French maritime pine bark extract

French maritime pine bark extract/Drug Interactions:

  • AlcoholAlcohol: In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract had protective effects against alcohol's effects on developing neurons (8).
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In human research, supplementing with French maritime pine bark extract reduced pain and the need for analgesics (50; 30; 41; 46; 51).
  • AntiandrogensAntiandrogens: In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract stimulated the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (80).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In vitro research suggests that French maritime pine bark extract may inhibit the growth of bacteria (81). However, the effects of French maritime pine bark extract and antibiotics are not well understood.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In vitro and in human research, French maritime pine bark extract prevented coagulation and inhibited platelet aggregation (31; 32; 33; 34).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In clinical (28; 30) and animal research (29), French maritime pine bark extract lowered plasma glucose levels.
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro research has shown French maritime pine bark extract to inhibit the growth of 23 different pathogenic prokaryotic (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and eukaryotic (yeast and fungi) microorganisms at concentrations ranging from 20 to 250mcg/mL (81). The effects of French maritime pine bark extract and antifungal agents are not well understood.
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In preclinical evidence, French maritime pine bark extract reduced the release of histamine (82). Reduced histamine use was reported with prolonged use of French maritime pine bark extract in human research (45). The effects of French maritime pine bark extract and antihistamines are not well understood.
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In clinical trials, French maritime pine bark extract reduced blood pressure in hypertensive individuals (35; 36; 37). In clinical trials, French maritime pine bark extract has also been shown to improve endothelial function in hypertensive individuals (35; 36). However, in clinical research, a decrease in the number of participants requiring less nifedipine at the end of trial duration, as well as changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure, was lacking (30; 47; 43; 71).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: French maritime pine bark extract had anti-inflammatory effects in human (83; 84; 50; 51) and in vitro research (85; 86; 87). However, some trials report a lack of effect on systemic inflammation with French maritime pine bark extract or Pycnogenol? supplementation (43; 47). The effects of French maritime pine bark extract and anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In clinical research, French maritime pine bark extract decreased serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (58; 26; 37), whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) remained unaffected following supplementation (58; 88) or may increase (26; 37). French maritime pine bark extract has also been shown to improve LDL:HDL ratios in perimenopausal women (37). However, human trials also report a lack of effect on serum lipid profiles (43; 71).
  • AntineoplasticagentsAntineoplasticagents: In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract has been shown to have anticancer effects (89; 90; 91; 92; 93). In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract may inhibit thymus DNA synthesis induced by cyclophosphamide in mice (11). In animal and in vitro research, Pycnogenol? had a protective effect on the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (11; 12)
  • AspirinAspirin: In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract improved the platelet inhibiting efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid (31).
  • BronchodilatorsBronchodilators: In human research, French maritime pine bark extract resulted in a reduction in number of participants reporting asthma symptoms and relying on rescue inhalers, and fewer puffs were required (30; 42).
  • Calcium-channel blockersCalcium-channel blockers: In clinical research, use of French maritime pine bark extract reduced the need for nifedipine in mildly hypertensive patients (36).
  • CNS stimulantsCNS stimulants: In a case report of a 10 year-old with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), French maritime pine bark extract in addition to dextroamphetamine decreased hyperactive and impulsive behavior (94). However, not all findings have been positive (95; 30; 44).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: Evidence from noncontrolled, nonrandomized research (69) suggests that French maritime pine bark extract may improve male infertility. The combination product Prelox? has also been found to improve sperm quality in male infertility (110). In clinical research, treatment with French maritime pine bark extract resulted in a significant improvement in International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire scores (30).
  • FluorideFluoride: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract prevented fluoride-induced kidney lysosomal damage (96).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract increased immune response in immune-suppressed individuals (38). In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract increased TNF-alpha secretion (39) and natural killer cell cytotoxicity and IL-2 production (40) but reduced elevated levels of interleukin-6 (40).
  • InotropesInotropes: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract has been found to have inotropic effects (97). Concurrent use of French maritime pine bark extract with other inotropic agents may cause additive effects.
  • Phosphodiesterase inhibitorsPhosphodiesterase inhibitors: In clinical research, treatment with French maritime pine bark extract resulted in a significant improvement in International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire scores (30).
  • RadiopharmaceuticalsRadiopharmaceuticals: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract protected against ionizing radiation's negative effects on the intestinal mucosa (villi preservation) (17).

    • French maritime pine bark extract/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Aged garlic extractAged garlic extract: In vitro, a combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, aged garlic extract (Kyolic?), S-allyl cysteine, and French maritime pine bark extract increased secretion of human growth hormone (14).
  • Alpha-lipoic acidAlpha-lipoic acid: In animal research, intraperitoneal Pycnogenol? and alpha-lipoic acid decreased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (98).
  • AntiandrogenicsAntiandrogenics: In in vitro research, French maritime pine bark extract stimulated the synthesis of the physiologically active androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (80).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro research suggests that French maritime pine bark extract may inhibit the growth of bacteria (81; 99; 100). However, the effects of French maritime pine bark extract and antibacterial agents are not well understood.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In human and laboratory research, French maritime pine bark extract prevented coagulation and inhibited platelet aggregation (31; 32; 33; 34).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In vitro research has shown French maritime pine bark extract to inhibit the growth of 23 different pathogenic prokaryotic (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and eukaryotic (yeast and fungi) microorganisms at concentrations ranging from 20 to 250mcg/mL (81). The effects of French maritime pine bark extract and antifungal agents are not well understood.
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In preclinical evidence, French maritime pine bark extract reduced the release of histamine (82). Reduced histamine use was reported with prolonged use of French maritime pine bark extract in human research (45). The effects of French maritime pine bark extract and antihistamines are not well understood.
  • Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: French maritime pine bark extract had anti-inflammatory effects in human (83; 84; 50; 51) and in vitro research (85; 86; 87). However, some trials report a lack of effect on systemic inflammation with French maritime pine bark extract or Pycnogenol? supplementation (43; 47). The effects of French maritime pine bark extract and anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood.
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In clinical research, French maritime pine bark extract decreased serum cholesterol and LDL (58; 26; 37), whereas HDL may remain unaffected following supplementation (58; 88) or may increase (26; 37). French maritime pine bark extract has also been shown to improve LDL:HDL ratios in perimenopausal women (37). However, human trials also report a lack of effect on serum lipid profiles (43; 71).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: French maritime pine bark extract has been shown to have anticancer effects in vitro (89; 90; 93; 91; 92). In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract inhibited thymus DNA synthesis induced by cyclophosphamide in mice (11). In animal and in vitro research, French maritime pine bark extract had a protective effect on the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (11; 12).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: French maritime pine bark extract may have antioxidant effects, based on human (26; 54), rat (101), and in vitro studies (102; 103; 104; 105; 106; 65; 107; 108). However, some human evidence has failed to support these findings (109; 27).
  • Beta-caroteneBeta-carotene: In rat studies, French maritime pine bark extract in combination with beta-carotene decreased retinal gamma-glutamyl transferase activity and elevated activity of superoxide dismutase (98).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: Evidence from noncontrolled, nonrandomized research (69) suggests that French maritime pine bark extract may improve male infertility. The combination product Prelox? has also been found to improve sperm quality in male infertility (110). In clinical research, treatment with French maritime pine bark extract resulted in a significant improvement in International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire scores (30).
  • GingerGinger: In human research, a combination of French maritime pine bark extract and standardized ginger root extract (ZinopinT) reduced the incidence of venous thromboembolism and motion sickness (111).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In clinical (28; 30) and animal research (29), French maritime pine bark extract lowered plasma glucose levels. Theoretically, concurrent use of French maritime pine bark extract and antidiabetic agents may cause additive glucose lowering and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In clinical trials, French maritime pine bark extract reduced blood pressure in hypertensive individuals (35; 36; 37). In clinical research, French maritime pine bark extract has also been shown to improve endothelial function in hypertensive individuals (35; 36). However, in clinical research, a decrease in the number of participants requiring less nifedipine at the end of trial duration was lacking, as were changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure (30; 47; 43; 71).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract increased immune response in immune-suppressed individuals (38). In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract may increase TNF-alpha secretion (39) and natural killer cell cytotoxicity and IL-2 production (40) but reduce elevated levels of interleukin-6 (40). Theoretically, French maritime pine bark extract may alter the effects of immunosuppressants.
  • InotropesInotropes: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract has been found to have inotropic effects (97).
  • L-arginineL-arginine: In human research, the combination of Pycnogenol? and L-arginine improved erectile function (112). In vitro, a combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, aged garlic extract (Kyolic?), S-allyl cysteine, and French maritime pine bark extract increased secretion of human growth hormone (14).
  • L-lysineL-lysine: In vitro, a combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, aged garlic extract (Kyolic?), S-allyl cysteine, and French maritime pine bark extract increased secretion of human growth hormone (14).
  • PinokinasePinokinase: In a randomized, controlled trial during a long-haul flight, the combination of French maritime pine bark extract and an oral profibrinolytic agent (Flite Tabs, 150mg pinokinase, Aidan, Tempe, AZ) decreased deep vein thrombosis and thrombotic events (113).
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: In animal research, French maritime pine bark extract protected against ionizing radiation's negative effects on the intestinal mucosa (villi preservation) (17).
  • RutinRutin: In human research, a combination of troxerutin and French maritime pine bark extract improved symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency (114).
  • S-allylcysteineS-allylcysteine: In vitro, a combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, aged garlic extract (Kyolic?), S-allyl cysteine, and French maritime pine bark extract increased secretion of human growth hormone (14).
  • StimulantsStimulants: In a case report of a 10 year-old with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), French maritime pine bark extract in addition to prescribed dextroamphetamine decreased hyperactive and impulsive behavior (94). However, not all findings have been positive (95; 30; 44).
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract competed with vitamin C in the binding of ascorbate oxidase (115). Human research has indicated that French maritime pine bark extract does not appear to interact with vitamin C to increase antioxidative capacity or reduce vitamin C levels (109).
  • Vitamin EVitamin E: In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract and vitamin E had additive antioxidant effects, by protecting the alpha-tocopherol of endothelial cells and enhancing the basal endogenous levels of alpha-tocopherol (104).

    • French maritime pine bark extract/Food Interactions:

  • Antioxidant-containing foodsAntioxidant-containing foods: French maritime pine bark extract may have antioxidant effects, based on human (26; 54), rat (101), and in vitro studies (102; 103; 104; 105; 106; 65; 107; 108). However, some human evidence has failed to support these findings (109; 27).
  • GarlicGarlic: In vitro, a combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, aged garlic extract (Kyolic?), S-allyl cysteine, and French maritime pine bark extract increased secretion of human growth hormone (14).
  • GingerGinger: In human research, a combination of French maritime pine bark extract and standardized ginger root extract (ZinopinT) reduced incidence of venous thromboembolism and motion sickness (111).
  • Low-carbohydrate dietLow-carbohydrate diet: In animal research, the combination of a low-carbohydrate diet with Pinus maritima treatment increased retinal glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities in diabetic rats (116).

    • French maritime pine bark extract/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In clinical trials, French maritime pine bark extract reduced blood pressure in hypertensive individuals (35; 36; 37). However, in clinical research, a decrease in the number of participants requiring less nifedipine at the end of trial duration was lacking, as were changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure (30; 47; 43; 71).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In human and laboratory research, French maritime pine bark extract prevented coagulation and inhibited platelet aggregation (31; 32; 33; 34). In clinical research, French maritime pine bark extract supplementation decreased serum thromboxane concentration (35).
  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): In vitro, French maritime pine bark extract stimulated the synthesis of the physiologically active androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (80).
  • GlutathioneGlutathione: In research in diabetic rats, treatment with French maritime pine bark extract, both alone and in combination with other antioxidants, elevated renal glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, hepatic glutathione reductase activities, and glutathione disulfide, or depressed cardiac glutathione disulfide levels (101). Hepatic GSH and cardiac glutathione peroxidase activity were also elevated.
  • Growth hormoneGrowth hormone: In vitro, a combination of L-arginine, L-lysine, aged garlic extract (Kyolic?), S-allyl cysteine, and French maritime pine bark extract increased secretion of human growth hormone (14).
  • Lipid profileLipid profile: In clinical research, French maritime pine bark extract decreased serum cholesterol and LDL (58; 26; 37), whereas HDL remained unaffected following supplementation (58; 88) or increased following supplementation (26; 37). French maritime pine bark extract has also been shown to improve LDL:HDL ratios in perimenopausal women (37). However, human trials also report a lack of effect on serum lipid profiles (43; 71).
  • Serum glucoseSerum glucose: In clinical (28; 30) and animal research (29), French maritime pine bark extract lowered plasma glucose levels.
  • Serum leukotrienesSerum leukotrienes: In clinical research, French maritime pine bark extract treatment reduced serum leukotrienes (55).