Pycnogenol has been shown to lower histamine levels which reduces allergic reactions (such as hay fever and asthma) and inflammatory responses. It has been shown to protect against vascular permeability which include venous diseases of the legs, leg ulcers, swelling of the legs, cold legs and hands, and intermittent claudication.

Initially, to achieve therapeutic levels, consumers should take a loading dose to saturate their cells and bodies and then continue with a maintenance dose. It is recommended that the loading dose phase last for 7 to 10 days and one should take 1.5 to 3.0 milligrams (mg.) of Pycnogenol for every kilogram of weight. This means a 100 pound man or woman would take between 100 mg. and 200 mg. at first to reach tissue saturation. After 7 to 10 days, the dose can be cut back to one-half or less -- about 50 mg. per day -- to simply replace what is eliminated each day.