Pynogenol – Pine bark extract for the brain

Improvements in alertness, memory and mood have all been reported for Pycnogenol, an extract from French maritime pine bark.

“Studies have found Pycnogenol to offer a wide range of cognitive health benefits among a broad audience, including children, Millennials, women experiencing perimenopause and menopause and senior citizens,” ​Victor Ferrari, CEO of Horphag Research, told us. He added that the company is also currently working to release a new study on its benefits for cognitive health in a professional context. 

Ferrari added that, because of the company’s commitment to demonstrating the safety and efficacy of Pycnogenol for cognitive function, the extract continues to be a trusted source of brain-healthy nutrients by both consumers and physicians.

“More than ever, consumers are doing their own research and seeking out natural products that are clinically shown to be safe and effective. The market trend for cognitive health natural supplements is toward preventative, long-term health and education versus quick-fixes,” ​he said.

There is scientific support for benefits in a number of consumer groups, he added, including children with attention deficit disorders and ADHD, college students (improvements in memory and test scores), women experiencing the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause (positive effects on memory and cognition), and senior citizens (memory improvements in people aged 60-85 with memory deficits).

“The extract is commonly used in both alone and in combination with other ingredients for cognitive health,” ​said Carolina Burki-Sozzi, director of product development at Horphag Research. “For example, the recently launched Doctor’s Best PycnoBrain Complex combines its main active ingredient Pycnogenol with Taurine, an amino acid also recognized for benefitting the brain.”​