Health Hotline Magazine | April 2026

Just as OPCs’ vascular effects extend to the cardiovascular system, so to, do they extend to the brain, which requires healthy blood flow for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells for optimal functioning. That, combined with OPCs’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects make them a no-brainer for brain health, no matter what your age. Research on OPCs’ effects on the brain ranges from general cognition to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Multiple studies have found that Pycnogenol improves overall cognitive function in healthy adults of all ages. A study including college students (ages 18-27) found that 100mg of Pycnogenol daily for eight weeks led to significant improvements in sustained attention, memory, decision making, and mood compared to the control group. The results translated to better performance on exams. In a separate study, a group of middle aged professionals (ages 35-55) who had high measures of oxidative stress were given 150mg of Pycnogenol daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, participants taking the Pycnogenol experienced improvements in mental performance and memory, improvements in alertness, anxiety, and feelings of contentment, as well as a significant reduction in oxidative stress. Finally, a third study investigated Pycnogenol’s effect on cognitive function in healthy older adults (ages 55-70), also with high measures of When you have a healthy vascular system, it shows… through your skin. Technically our largest organ, our skin depends on the vascular system to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen, ensuring healthy, glowing skin. On the other hand, poor circulation can lead to dullness, dryness, and premature aging. By supporting optimal vascular function, OPCs naturally support healthy skin. But it goes deeper than that. With their powerful antioxidant capacity, OPCs also protect the skin against environmental stressors, like pollution and UV exposure, improve skin elasticity and hydration, and even out skin tone. A 2021 study investigated the skin health effects of 100mg of Pycnogenol taken daily for 12 weeks by outdoor workers in China, with positive results. At the end of the trial, despite constant exposure to sun, air pollution, and changes in humidity and temperature, Pycnogenol helped maintain skin hydration, prevented trans-epidermal water loss (moisture loss via evaporation from the skin; also an indicator of skin barrier health), and improved skin elasticity in the workers. None of these effects were seen in the workers taking the placebo. Previous A No-Brainer for Brain Health Skin Health

oxidative stress. After 12 months of taking 100mg of Pycnogenol every day, participants saw a significant improvement in measures of cognitive function, including memory, decision making, and attention span, and a significant decrease in oxidative stress (oxidative stress decreased by about 28%). Recent studies have investigated whether OPCs may provide support for children with ADHD, with positive results. A 2021 study gave kids with ADHD either 25mg or 50mg of pine bark extract daily for four weeks (doses based on weight).

Compared to the placebo, the pine bark extract significantly improved teacher-rated inattention and impulsiveness, while a 2022 study found that Pycnogenol, supplemented at either 20mg or 40mg daily (based on weight) for 10 weeks was as effective as a common ADHD medication in improving teacher-reported hyperactivity and impulsiveness, without the side effects common to the medication. research in postmenopausal women found that Pycnogenol significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity by increasing the expression of an enzyme that produces hyaluronic acid, a molecule that acts like a sponge in the skin, holding water to keep it hydrated and plump, and promoting collagen synthesis. And the benefits to skin health just aren’t for the face: A 2025 study found that taking 150mg of Pycnogenol daily for three months significantly improved cellulite and skin smoothness in women with moderate cellulite. After three months of taking Pycnogenol, the women also had a reduction in upper thigh circumference (about 2cm), a larger reduction than typically observed in FDA-approved cellulite reduction treatments. OPCs are phytonutrients that have a profound effect on whole-body health. Now that you know your OPCs, are you ready to see what they can do for you?

The leading types of OPC supplements—Pycnogenol and grape seed extract—contain different complexes of flavonoids and related polyphenol compounds, but because Pycnogenol and grape seed extract possess similar biochemical activity, with only slight variations, it is widely accepted that both offer similar benefits.

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

GRAPE SEED EXTRACT

PYCNOGENOL ®

PYCNOGENOL ®

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For references, please visit naturalgrocers.com/issue-105