Cellulite affects 85%-98% of women. Lots of treatments promise false results. A new study shows that this herbal treatment can deliver real results.
Cellulite refers to the dimpling and denting of the skin, usually around the thighs, stomach and buttocks. It is painless but can cause distress.
This just published double-blind study compared pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) to placebo. The dose of the pine bark was 50mg in the morning and 100mg in the evening for 3 months. 60 women were included in the study.
While there was no statistical improvement in the placebo group, there was significant improvement in the pine bark group. On the Hexsel cellulite severity score, there was a 12.2% improvement after 2 months and a 13.6% improvement at 3 months. Pine bark extract also significantly improved skin roughness and skin smoothness.
There was also a significant 2.07cm reduction in upper thigh circumference in the pine bark extract group. The researchers note that this reduction is greater than that seen with FDA-approved cellulite treatments.
The pine bark extract was able to achieve all of these benefits safely.
This is the first double-blind study to demonstrate the ability of pine bark extract to improve cellulite.
Phytomedicine Plus. August 2025;5(3):100821.