Pycnogenol
French maritime pine bark extract (Pinus pinaster)
Pine Bark ExtractLast reviewed: July 11, 2026
Medical & Industry Advisor: Dr. James Pendleton, ND
Answer
Availability
We have not verified a current supply status for this ingredient. Unknown is our default: we publish a status only with dated evidence. If you have first-hand sourcing information, use the correction link below.
Owner and access
- Owner
- Horphag Research (site)
- Access model
- Licensed program
What it is
- Standardized French maritime pine bark extract; Horphag Research (Geneva) is its exclusive worldwide supplier. Owner websites were script-rendered and could not be text-verified at review; attribution follows Inventory Ready's assessed vendor record for Horphag Research. [IR vendor record]
Spec parameters buyers should demand
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis and spec sheet. Identity, quality, and regulatory parameters only. This is not advice about efficacy.
| Parameter | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Procyanidin content (standardization) | Request the certificate of analysis stating procyanidin content and the method. USP maintains a Maritime Pine Extract compendial standard that defines the standardized-extract assay; ask the supplier to confirm the material meets it, since Horphag states Pycnogenol complies with the USP monograph.[USP Maritime Pine Extract Reference Standard] | Pine bark extracts vary widely in procyanidin content, so the standardized procyanidin range against a compendial method is what identifies a defined material. |
| Identity and species verification | Confirm the manufacturer runs at least one validated identity test on each incoming lot and documents the botanical species and part (French maritime pine bark, Pinus pinaster), as 21 CFR 111.75(a)(1) requires for every dietary ingredient.[21 CFR 111.75(a)(1) — identity test required for each dietary ingredient] | Identity testing is a federal manufacturing requirement, and a named species, plant part, and method are what your quality file needs. |
| Botanical origin | Ask the CoA to confirm the bark source is French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and to document the extraction basis and residual-solvent results.[USP Maritime Pine monograph] | The specified material is the bark extract of one pine species; documented origin and residual-solvent control confirm the extract matches the specification. |
| Heavy metals | Request lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury results with the test method and the limits applied.[21 CFR Part 111 — cGMP for dietary supplements] | Heavy-metal control is a baseline quality attribute for any botanical extract and part of a complete certificate of analysis under 21 CFR Part 111. |
QC and testing considerations
- Every dietary ingredient must pass at least one validated identity test before use (21 CFR 111.75(a)(1)). Confirm your manufacturer runs identity testing on each incoming lot. [21 CFR 111.75(a)(1)]
- Horphag states that Pycnogenol complies with the USP Maritime Pine Extract monograph; ask the supplier to confirm the material meets that monograph's procyanidin and identity criteria, and request the data behind that statement. [USP Maritime Pine Extract Reference Standard]
- Pine bark extracts range widely in procyanidin content; confirm the standardized procyanidin range on the CoA rather than accepting a generic 'pine bark extract' description. [USP Maritime Pine monograph]
Further reading: How to read a certificate of analysis and third-party supplement testing.
Reference list
- USP Maritime Pine Extract Reference Standard (compendial identity/assay standard, CAS 90082-75-0) Pharmacopeia
- 21 CFR Part 111 — Current Good Manufacturing Practice for dietary supplements (identity testing at 111.75) Regulatory
- Pycnogenol (Horphag Research) — French maritime pine bark extract, owner site Owner technical
A reference list is not claim substantiation. Under the FTC's Health Products Compliance Guidance (December 2022), marketing claims about a finished product require competent and reliable scientific evidence, typically randomized, controlled human clinical testing. Responsibility for substantiating product claims rests with the brand.
Manufacturers with stated capability
No manufacturer has a listed capability for this ingredient yet. Listings are positive-only: an entry states a manufacturer can run the ingredient, never that one cannot.
Run this ingredient? Request inclusion.
Further reading
The decision framework behind this reference: five checkable criteria for choosing between a branded ingredient and its generic form.
What this page does not tell you
- Whether the owner will license your specific product or accept a new account.
- Pricing, minimum order volumes, or contract terms.
- Anything about efficacy. This is an identity and sourcing reference.
Prefills the ingredient into the RFQ Spec Builder. You enter your own formula; the tool formats it into a spec sheet.
Pycnogenol is a branded ingredient of Horphag Research. Inventory Ready is not affiliated with, licensed by, or endorsed by Horphag Research.
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