Pine Bark Extract and Male Health
Pine bark extract is usually from the French maritime pine (Pinus pisaster) that also grows in countries along the western Mediterranean. Pine bark contains a number of beneficial compounds extracted from the bark in a way that doesn’t destroy or damage the tree.
History of Using Tree Bark For Health
The use of various tree barks for health reasons dates back to 1535 when French explorer Jacques Cartier landed in what is now modern-day Quebec, Canada. Being winter, no fruits or vegetables were available. The ship crew became ill and were dying from what we now know as scurvy, a deficiency of vitamin C. Natives taught explorers to use local tree bark as a tea for the scurvy. It worked. As it turns out, the tree bark is rich in vitamin C and other nutritional phytochemicals.[1]
Around 1951, a French researcher named Jacques Masquelier came upon Cartier's accounts of using regional tree bark extracts for his crew. Inspired, a quest began to find the active components in these various tree barks that imparted healing properties.
Masquelier found powerful active phytochemical ingredients were from the tree bark of a European coastal pine, Pinus pinaster. Indigenous peoples and cultures have historically used pine bark extract for conditions involving circulation insufficiency, promoting a normal response to inflammation, immunity, vision issues, and even as an approach to sore joints.
Researchers have found key phytochemical constituents — flavonoids, procyanidins, and proanthocyanidins — inherent in pine bark extract are responsible for the majority of its benefits.[2, 3]
Pine Bark Extract and How It Benefits Male Health
Here’s a quick look at some of the exciting research to date on the benefits of pine bark extract for men’s health.
Prostate
One investigative study was conducted to see whether the proanthocyanidins found in pine bark extract exerted effects on wayward prostate cells. Researchers found pine bark had powerful effects, promoting healthy cells and reducing the proliferation of harmful cells.[4]
Prostrex™ is an organic blend of pine bark, turmeric, saw palmetto, and other herbs that boost prostate health and promote normal urine flow. It’s also crafted using Raw Herbal Extract Technology™ and added energized trace minerals for better bioavailability.
Infertility
A study conducted for 3 months regarding male infertility looked at a group of subfertile men who supplemented with pine bark extract daily. The researchers found that sperm morphology increased significantly — an impressive 38 percent improvement. Researchers concluded that since fertility and function responded positively, it may be a safe, effective, and less-invasive alternative to in-vitro fertilization, among other more expensive, risky therapies.[5]
Erectile Response
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study — the gold standard of studies — was conducted to investigate how a supplement containing pine bark extract affected erectile dysfunction. The study participants were divided equally into a supplement group and a placebo group.
At the conclusion of the study, men who took the supplement saw a significant 56 percent improvement in erectile function and associated markers compared with just 21 percent improvement in the placebo group. Total testosterone levels were found to have risen 16 percent in the supplemented group compared to an inconsequential 3 percent increase in the placebo group.[6]
Researchers concluded that pine bark extract directly stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells in the body which line the smooth muscle of the male reproductive organs. This, in turn, may have a very powerful effect on endothelial dysfunction, not just erectile dysfunction.[7]
Points to Remember
Pine bark extract has been one of the superstars of natural health approaches over the centuries. As future research studies are conducted on this potent natural remedy, its promise and application will continue to expand.
Regarding male health benefits, the results definitely prompt excitement at the possibility that pine bark extract may be a beneficial addition to your supplement regimen. It is also great for general immune system health.
References (7)
- Don J. Durzan. Arginine, scurvy and Cartier’s “tree of life.’ Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2009, 5:5. doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-5-5.
- Rohdewald P. A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Apr;40(4):158 68.
- D'Andrea G. Pycnogenol: a blend of procyanidins with multifaceted therapeutic applications? Fitoterapia. 2010 Oct;81(7):72436. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2010.06.011.
- Neuwirt H1, Arias MC, Puhr M. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPC) exert anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effects on prostate cancer cells. Prostate. 2008 Nov 1;68(15):1647 54. doi: 10.1002/pros.20829.
- Roseff, RJ. Improvement in sperm quality and function with French maritime pine tree bark extract. J Reprod Med. 2002 Oct;47(10):8214.
- Ledda A, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR. Investigation of a complex plant extract for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm study. BJU Int. 2010 Oct;106(7):10303. doi: 10.1111/j.1464410X.2010.09213.x.
- Life Extension Foundation. A Natural Approach to Erectile Dysfunction that Improves Vascular Health. LEF.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
