Q. I have used Pycnogenol for almost two years. I tried it for horrible hot flashes and night sweats. I read that most women get results taking 200 mg, so I started with that dose. It did stop those symptoms, but it felt like I was trying to restart an old engine.
My periods had stopped nine months prior, and I started experiencing a lot of the unpleasant symptoms of my monthly cycle.
I dropped the dose to 150 mg and found that is a good dose for me. The flashes and sweats are not gone, but they are minimal and tolerable. Some recommend taking one mg/lb and since that is close to my weight, I guess that is right for me.
An unexpected and welcome side effect is that my asthma is so much better. I was on Symbicort, maximum dosage/highest strength, and could not wean myself off, no matter how slowly I tried. I would get down to a point, then have an awful flare-up and be right back where I started.
I realized my asthma was better after using the Pycnogenol for a short while and I tried to taper down again. This time I was successful, and I have never had to go back on the steroid since. I rarely have to use my rescue inhaler, either. It seems to take about 30 minutes for the Pycnogenol to get into my system. If my lungs feel a little tight, I make sure that I have taken the Pycnogenol first, wait if possible for it to work, then use the inhaler if I still need it. I hope this helps someone else.
A. Thanks for sharing your story. There is a randomized, controlled trial of Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) for symptoms of menopause. Many visitors to our Web site report symptom relief from this dietary supplement.
We also discovered research supporting Pycnogenol as part of an asthma treatment program (Journal of Asthma, Issue #8, 2004). Perhaps its anti-inflammatory action helps explain the benefits you have noted for your asthma.
