Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pycnogenol, a standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), has attracted interest for its potential ocular benefits, including the management of glaucoma. Glaucoma is characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and progressive optic nerve damage. Several small clinical studies and animal experiments have examined Pycnogenol’s effect in glaucoma patients. The main rationale is Pycnogenol’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microcirculatory improvement properties.

Some clinical evidence suggests that Pycnogenol, often in combination with other flavonoids (e.g., in the supplement Mirtogenol, which contains Pycnogenol and Mirtoselect), may help lower IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or early-stage glaucoma. For example, a few small, open-label and randomized studies (notably those published by Steigerwalt et al.) have reported statistically significant reductions in IOP with Mirtogenol compared to controls. Proposed mechanisms include improved ocular blood flow and reduced oxidative stress in ocular tissues.

However, the quality and scale of available studies are limited. Most trials have small sample sizes, short durations, and often use combination products, making it difficult to isolate Pycnogenol’s specific effect. There is currently insufficient large-scale or long-term clinical trial data to recommend Pycnogenol as a standard treatment for glaucoma. Thus, while scientific investigation exists, the evidence remains preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously.

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