Pine Bark Extract Treats Idiopathic Male Infertility

In recent years there has been growing interest in the properties of plant extracts with a high polyphenolic content, e.g. extracts of pine bark, grape seeds or green tea.

The primary bioactive compounds of these plant extracts are a class called proanthocyanidins. These botanical extracts show a strong antioxidative capacity.

They also help to elevate the production of nitric oxide (NO), the neurotransmitter, which regulates blood circulation. One study showed that pine bark extract can be beneficial for male fertility when taken in conjunction with the amino acid arginine^[1]”Stanislavov, R. et.al. (2009). Improvement of seminal parameters with Prelox: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Phytotherapy Research, Volume 23, Issue 3, … Continue reading.

Pine bark extract is categorized as a food supplement in many countries, because of its similarities to grape seed extract and green tea extract. In 2002, Roseff published his findings into the effects of pine tree bark extract on sperm parameters in subfertile men^[2]“Roseff, S. (2002). Improvement in sperm quality and function with French maritime pine tree bark extract. Journal of Reproductive Medicine, Volume 47, Issue 10 (pp.821-4).”.

This prospective, non-randomised, clinical study was conducted in a private infertility clinic. Nineteen subfertile men participated in the study. They received 200 mg of Pine bark extract daily over 90 days. Before and after treatment, semen samples were collected and analysed. Sperm count, motility and morphology were assessed.

Although the number of patients involved in this study is too small to justify definitive statements, they gave a first hint on antioxidative capacity of polyphenolic extracts when taken by subfertile men.

The study found that

This study suggests that the antioxidant effects of proanthocyanidins may help to alleviate oxidative stress which can result in poor sperm quality.

A study by Nikolova and colleagues published in 2007 investigated the effects of combined pine bark extract and L-Arginine on 50 infertile males^[3]“Nikolova, V. et.al. (2007). Sperm parameters in male idiopathic infertility after treatment with prelox. Akush Ginekol (Sofiia), Volume 4, Issue 5, (pp. 7-12).”.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, randomized study was conducted over four months. The first month was an introductory period, followed by two months of treatment, and a one month wash out period. Conventional semen parameters were determined, together with spermatozoa function tests, and cervical mucus penetration tests.

This study found:

The antioxidant effects of pine bark extract combined with arginine have a positive effect on sperm parameters. Arginine alone has been proven to improve sperm motility^[4]“Scibona, M. et. al. (1994). L-arginine and male fertility, The Italian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, Volume 46, Issue 4, (pp.251-3).”. However, together with pine bark extract the health of sperm appears to be further enhanced. Additional studies using Arginine and pine bark extract have also confirmed the positive findings of Nikolova and colleagues, without any negative side effects^[5]“Stanislavov, R. et.al. (2009). Improvement of seminal parameters with Prelox: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Phytotherapy Research, Volume 23, Issue 3, (pp. … Continue reading.

Stanislavov and Nikolova investigated the effects of pine bark extract and arginine on erectile dysfunction^[6]“Stanislavov, R. and Nikolova, V. (2003). Treatment of erectile dysfunction with Pycnogenol and L-arginine. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Volume 29, Issue 3, (pp. 207-13).”. Both pine bark extract and arginine increase endogenous nitric oxide (NO). The body requires NO to initiate and sustain penile erections through increasing vascular dilation.

During this study, 40 men aged between 25 and 45 participated in the three month trial. Throughout the three months, men received the equivalent of 1.7 g of arginine daily. During the second month, participants also received 40 mg of pine bark extract twice daily. Throughout the third month, 40 mg of pine bark extract was administered three times daily.

Results

This study found:

This study suggests that arginine is more effective when combined with pine bark extract to help treat erectile dysfunction. A more recent study using Arginine and pine bark extract to treat erectile dysfunction revealed similar results^[7]“Stanislavov, R. et.al. (2008). Improvement of erectile function with Prelox: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. International Journal of Impotence Research, Volume … Continue reading. With no reported side effects, this combination may be a natural way for men to improve sexual function.

Current research suggests that pine bark extract may help to improve sperm morphology, count, and motility. This is thought to be due to the antioxidant capacity of proanthocyanidins. Pine bark extract might also help to improve sexual function and may be a natural means to treat erectile function. Studies show that pine bark extract works more effectively when taken in association with the amino acid arginine. There have been no known adverse side effects associated with taking pine bark extract to improve male fertility.

Pine bark extract is a powerful male fertility enhancing nutrient, but it is also just one of several so called fertility-neutraceuticals. Clinical research studies have consistently shown that

We have therefore compared all of the top male fertility combination supplements in a transparent, side-by-side evaluation.