An Oral French Maritime Pine Bark Extract Improves Hair Density in Menopausal Women: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Intervention Study

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 63 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years investigated the effects of Pycnogenol®, a French maritime pine bark extract, on hair density. The participants were divided into two groups, with 33 women receiving 150 mg of Pycnogenol® daily for 6 months and 30 women receiving a placebo. The results showed significant increases in hair density in the Pycnogenol® group of 30% after 2 months and 23% after 6 months, while the placebo group showed nonsignificant increases of 13% and 9% respectively. Additionally, a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss was observed after 2 months of Pycnogenol® intake. No adverse events were reported. The study concluded that Pycnogenol® significantly increased hair density in postmenopausal women, potentially due to its ability to improve skin microcirculation.