CAM: Pycnogenol

Structure of Pycnogenol.

Classified as:
Phytochemical,  Polyphenol, Flavonoid, Proanthocyanidin

Intro and Background
Pyncogenol is a product derived from the bark of the French Pine Tree (Pinus pinaster). ⁽¹⁾ Extract from the bark of this tree contains compounds known as flavonoids, procyanidins, and proanthocyanidins that are also found in grapes and cocoa. ^{(2) (3)} It is widely used in Europe as a dietary supplement to protect nerve cells, increase sperm activity, increase tissue function, decrease blood pressure, and alleviate asthma symptoms. ⁽¹⁾ Pynogenol and other proanthcyanidins are being investigated for their possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet functionality. ^{(2) (4) (3)}

French Pine trees

Scientific Research
Pycnogenol was shown to induce apoptosis and slow down the reproduction of leukemia ⁽¹⁾, breast⁽⁵⁾, and ovarian ⁽⁶⁾ cancer cells in vitro. A mixture derived from a related tree, the Taiwan short pine (Pinus morrisonicola), has also been shown to kill leukemia cells in vitro. ⁽⁷⁾ In another study, Pycnogenol was applied to the skin of mice before they were exposed to ultraviolet rays. Researchers observed a decrease in the occurrence of skin cancer in those mice which received a lotion containing Pycnogenol. ⁽³⁾ This natural extract has been recognized as a significant anti-oxidant and for its ability to prevent some processes that can often lead to cancer. ⁽⁸⁾ Much of the research pertaining to pycnogenol and proanthocyanidins involves their ability to prevent cancer.

Learn MORE about apoptosis

There is one clinical study under way at the University of Wisconsin to discover if pycnogenol has any benefit for breast cancer survivors with arm Lymphedemia (build up of fluid in the lymphnodes). ⁽⁹⁾ For information about ongoing clinical trials involving pycnogenol, please visit our section on Finding Clinical Trials.

US Food and Drug Administration Approval
There is not enough evidence to support that pycnogenol is effective in the fight against cancer and so it has not been approved by the FDA for cancer treatment. ⁽¹⁰⁾

*It is important to keep in mind that many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, work by generating free radicals in order to destroy cancer cells. If a cancer patient takes antioxidants while undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment, it is possible that these compounds may protect tumor cells from the desired free radicals. Doctors may recommend that patients undergoing these treatments avoid antioxidants so that the treatment is as effective as possible. ⁽¹¹⁾

1. Huang WW, Yang JS, Lin, CF, HO WJ, Lee MR. Pycnogenol induces differentiation and apoptosis in human promyeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. Leuk Res. (2005) 6: 685-92. [PUBMED]
2. Golanski J, Muchova J, Golanski R, Durackova Z, Markuszewski L, Watala C. Does pycnogenol intensify the efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid in the inhibition of platelet function? In vitro experience. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). (2006) 60: 316-21. [PUBMED]
3. Sime S, Reeve VE. Protection from inflammation, immunosuppression and carcinogenesis induced by UV radiation in mice by topical Pycnogenol. Photochem Photobiol. (2004) 79(2): 193-8 [PUBMED]
4. Baliga MS, Katiyar SK. Chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis by selected dietary botanicals. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2006 Feb;5(2):243-53. Epub 2005 Aug 12. [PUBMED]
5. H.T. Huynh and R.W. Teel. Selective induction of apoptosis in human mammary cancer cells (MCF-7) by Pycnogenol. Anticancer Res (2000) 20: 24172420 [PUBMED]
6. BuzZard AR, Lau BHS. Pycnogenol® reduces talc-induced neoplastic transformation in human ovarian cell cultures. Phytother Res. 2007 Jun;21(6):579-86. [PUBMED]
7. Hsu TY, Sheu SC, Liaw ET, Wang TC, Lin CC. Anti-oxidant activity and effect of Pinus morrisonicola Hay. on the survival of leukemia cell line U937. Phytomedicine. (2005) 12(9): 663-9 [PUBMED]
8. Peng Q, Wei Z, Lau BH. Pycnogenol inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced nuclear factor kappa B activation and adhesion molecule expression in human vascular endothelial cells. Cell Mol Life Sci. (2000) 57(5): 834-41. [PUBMED]
9. National Library of Medicine. (2007). ClinicalTrials.gov Retrieved June 6, 2007 from the National Institutes of Health Web Site: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/search;jsessionid=C04DF10415809DE91678716AA35115A4?term=pycnogenol%2C+cancer&submit=Search
10. US Food and Drug Adminstration website. Accessed 9/10/2010 [http://www.fda.gov/]
11. Borek C. Dietary antioxidants and human cancer. Integr Cancer Ther (2004). 3: 333-341. [PUBMED]