Symptoms of seasonal allergy from airborne pollen include itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and clogged and runny nose. Researchers thought that Pycnogenol might be more effective if participants began taking it before allergy season.
In one study, 39 people took 50 mg of Pycnogenol each morning and evening, or a placebo, five to eight weeks before birch-allergy season. By the end of the season, signs of allergic reaction were 61 percent greater for placebo than for Pycnogenol. The Pycnogenol group also had 35 percent fewer eye symptoms and 20 percent fewer nasal symptoms than placebo. Those who began taking Pycnogenol seven to eight weeks ahead of allergy season, compared to those who began five to six weeks ahead, had the greatest relief.