Maritime Pine Bark Extract
A 2014 Pycnogenol study (Belcaro et al.) in healthy professionals aged 35–55 reported small but significant cognitive improvements and a 30.4% drop in plasma free radicals after 12 weeks at 150mg/day — but it was a non-randomized product-evaluation registry study, not an RCT. A 2011 controlled (non-randomized) study in students (Luzzi et al.) reported better attention, memory and exam scores over 8 weeks. Both come from the same Irvine3 Labs / Chieti-Pescara author group, which has published numerous Pycnogenol studies; Pycnogenol is a Horphag Research trademark, and these trials are widely reported as industry-supported, though no sponsor is disclosed in the abstracts. The independent 2020 Cochrane review rated the evidence for every pine bark outcome it assessed as very low certainty. A 2025 network meta-analysis ranked Pycnogenol highly for mild cognitive impairment but cautioned about heterogeneity.
エビデンス確認日:
作用機序
Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Pinus pinaster) contains proanthocyanidins — potent polyphenol antioxidants that cross the blood-brain barrier. It works via three pathways: (1) stimulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to increase cerebral blood flow via vasodilation; (2) scavenging reactive oxygen species to protect neuronal membranes; (3) modulating NF-κB inflammatory signalling to reduce neuroinflammation. Pycnogenol is the most studied branded form.
臨床エビデンスの概要
A 2014 Pycnogenol study (Belcaro et al.) in healthy professionals aged 35–55 reported small but significant cognitive improvements and a 30.4% drop in plasma free radicals after 12 weeks at 150mg/day — but it was a non-randomized product-evaluation registry study, not an RCT. A 2011 controlled (non-randomized) study in students (Luzzi et al.) reported better attention, memory and exam scores over 8 weeks. Both come from the same Irvine3 Labs / Chieti-Pescara author group, which has published numerous Pycnogenol studies; Pycnogenol is a Horphag Research trademark, and these trials are widely reported as industry-supported, though no sponsor is disclosed in the abstracts. The independent 2020 Cochrane review rated the evidence for every pine bark outcome it assessed as very low certainty. A 2025 network meta-analysis ranked Pycnogenol highly for mild cognitive impairment but cautioned about heterogeneity.
ヒト効果マトリクス
Based on human clinical trials only. Animal and in-vitro data excluded.
| 効果 | エビデンス | 効果の大きさ | 研究数 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attention & Focus | preliminary | 小 | 3 |
| Oxidative Stress Reduction | preliminary | 中 | 1 |
| Cerebral Blood Flow | moderate | 小 | — |
| Memory | preliminary | 小 | 2 |
Evidence key: Strong = multiple consistent RCTs · Moderate = smaller/fewer RCTs · Preliminary = early trials or small n · Mixed = conflicting results
実証された効果
- Lower oxidative stress markers
- Attention and focus (preliminary, non-randomized studies)
- Antioxidant activity
副作用と注意事項
- Generally well tolerated, though adverse-event reporting was inconsistent across trials (Cochrane 2020)
- Rare: mild GI discomfort
- Headache (uncommon)
- Immunosuppressants: possible interaction, not confirmed by clinical reports — ask your doctor
摂取方法
スタッキングの推奨
Maritime Pine Bark Extractと相性の良い成分とその理由。
Citicoline provides cholinergic focus; Pine Bark provides blood flow and antioxidant support. Together they form the core of Performance Lab Mind — a minimal, evidence-based focus stack.
Pine Bark supports cerebral blood flow (delivery); Tyrosine supports catecholamine synthesis (production). Complementary supply-side + demand-side pairing.
Pine Bark protects neuronal membranes from oxidative damage; DHA provides the structural fatty acid for those membranes. Protective + structural combination.
よくある質問
What is Pycnogenol and is it worth the premium?
Pycnogenol is a patented extract of French Maritime Pine Bark (Pinus pinaster) standardised to 65-75% proanthocyanidins with a specific manufacturing process. It is the extract used in the cognitive studies cited here; no trial has compared it with generic pine bark extract. Generic pine bark extracts may vary in composition. If you want to match the clinical evidence, Pycnogenol is the most reliable choice.
How does Maritime Pine Bark compare to Ginkgo Biloba?
Both improve cerebral blood flow but via different mechanisms: Ginkgo inhibits platelet-activating factor; Pine Bark stimulates nitric oxide. Pine Bark has stronger antioxidant activity; Ginkgo has a larger evidence base for cognitive decline. No trial has tested the combination, and ginkgo raises bleeding risk with blood thinners.
Can I take Pine Bark Extract long-term?
The pooled trials ran from 4 weeks to 6 months, and the Cochrane review notes adverse events were reported inconsistently, so the absence of reported harm is not proof of long-term safety. No cycling protocol has been tested. Check with your doctor if you take immunosuppressants.
Why is the dose in Performance Lab Mind only 75mg?
Performance Lab Mind uses 75mg Maritime Pine Bark — below the 100-200mg clinical dose used in most standalone trials. However, in a multi-ingredient formula with Citicoline and Tyrosine, the synergistic effects may partially compensate. It is still technically underdosed relative to the standalone evidence.
Maritime Pine Bark Extract in Japan
Products in Japan
None of the stacks we have audited are listed in our catalogue in Japan yet.
Consumer Affairs Agency (FFC)
Regulatory note
本ページは教育目的の編集コンテンツであり、医学的助言を構成するものではありません。日本国内で販売される機能性表示食品（FFC）および特定保健用食品（FOSHU）は、消費者庁への届出または許可を必要とします。届出のない輸入品については、日本の薬機法（旧薬事法）の下で疾病治療を示唆する表現は規制されます。サプリメントを開始する前に、必ず資格のある医療専門家にご相談ください。This page is editorial and not medical advice. Foods with Function Claims (FFC) and Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) sold in Japan require notification or approval from the Consumer Affairs Agency. Imported products without notification cannot make disease-treatment claims under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices (PMD) Act. Note: In July 2026, the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) opened a public comment period (Notice No. 235080088, closes 30 July 2026) on proposed revisions to permitted claim wording for FFC-notified ingredients including DHA, phosphatidylserine, and NMN; compliant claim language may require updating once the final Cabinet Office Order is published. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
出典 (5)展開
- PMID 24675223Pycnogenol® improves cognitive function, attention, mental performance and specific professional skills in healthy professionals aged 35-55. (2014)
- PMID 22108481Pycnogenol® supplementation improves cognitive function, attention and mental performance in students. (2011)
- PMID 31333448Assessing the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Pycnogenol on Cognitive Aging From Animal and Human Studies. (2019)
- PMID 32990945Pine bark (Pinus spp.) extract for treating chronic disorders. (2020)
- PMID 41333026Comparative efficacy and safety of botanical drugs for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. (2025)