One of the most researched natural ingredients on earth, and the reason Modex exists. Here is where it comes from, what it contains, and what it does inside the human body.
In this file
• Origin
Pycnogenol® comes from the bark of a single species of maritime pine, grown in the Les Landes de Gascogne forest in south-west France.
Grown in a pristine forest free of pesticides and herbicides. Single-species trees give a consistent raw material, unaffected by seasonal variation.
The forest is sustainably managed under French forestry law, which requires fallen trees to be replanted every year.
Extracted under Good Agricultural Practice in a GMP-compliant facility, with no toxic solvents.
A precisely balanced, consistent blend of natural compounds, batch after batch.
• What’s inside
Pycnogenol® isn’t a single molecule. It is a precisely balanced blend of plant compounds that work together, which is why it does so much.
Chains of flavonoid units and the extract’s main antioxidants. They neutralise free radicals and support healthy blood vessels.
Plant compounds such as catechin and taxifolin that add antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Natural plant acids that round out the extract’s antioxidant profile.
• Antioxidant power
Hard training and everyday stress create free radicals: unstable molecules that damage cells, much like metal rusting. Pycnogenol® fights them two ways: it raises your cells’ own antioxidant capacity, and it captures free radicals in the bloodstream.
At neutralising harmful free radicals, Pycnogenol® is 20 times stronger than vitamin C.
And 50 times stronger than vitamin E.
Comparisons as reported by Horphag Research, the makers of Pycnogenol®.
• How it works
Nitric oxide widens blood vessels. Pycnogenol® helps your body make more of it, so oxygen and nutrients reach working muscles faster, and waste is cleared away sooner.
An amino acid from protein-rich foods: the raw material for nitric oxide.
Pycnogenol® activates this enzyme, so it converts arginine faster.
More nitric oxide is produced in the lining of your blood vessels.
Wider vessels mean better blood flow, in arteries and veins.
More oxygen and glucose reach your muscles to make ATP energy, and waste is cleared faster.
increase in forearm blood flow after two weeks of Pycnogenol®, with no change on placebo (Nishioka et al., 2007).
• Whole-body support
Because better blood flow and lower oxidative stress touch every tissue, the benefits of Pycnogenol® reach well beyond the muscles. Tap a point to explore.
Studies show measurable effects on memory, attention and everyday decision-making.
Boosts nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels so more oxygen and nutrients reach every tissue.
Raises the antioxidant capacity of the blood and neutralises the free radicals hard training produces.
Extends the life of vitamins C and E in the body and, with better blood flow and less inflammation, supports a healthy immune system.
Aids the regeneration of hyaluronic acid, which keeps joints lubricated and moving freely.
Less cramping and soreness between sessions, by improving blood flow to muscle tissue.
Results from published clinical studies of Pycnogenol®. Study doses vary, and individual results vary.
• How it compares
Most sports ingredients do one or two jobs well. Pycnogenol® supports every benefit on this list, which is why Modex is built around it.
Benefits supported, out of 12
| Benefit | Pycnogenol® | Creatine | Protein | Beta-alanine | BCAAs | Nitric oxide | Curcumin | Lion’s mane |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||||||||
| Performance | ||||||||
| Muscle growth | ||||||||
| Brain function | ||||||||
| Recovery | ||||||||
| Blood flow | ||||||||
| Anti-inflammatory | ||||||||
| Antioxidant | ||||||||
| Joint health | ||||||||
| Immunity | ||||||||
| Healthy ageing | ||||||||
| Weight management |
Swipe to compare →
Comparison based on the commonly reported benefits of each ingredient. Not a head-to-head clinical trial; individual results vary.
• The evidence
The active ingredient in Modex is one of the most researched natural ingredients in the world. Here’s what the clinical studies show.
After two weeks of supplementation.
Nishioka et al., 2007 · 16 healthy adults · double-blind, placebo-controlled
Same training and nutrition program; 10 triathlons over 30 days.
Vinciguerra et al., 2013 · 150mg Pycnogenol® daily vs control
Recreational participants: 4.8 → 1.3 per week.
Vinciguerra et al., 2006 · 66 sports enthusiasts · placebo-controlled
Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
Devaraj et al., 2002
Horphag Research
Pycnogenol® boosts nitric oxide, relaxing blood vessels so more oxygen and nutrients reach working muscles.
After two weeks of supplementation.
Nishioka et al., 2007 · 16 healthy adults · double-blind, placebo-controlled
Better oxygen delivery helps you hold pace for longer and finish stronger.
Same training and nutrition program; 10 triathlons over 30 days.
Vinciguerra et al., 2013 · 150mg Pycnogenol® daily vs control
Less cramping and soreness between sessions, so you keep showing up.
Recreational participants: 4.8 → 1.3 per week.
Vinciguerra et al., 2006 · 66 sports enthusiasts · placebo-controlled
Neutralises the free radicals hard training produces, and helps maintain immune health.
Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).
Devaraj et al., 2002
Studied for its effects on memory, attention and everyday decision-making.
Horphag Research
• The clinical research
In a study of athletes following the same training and nutrition program, one group added Pycnogenol®, the active ingredient in Modex. The other didn’t.
Here’s how much each group improved.
Ten triathlons (750m swim, 20km ride, 5km run) over 30 days. The Pycnogenol® group cut their average time by 10:48; the control group by 4:36.
Improvement in total race time
Run time improvement after the training program.
Women
Men
Increase in maximum push-up reps.
Women
Men
Increase in maximum sit-up reps.
Women
Men
Vinciguerra et al., 2013. Participants took 150mg of Pycnogenol® daily alongside the same training and nutrition program as the control group. The Pycnogenol® group also reported less cramping and post-run pain, and recovered from post-race oxidative stress faster. Individual results vary. Read the research
Safety
Pycnogenol® is one of the most studied food supplements in the world, and its safety is well established.
Toxicity testing has shown Pycnogenol® to be non-toxic, even at high doses and with long-term use. Mild side effects such as stomach discomfort, headache, nausea or dizziness have been reported infrequently; taking it with or after meals helps avoid any stomach upset.
In Modex
Modex delivers Pycnogenol® in a liquid made to work with your body, not against it.
Modex is concentrated to mimic the osmotic pressure of bodily fluids like blood, which helps nutrients, especially Pycnogenol®, absorb quickly into the bloodstream.
Papain enzyme clears Modex from the stomach at the optimal rate: a fast, controlled transfer to the small intestine that resists nutrient degradation and is gentle on digestion.
Pycnogenol®-powered support for training, active days and everyday wellbeing.
From $68.00
Pre-measured 100ml shots for key sessions, travel and the start line.
From $8.80Every Modex product is powered by Pycnogenol®.
The daily ritual. 20 serves.
From $68.00Choose options
A bottle and 8 shots, delivered every month.
$138.00
Hypotonic electrolytes with 20mg Pycnogenol®.
$65.00
