Pine bark extract,also called Pine dinghy extract, is a natural supplement deduced from the dinghy of pine trees that some people use to try to lower blood pressure. This composition explores the substantiation on whether pine dinghy extract is effective for reducing high blood pressure, as well as its safety and implicit side goods.

Is pine good for high blood pressure?

Some early exploration suggests that pine dinghy extract may help lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension( high blood pressure).

In one small study, people took 200 mg per day of French maritime pine dinghy extract or a placebo for 12 weeks. The pine dinghy group endured a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure( the top number in a blood pressure reading) of over 11 mmHg and in diastolic pressure( the nethermost number) of nearly 10 mmHg on average. Meanwhile, the placebo group saw no major changes.

Another study had similar findings, with pine bark extract bulk lowering systolic blood pressure close to 13 mmHg and diastolic around 8 mmHg in people with high blood pressure after 3 months. The reductions seen were comparable to some prescription blood pressure medications.

The main active ingredients in pine bark extract believed to affect blood pressure are procyanidins. These plant compounds act as antioxidants in the body and may help relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This vasodilating effect may translate into lower blood pressure.

More research is still needed though, as most studies on pine bark extract bulk and blood pressure have been relatively small. Larger, longer-term studies could help confirm the potential blood pressure benefits of pine bark supplements.

Is pine bark extract bad for kidneys?

There is no evidence that pine bark extract is bad for the kidneys or kidney function when used occasionally in moderate doses. On the contrary, some research indicates it may help protect kidney health.

One study in rats with kidney damage found that Pine dinghy extract helped reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys while limiting scar tissue formation. It also improved several markers of kidney function. Researchers attributed these protective effects to the powerful antioxidant properties of pine bark extract.

Some sources express concerns over the concentrated procyanidins in Pine dinghy extract possibly causing kidney stones in sensitive people when taken long term or in very high doses. However, there have been no human reports of pine bark supplements causing kidney problems even with regular use.

As with most supplements though, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before starting pine bark, especially if you have existing kidney issues. Starting with the lowest effective dose and not exceeding recommended amounts should minimize any risks. But in most people, moderate doses of  pure pine bark extract powder  appear safe for the kidneys.

Does pine bark have side effects?

Pine bark extract is generally well-tolerated by most people with few side effects in the short term at commonly recommended doses.

Possible minor side effects can include stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, headaches or rashes. These effects seem uncommon though based on clinical studies.

Due to its blood pressure lowering effects, pine dinghy extract may not be suitable in combination with certain hypertension medications like beta blockers, ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers. Using both can further reduce BP to unsafe levels. Checking with a doctor is important if you take any prescription blood pressure drugs.

Those on blood thinners like Coumadin/warfarin should also use caution with pine bark due to increased bleeding risks. The antioxidants in pine bark may inhibit platelets and impact the blood’s ability to clot.

Additionally, pine bark and pine bark supplements can trigger allergies in those with tree nut or latex sensitivities. Discontinue use if signs of a pine allergy reaction occur such as hives, itching or swelling.

Always stick to dosage guidelines on any pine bark extract products, which are typically around 50-360 mg per day depending on the preparation. Better absorption is seen when taken along with food. While rare, high doses may heighten side effects risks.

In pregnant or nursing women and children, it’s best to avoid pine bark supplements due to insufficient safety research. For other adults, moderate pine bark extract appears reasonably safe for short-term or periodic use based on available evidence. But consult a doctor first if you have any health conditions or take medications to avoid complications.

In conclusion, early research indicates pine bark extract may aid in lowering blood pressure in those with mild hypertension. At moderate doses, pine bark is generally well-tolerated with a low risk of side effects for most people. It does not appear to cause kidney issues - and may even support kidney health according to animal studies.

However, more research is still needed on the long-term efficacy and safety of taking pine bark supplements. Talk to your doctor before starting pine bark extract to address any specific health concerns. Those already on blood pressure or blood thinner medications should exercise particular caution due to possible interactions. When used carefully under medical supervision though, pine bark extract shows promise as a natural supplement that may provide blood pressure support.

Hubei Sanxin Biotechnology Co., Ltd. integrates the research and development, production and sales for many years. We are your reliable pine bark pine bark extract wholesaler. We can supply customized service as your request.

Email: nancy@sanxinbio.com

References:

Liu, X., Wei, J., Tan, F., Zhou, S., Würthwein, G., & Rohdewald, P. (2004). Antidiabetic effect of Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract in patients with diabetes type II. Life sciences, 75(21), 2505-2513.

Zibadi, S., Rohdewald, P. J., Park, D., & Watson, R. R. (2008). Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with type 2 diabetes by Pycnogenol supplementation. Nutrition research, 28(5), 315-320.

Kim, Y. H., Kim, D. H., Lim, H., & Baek, D. Y. (2019). The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of pine bark extract in a rat model of adriamycin-induced nephropathy. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(6), 1453.

Natural Medicines Database. (2019). Pycnogenol: Professional Monograph. Therapeutic Research Center. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/