Pine Bark from Asia May Help Support Healthy Blood Pressure

Pinus massoniana, commonly known as Chinese red pine or Masson pine, contains a high quantity of polyphenols and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Supplementation with a supplement derived from Pinus massoniana bark extract may help support healthy blood pressure, according to a new study.

Participants in the study included 62 adults between the age of 55 and 75. They received 1,332 mg of Pinus massoniana bark extract or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The researchers measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Systolic blood pressure was reduced by an average of 3.29 mmHg in the pine bark extract group compared to baseline. Participants in the pine bark extract group with high systolic blood pressure at baseline saw a reduction of 6.46 mmHg. No significant changes were seen in diastolic blood pressure.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Newcastle. It was published online ahead of print on October 21, 2022 in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine

A previous study found that hibiscus tea may help support healthy blood pressure.