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Pine bark extract can be found in liquid, tablet or capsule form containing 85 percent to 90 percent OPCs. It can also be found as creams, lotions or ointments, typically containing 0.5 percent to 2 percent pine bark extract.
If you choose to use Pycnogenol, follow the dosage instructions on the label. It’s best to check with your doctor about the dosage, based on the symptoms you have and other possible conditions, prior to taking either pine bark extract or Pycnogenol.
Here are some basic guidelines as reported by WebMD:
- • For allergies: 50 milligrams twice daily.
- • For asthma in children: 1 milligram per pound of body weight given in two divided doses.
- • For poor circulation: 45–360 milligrams daily or 50–100 milligrams three times daily.
- • For diseases of the retina, including those related to diabetes: 50 milligrams three times daily.
- • For mild high blood pressure: 200 milligrams daily.
- • For improving exercise capacity in athletes: 200 milligrams daily. *
Although doses in the range of 40-60mg have been noted to be effective over a prolonged period of time, standard doses of Pycnogenol appear to be in the range of 100-200 mg per day.
Studies have used twice daily dosing (dividing the daily total into two even doses to be taken with breakfast and dinner) as well as once daily dosing with breakfast. Both dosing strategies appear to be effective although they haven't been directly compared. It can be asborbed equally well when taken with or without food. *
