Pycnogenol is extracted from the bark of French maritime pine Pinus pinaster, and has gained interest
as a cosmeceutical for skin lightening purposes. It is comprised of procyanidins, polyphenolic monomers,
and phenolic or cinnamic acids. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functionality has been demonstrated,
therefore it acts as a free radical scavenger. Pine extract has been included in a variety of
cosmeceutical formulations.
Pycnogenol is used to treat hypoxia in cardiac or cerebral infarction. It is also used as an antioxidant, an antitumor, and to treat inflammation. Pycnogenol is often used in place of grape seed extract.
