40+
Years of research
160+
Clinical trials
12,000+
Patients studied
450+
Peer-reviewed publications
98%
Of Medline pine bark studies
20×
Stronger than Vitamin C
The ingredient
What is Pycnogenol®?
Derived from the bark of single-species maritime pine trees (Pinus pinaster) grown in the Les Landes de Gascogne forest in southwest France — one of the world’s largest managed forests.
Grown pesticide-free. Extracted without toxic solvents in a GMP-compliant facility. The forest is managed under French forestry legislation with annual replanting — making Pycnogenol® as sustainable as it is potent.
It sounds exotic. It isn’t. The sourcing is transparent, the process is verified, and 40 years of independent research has made Pycnogenol® the most studied pine bark extract in the world.
How Pycnogenol Works
Four modes of action.
(01)
Better Blood Flow,
Better Performance
Pycnogenol® stimulates eNOS — the enzyme that triggers nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide drives vasodilation, widening blood vessels and increasing flow to working muscles. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients delivered exactly where they’re needed, when they’re needed.
(02)
Antioxidant Capacity,
Far Beyond Vitamin C
20× stronger than Vitamin C. 50× stronger than Vitamin E in neutralising free radicals. Supplementation increases blood ORAC by 40% — significantly extending the body’s ability to manage oxidative stress generated during exercise. Muscle stays protected.
(03)
Less Inflammation,
Faster Bounce-Back
Pycnogenol® inhibits COX-2 activity — the same pathway targeted by anti-inflammatory medications — to reduce exercise-induced inflammation. Clinical data shows meaningful reductions in post-exercise muscle soreness and fatigue in supplemented athletes.
(04)
Joints Built
to Keep Moving
Supports healthy cartilage and joint comfort through regeneration of collagen and hyaluronic acid — the structural foundations of connective tissue. Built for the athlete who wants to keep moving, not just recover from the last session.
Performance outcomes
What this means for the athlete.
Blood Flow & Endurance
46% increase in forearm blood flow above baseline vs. placebo. Measured in healthy volunteers, not just those with circulation issues.
Nishioka et al., 2007 — Double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16 healthy volunteers.
Muscle Cramp Reduction
Cramping frequency reduced from 4.8 to 1.3 episodes/week in recreational athletes. Effect lasted even after supplementation stopped.
Vinciguerra et al., 2006 — 66 participants, placebo-controlled.
Faster Recovery
Triathlon athletes reduced overall race time by 10%, with significantly less post-training pain and fatigue after 4 weeks supplementation.
Vinciguerra et al., 2013
Sustained Performance
11% reduction in 2-mile run time. 23% increase in sit-ups. 12% increase in push-ups vs. control — in everyday people, not elite athletes.
Vinciguerra et al., 2013 — 74 healthy subjects, 8 weeks.
Clinical evidence
The evidence.
46%
Blood flow increase above baseline
Nishioka et al., 2007. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, 16 healthy volunteers. After two weeks supplementation, forearm blood flow increased by up to 46% vs. placebo.
10%
Faster race completion in triathletes
Vinciguerra et al., 2013. Athletes supplemented for 4 weeks. Reduced overall race time with significantly less post-training pain and fatigue.
70%+
Reduction in muscle cramp frequency
Vinciguerra et al., 2006. 66 participants, placebo-controlled. Recreational athletes: cramps reduced from 4.8 to 1.3 episodes/week. Competitive athletes: 8.6 → 2.4.
For complete trial data and peer-reviewed references, read the full clinical overview.
Expert voice
Dr. Chris Van Der Poel
Skeletal Muscle Physiology
Dr. Van Der Poel explains how increased blood flow assists delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and why this matters for performance and recovery. The mechanism is well established. The results speak for themselves.
TGA Listed
HASTA™ Certified
Horphag Research Partner
La Trobe Uni Research Partner
Stay Ready.
Support your systems.
Every Modex product shares the same scientific foundation: Pycnogenol®, one of the world's most extensively researched natural ingredients. From there, each formula is purpose-built with premium ingredients in studied quantities to support a specific body system with optimal efficacy and performance.