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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 16, 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. 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 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 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. It's a concentrated source of plant compounds called proanthocyanidins, which are thought to be responsible for its effects on circulation and inflammation.

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: antioxidant support for circulation and vein health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins, Hemorrhoids, Raynaud syndrome, Atherosclerosis, Hypertension — 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, Hemorrhoids, Hypertension, Varicose veins, and more.

The evidence we hold shows Pycnogenol is possibly effective for osteoarthritis and chronic venous insufficiency — a condition where veins in the legs don't return blood well, causing swelling and discomfort. It's also possibly effective for asthma.

For high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), the data we have rates it as possibly ineffective, so it's not a reliable choice for that goal.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Pycnogenol is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety hasn't been fully established. The most common side effects from taking it by mouth are stomach upset, dizziness, and vertigo.

Headache has been reported in one trial. Two rare cases of chest pain and heart failure worsening were reported in people with existing heart disease, but it's unclear whether the extract caused them.

Because there isn't enough safety data, it's best to avoid this product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if either applies to you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Maritime Pine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Maritime Pine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this, double-check it with any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs you're on (like warfarin or aspirin), diabetes medications, and immunosuppressants. These carry Moderate interaction risk.

Altogether, these interactions span 322 individual medications.

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 help with osteoarthritis, poor leg circulation, or asthma symptoms. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or immunosuppressants, check with your pharmacist first — this product could alter how they work.

Same goes if you're pregnant or nursing; the data just isn't there yet.

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 Jan 24, 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) 745287200353
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2014
DSLD ID 29226
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 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
90
UPC/BARCODE
745287200353
IngredientAmount% DV
Pycnogenol50 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.
Formula

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.

French maritime pine bark extract

Brand IP Statement(s)

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

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

PCO9

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

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 container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Pycnogenol

Interacts with
327 drugs
50 mg per serving Form: Pine

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, 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 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

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.

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, 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 actually made from?
It's a standardized extract from maritime pine bark — the bark of a specific pine tree grown in France. The active compounds are called proanthocyanidins, plant chemicals that give the extract its effects.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't strong enough to say yes or no. There isn't enough information on either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
What side effects might I get?
Most commonly, stomach upset, dizziness, or vertigo. Headache has been reported in one study. Rare cases of chest pain and worsening heart failure have been reported, but they happened in people who already had heart disease, so causation isn't clear.
Does it really work for arthritis?
The evidence says it's possibly effective for osteoarthritis — meaning there's reasonable support, but it's not iron-clad. Results vary from person to person.
Will it help my high cholesterol?
The data we have rates it as possibly ineffective for that, so it's not a reliable choice if high cholesterol is your goal.

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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