---
title: "Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, improves…"
description: "Pycnogenol supplementation may help reduce the required dose of blood pressure medication and improve endothelial function in mildly hypertensive patients."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d14659974.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d14659974.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d14659974.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d14659974"
journal: "Life Sci"
year: 2004
pmid: "14659974"
doi: "10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.037"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, improves endothelial function of hypertensive patients

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Life Sci |
| Year | 2004 |
| PMID | [14659974](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14659974/) |
| DOI | [10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.037](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.037) |
| Study key | d14659974 |

## Takeaway

Pycnogenol supplementation may help reduce the required dose of blood pressure medication and improve endothelial function in mildly hypertensive patients.

## The question

Does Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, improve endothelial function and reduce the need for antihypertensive medication in patients with hypertension?

## Hypothesis

The study hypothesized that Pycnogenol supplementation would improve endothelial function and allow for a reduction in the dose of calcium antagonist medication in hypertensive patients.

## Methods

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study was conducted with 58 patients diagnosed with hypertension. Patients received either 100 mg of Pycnogenol or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Endothelial function markers (endothelin-1, 6-keto prostaglandin F1a, nitric oxide, angiotensin II) and the required dose of nifedipine were measured.

## Results

Pycnogenol supplementation significantly reduced the dose of the calcium antagonist nifedipine. Endothelin-1 concentrations significantly decreased in the Pycnogenol group compared to placebo, while 6-keto prostaglandin F1a concentrations were significantly higher. Nitric oxide levels increased in both groups but not significantly, and angiotensin II concentrations were lowered more in the placebo group. Heart rate, electrolytes, and blood urea nitrogen remained unchanged in both groups. Mild and transient side effects were observed in both groups, with no significant difference in their rates.

## Conclusion

Supplementation with Pycnogenol may be beneficial for mildly hypertensive patients, as it helped reduce the dose of nifedipine and improved certain markers of endothelial function.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state limitations beyond the observed side effects being mild and transient, and the non-significant changes in nitric oxide and angiotensin II.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> The intake of Pycnogenol decreased endothelin-1 concentrations significantly compared to placebo

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pycnogenol Pine Bark Extract | Moderate evidence | [Pycnogenol Pine Bark Extract](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/117.md) |

## Reference

1. **Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, improves endothelial function of hypertensive patients**
   Life Sci 2004 · [PMID 14659974](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14659974/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.037](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2003.07.037)

   > The intake of Pycnogenol decreased endothelin-1 concentrations significantly compared to placebo

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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).