Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Pycnogenol 50 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Pycnogenol 50 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Pycnogenol 50 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 50 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson 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.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson

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 Sep 10, 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 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 includes inactive ingredients—rice flour, gelatin, and calcium palmitate—which serve as fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Nature's super antioxidant.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

Pycnogenol is possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (heaviness, swelling, and pain in the legs from poor circulation). For asthma, the evidence rates it as possibly effective as well.

The data shows it's possibly ineffective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), so if that's your goal, this may not be the right choice.

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 established. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, and vertigo.

Headache has been reported in a single trial. Rare cases of chest pain and heart failure complications have been reported, though a direct link to the supplement wasn't clear—one patient had prior heart disease.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided. The same goes for breastfeeding—there's insufficient information to know either way.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you if you're pregnant 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 pycnogenol, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate interaction risk)—it may increase bleeding. Also check if you're on diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar) or immunosuppressants (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness).

Use the interaction search tool on this page to look up your exact medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Pycnogenol may help with osteoarthritis, leg swelling from poor circulation, or asthma symptoms, but it's not effective for high cholesterol. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or drugs that suppress your immune system, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first—this supplement can interfere with all three.

It's generally well tolerated, but side effects like dizziness and stomach upset do occur, and it should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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 Feb 25, 2019.

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 50 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614016122
Net contents 50 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 193176
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 50 mg by Swanson, 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
087614016122
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol50 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Calcium Palmitate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

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

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule one to two times per day with water.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol is a registered trademark of Horphag Research, Ltd. Use of this product may be protected by one or more U.S. patents and other international patents. Pycnogenol Nature's super antioxidant

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General Statements

50 mg per capsule

Antioxidant Support

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

SW612 Rev 1 09 21 18

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

See for yourself

Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson label

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

Pycnogenol 50 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 50 mg by Swanson

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
50 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: Rice Flour, Gelatin, Calcium Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pycnogenol 50 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

Pycnogenol 327

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Pycnogenol 50 mg interact with 327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Pycnogenol 50 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Pycnogenol

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pycnogenol 50 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
Pycnogenol full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Pycnogenol 50 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Pycnogenol 50 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pycnogenol 50 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 50 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.
What is pycnogenol used for?
Research shows pycnogenol is possibly effective for osteoarthritis, chronic venous insufficiency—that's the leg swelling, heaviness, and discomfort from poor circulation—and asthma. It's possibly ineffective for high cholesterol, so that's not a reliable use.
Does pycnogenol have side effects?
Yes. The most common are stomach complaints, dizziness, and vertigo. Headache has been reported in one trial. Rare cases of chest pain and heart failure symptoms have been documented, though it's unclear if pycnogenol caused them directly. If you feel dizzy or have stomach upset, that's typically mild, but report any chest discomfort to your doctor right away.
Is it safe to take pycnogenol while pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data for either. The evidence advises against it during pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, there's insufficient information to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing.
Can I take pycnogenol if I'm on blood thinners?
Not without checking first. Pycnogenol may increase your bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist—they'll help you decide if it's safe for you or if you need monitoring.
Can pycnogenol affect my diabetes medication?
Yes, potentially. Research shows pycnogenol lowers blood sugar, so combined with diabetes drugs it might lower it too much. If you take diabetes medication, your doctor or pharmacist should monitor your blood glucose closely and may need to adjust your dose.
How long does it take to see results from pycnogenol?
The product facts don't include information on how quickly you might notice effects. That's a good question for your doctor or pharmacist—they can give you realistic expectations for your particular situation.

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

Not sure if Pycnogenol 50 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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

Pycnogenol 50 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Pycnogenol 50 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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Pycnogenol 50 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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team