Home Ingredients Masquelier's® French Pine Bark (OPCs)
AntioxidantCardiovascular

Masquelier's® French Pine Bark (OPCs)

Pinus pinaster
Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Masquelier's® French Pine Bark is a maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark extract rich in OPCs, from the legacy of Jacques Masquelier, who pioneered OPC research. Pine bark OPCs support antioxidant and vascular health.

Studied Dose Commonly 100 to 200 mg per day.
Active Compound French maritime pine bark extract rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Benefits

Antioxidant defense

French maritime pine bark is rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a well-studied source of plant antioxidants that help protect cells and blood vessels.

Supported by Trial 1

Circulation and vascular support

Pine bark OPCs are studied for supporting healthy blood-vessel function and circulation, including cardiometabolic markers.

Supported by Trial 1

Skin and recovery support

By countering oxidative stress, pine bark OPCs are also studied for skin and recovery support.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

OPC antioxidant action

Pine bark proanthocyanidins scavenge free radicals and support the body's antioxidant enzymes, protecting blood vessels and tissues.

2

Nitric-oxide support

Pine bark OPCs support nitric-oxide-mediated blood-vessel relaxation, aiding healthy circulation.

Clinical trials

1
Pycnogenol (a Different Branded Pine Bark) and Cardiometabolic Health — Meta-Analysis
PubMed

Systematic review and meta-analysis of pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark) on cardiometabolic health — note Pycnogenol is a separate branded extract, not Masquelier's. (Malekahmadi et al. 2019, Pharmacological Research)

Adults across multiple trials.

In trials of Pycnogenol (a different branded pine bark extract, not Masquelier's), pine bark supported cardiometabolic markers; the authors noted larger trials are warranted. No Masquelier's-specific trials were included.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild digestive upset or dizziness is occasionally reported.
Take with food.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants — OPCs may have a mild additive effect; monitor.
Blood pressure medication — possible additive effect; monitor.
Tell your doctor before surgery.

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Frequently asked questions about Masquelier's® French Pine Bark (OPCs)

What is Masquelier's French Pine Bark?

Masquelier's® French Pine Bark is a maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) bark extract rich in OPCs, from the legacy of Jacques Masquelier, who pioneered OPC research. Pine bark OPCs support antioxidant and vascular health.

What is Masquelier's French Pine Bark used for?

Masquelier's French Pine Bark is researched primarily for Antioxidant and Cardiovascular. French maritime pine bark is rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a well-studied source of plant antioxidants that help protect cells and blood vessels.

What is the recommended dosage of Masquelier's French Pine Bark?

The clinically studied dose is Commonly 100 to 200 mg per day. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Masquelier's French Pine Bark safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Masquelier's French Pine Bark is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild digestive upset or dizziness is occasionally reported. It may also interact with some medications. Masquelier's French Pine Bark is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Masquelier's French Pine Bark interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants — OPCs may have a mild additive effect; monitor. Blood pressure medication — possible additive effect; monitor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Masquelier's French Pine Bark?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Masquelier's French Pine Bark as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Malekahmadi M, Moradi Moghaddam O, Firouzi S, et al. Effects of pycnogenol on cardiometabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacol Res. 2019;150:104472..PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis of Pycnogenol, a separate branded French maritime pine bark extract (not Masquelier's); included as class/component evidence for pine bark OPCs, since no Masquelier's-specific trial is available.