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Dietary supplement

Pycnogenol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Laboratories

Pycnogenol label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical
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 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 is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories 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(R). 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 by Douglas Laboratories

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Pycnogenol by Douglas Laboratories

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.

Pycnogenol is a single active ingredient: a standardized extract from maritime pine bark. Each tablet or pill delivers this extract, which is rich in plant compounds called proanthocyanidins that may support blood vessel and joint function.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—cellulose, vegetable stearate, and silica—which are filler and binding materials that hold the tablet together.

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

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

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Maritime Pine 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 ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Asthma — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Osteoarthritis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for Pycnogenol is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency (swelling and discomfort from poor blood flow in the legs), meaning some clinical trials support it but more research would strengthen the case.

For asthma, it's also possibly effective on the same basis. However, for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), the evidence points to it being possibly ineffective.

Overall, it shows the most promise for joint and circulatory concerns, though results aren't guaranteed.

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 the studies we have, but long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects are mild: some people report gastrointestinal complaints, dizziness, or vertigo.

Headache and, very rarely, chest pain or worsening heart failure have been reported in individual cases, though whether maritime pine bark extract caused them is unclear. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided; the same applies to breastfeeding.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have heart concerns, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

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, flag any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) because of a Moderate risk of increased bleeding. Also check any diabetes medications and any immune-suppressing drugs you're on.

If you take any of these, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that Pycnogenol is safe for you.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

Pycnogenol may help if you have osteoarthritis, leg swelling from poor circulation, or mild asthma—the evidence is modest but encouraging. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or immune-suppressing medications, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, since the extract could interact with these.

Long-term safety is still being established, so this is worth discussing with your healthcare provider, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing heart disease.

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 Mar 25, 2014.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 745287021354
Net contents 30 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2014
DSLD ID 31339
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) 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 by Douglas Laboratories, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
745287021354
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol(R)50 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate, 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.
Seals/Symbols

Pycnogenol(R) NATURES SUPER ANTIOXIDANT

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pycnogenol(R) is a natural plant extract made from the bark of the European coastal pine, Pinus maritima-a concentrated source of proanthocyanidins and other biologically active components.

Pycnogenol(R) 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.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 to 3 tablets daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.

Storage

For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place. (59(0)-77(0)F/15(0)-25(0)C) (35-65% relative humidity)

General

PCO3

Formula

French maritime pine bark extract

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formulation

This product contains NO yeast, wheat, gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

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

See for yourself

Pycnogenol by Douglas Laboratories label

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

Pycnogenol 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 by Douglas Laboratories

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Pycnogenol(R)

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(R) monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Pycnogenol by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Pycnogenol?

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(R) 327

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Pycnogenol interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Pycnogenol(R)

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Pycnogenol 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.

Pycnogenol(R)3 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(R) full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Douglas Laboratories

See all Douglas Laboratories products
Name
Douglas Laboratories
Street Address
600 Boyce Road
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15205
Phone Number
1.800.245.4440
Web Address
www.douglaslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Pycnogenol by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Pycnogenol by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Pycnogenol 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 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?
Pycnogenol is studied mainly for osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear), chronic venous insufficiency (leg swelling from poor circulation), and asthma. Evidence suggests it may help with these, though it isn't a cure. For high cholesterol, the research doesn't support its use.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are stomach upset, dizziness, and vertigo. Headache has been reported in a small number of trial participants. Very rarely, chest pain or worsening heart failure has been noted, though a direct link to the extract hasn't been proven.
Can I take Pycnogenol if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data on Pycnogenol in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it unless your doctor advises otherwise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Does Pycnogenol have any ingredients I should watch out for?
Pycnogenol is a single active extract from maritime pine bark. The tablet also contains cellulose, vegetable stearate, and silica—common inactive ingredients in pills. If you're allergic to pine or any of these materials, avoid it or check with your pharmacist first.
How long does it take to work?
The product facts don't specify how quickly you might notice a benefit. That can vary based on what you're taking it for and how your body responds. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you better guidance on a realistic timeframe.

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

Not sure if Pycnogenol 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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Pycnogenol’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'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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