TY - JOUR T1 - Pine Bark Extracts: Nutraceutical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Evaluation JF - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics JO - J Pharmacol Exp Ther SP - 9 LP - 16 DO - 10.1124/jpet.114.220277 VL - 353 IS - 1 AU - Ying-Ya Li AU - Jiao Feng AU - Xiao-Lu Zhang AU - Ying-Yu Cui Y1 - 2015/04/01 UR - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/353/1/9.abstract N2 - Proanthocyanidins are among the most abundant constituents in pine bark extracts (PBEs). This review summarizes medical research on PBEs from Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, Pinus massoniana, and other less well characterized species. The precise mechanisms of the important physiologic functions of PBE components remain to be elucidated, but there is evidently great potential for the identification and development of novel antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anticancer medicines. Although toxicological data for PBEs are limited, no serious adverse effects have been reported. PBEs, therefore, may have potential as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals and should be safe for use as food ingredients. ER -