Evidence supporting the use of: Maritime Pine
For the health condition: Raynaud's Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) extract—commonly known as Pycnogenol—has been investigated in several clinical studies for its potential benefits in treating Raynaud's Disease, a vascular disorder characterized by reduced blood flow to extremities. The scientific basis for its use centers on its rich content of procyanidins, which have antioxidant properties and are thought to improve endothelial function and microcirculation.
Evidence includes small randomized controlled trials and open-label studies. For instance, a 2002 randomized double-blind study published in Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis found that supplementation with Pycnogenol (30 mg/day for four weeks) reduced the number and severity of Raynaud’s attacks in patients with primary Raynaud’s Disease compared to placebo. Another study in 2008 (International Angiology) reported improvements in microcirculation and reduced symptoms in patients receiving the extract.
Despite these promising findings, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and a lack of large-scale, multicenter trials. Systematic reviews acknowledge the potential of Pycnogenol but call for further research to establish efficacy and safety. Thus, while there is scientific validation supporting the use of maritime pine extract for Raynaud's Disease, the evidence is moderate and not yet conclusive.
