267. Please Recycle.

Formulation

Vegetarian/Vegan Product.

Brand IP Statement(s)

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

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Precautions

This bottle contains an AGELESS(R) Oxygen Absorber to ensure freshness. Do not eat Packet.

CAUTIONS/INTERACTIONS: Do not use if you have an allergy to pine.

Pycnogenol may interact with anti-diabetic, anti-platelet, anti-coagulant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and numerous other medications. It may also interact with immunosupressants. If you are taking any pharmaceutical medications or if you are pregnant or lactating, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USAGE: As a dietary supplement, take 1 to 2 Vcaps(R) daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

General

CODE P3267 V2

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance label

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

Pycnogenol 100 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

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

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
120 mg per serving Form: organic Amla extract

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

Organic Amla extract

Interacts with
208 drugs
240 mg per serving Form: Ascorbic Acid

Indian gooseberry (amla) is a vitamin C-rich fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for many purposes, from antioxidant support to cholesterol and digestion...

Organic Amla extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance 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
492Drugs
420 Moderate 72 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Pycnogenol 327
Organic Amla extract 208
Vitamin C 207

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Pycnogenol 100 mg interact with 492 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Pycnogenol 100 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Pycnogenol Organic Amla extract Vitamin C

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pycnogenol 100 mg 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.

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
Pycnogenol full monograph & interactions

Organic Amla extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with clopidogrel 75 mg or ecosprin 75 mg, as a single dose or for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with clopidogrel 75 mg or ecosprin 75 mg alone. Until more is known, use caution when taking Indian gooseberry in combination with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking Indian gooseberry with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry fruit or fruit extract alone or in conjunction with antidiabetes medications can lower blood glucose levels. Dose adjustments to diabetes medications might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with aspirin; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking a single dose of Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with ecosprin 75 mg, or taking a combination of Indian gooseberry 500 mg twice daily plus ecosprin 75 mg once daily for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with ecosprin 75 mg alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Theoretically, Indian gooseberry may increase the risk of bleeding if used with clopidogrel; however, research is conflicting.
Clinical research shows that taking Indian gooseberry 500 mg as a single dose or twice daily for 10 days reduces platelet aggregation by about 24% to 36%, increases bleeding time by about 3.8-5.9 seconds, and increases clotting time by about 9.8-12.7 seconds when compared to baseline. However, taking a single dose of Indian gooseberry 500 mg along with clopidogrel 75 mg, or taking a combination of Indian gooseberry 500 mg twice daily plus clopidogrel 75 mg once daily for 10 days, does not significantly reduce platelet aggregation or increase bleeding time or clotting time when compared with clopidogrel 75 mg alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Organic Amla extract full monograph & interactions

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Pycnogenol 100 mg, from the product label.

Protocol For Life Balance

See all Protocol For Life Balance products
Name
Protocol For Life Balance(TM)
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does Pycnogenol 100 mg by Protocol For Life Balance interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pycnogenol 100 mg has a known interaction with 492 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 3 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.
Does this product actually have pycnogenol in it if you can't check it for interactions?
Yes — pycnogenol is listed on the label as an active ingredient. We simply don't hold interaction data on file for it, so we can't tell you whether it interacts with your medications. That's why checking your specific drugs with our tool is important.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
You need to check with your pharmacist first. The vitamin C in this product can increase estrogen levels from birth control, which could change how effective it is or increase your side effects. Your pharmacist can advise whether it's okay for you.
Is this safe to take while pregnant?
There isn't enough data to know whether the amla extract is safe during pregnancy. Normal amounts of vitamin C from food and prenatal vitamins are fine, but high-dose supplements like this one shouldn't be taken unless your doctor says it's okay. Talk with your doctor before starting.
What does amla extract do?
It's a traditional botanical extract from Indian gooseberry. The evidence shows it's possibly effective for acid reflux and high cholesterol, but we don't have strong evidence for other uses.
What are the side effects?
Vitamin C can cause stomach cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and headache — especially at doses above 2 grams daily. With amla extract, a small number of trial participants reported stomach discomfort, fatigue, or muscle pain. These were generally mild.
Will this help with a cold?
Vitamin C is possibly effective for exercise-related respiratory infections, but we don't have data specifically on colds in the facts we hold. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether this is right for that.

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

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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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Pycnogenol 100 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Maritime Pine

Interacts with 327 drugs

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

Read the full Maritime Pine monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Indian Gooseberry

Interacts with 208 drugs

Indian gooseberry (amla) is a vitamin C-rich fruit used in Ayurvedic medicine for many purposes, from antioxidant support to cholesterol and digestion. Early research is promising for some u...

Read the full Indian Gooseberry monograph →
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 71 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.
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  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 →

Vitamin C 51 references
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Indian Gooseberry 6 references
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  2. Fatima N, Pingali U, Muralidhar N. Study of pharmacodynamic interaction of Phyllanthus emblica extract with clopidogrel and ecosprin in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(5):579-85. PubMed
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See these in context on the Indian Gooseberry 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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