FAQ

Are MASQUELIER's ® French Pine Bark Extract tablets all natural?

Yes. All ingredients used in MASQUELIER’s ® French Pine Bark Extract, including fillers, are of vegetable origin and are therefore 100% natural.

Are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes, absolutely. The active ingredients are plant-based, (the bark of Pinus maritima and the Vitis vinifera seeds); the other substances used in the tablet are also of plant origin.

Is the product still safe to use in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius?

Yes it is, but remember to store MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight.

Where and how are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets made?

The active ingredients are made in the Dordogne, not far from Bergerac in South-West France. The pine bark is harvested from Pinus maritima trees grown in the vast “Les Landes” area on the Atlantic coasts in the south-west of France and the seeds of Vitis vinifera come from France's Champagne area. Both MASQUELIER’s® "OPC Originals" are produced using water and a safe mixture of alcohol and acetic acid. This mixture is so diluted that no trace of the original substance can be detected in the finished MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets product. 

Are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets a prescription medicine?

No. Although both "OPC Originals" in MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets have been marketed in France as a medicine since 1968, outside France they are not recommended for medicinal use. MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets are a nutritional supplement that support circulatory function; the flow of blood through the body.

Are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets a substitute for a healthy diet?

No. MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets must not be used as a substitute for medicines either. A nutritious and wholesome diet is the key to good health. In other words, MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets are not a substitute for a healthy diet.

How should MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets be used?

MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets should be used to supplement your regular diet.

What exactly is in MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets and what are the "OPC Originals"?

MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract contains the authentic, world first French Pine Bark Extract developed by Professor Jack Masquelier and sold since 1968 in France under the name Flavan®. Besides Flavan®, MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark tablets contain the equally unique and powerful MASQUELIER's® Original OPCs. Combined, these authentic, widely researched and scientifically proven MASQUELIER's® "OPC Originals" provide a very rich complex of OPCs and essential phytonutrients. 

What is the recommended dosage?

We recommend a maintenance dosage of 1 tablet a day. Up to 2 tablets can be taken per day when the need arises. The recommended daily dosage should not be exceeded.

How many milligrams are in one tablet?

1 tablet contains 100mg of the active ingredient MASQUELIER’s® Original OPCs + French Pine Bark Extract 

Once I start using MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets, do I need to continue using it?

You may do so, but it's not compulsory. It largely depends on your diet, your lifestyle and your age. Although many people think that they have a healthy diet and lifestyle, they are in fact deficient in many essential nutrients such as those present in MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets. So, you either need to eat extremely healthily every day, or supplement your diet with MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets.

Can I take MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets if I am on prescription medications?

Yes, you can. There are no known “adverse side effects” from combining MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets with prescription medications. However, the fact that you are using prescription medication indicates that you have an illness or underlying condition that you are trying to cure or prevent. It is important therefore to pay extra attention to your nutrition and lifestyle. The more information your doctor or therapist has, the better he or she can advise you. It should be noted that MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets contain a complex series of Oligomeric Procyanidins and other polyphenols; safe substances that occur in many healthy plant-based foods and botanicals.

Can I take MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets in combination with other dietary supplements?

Yes, that is possible. There is no problem combining MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets with other dietary supplements. However, MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets may interfere with the absorption of protein-like substances such as glucosamine when taken simultaneously.  If that is the case, do not take these products simultaneously. Try taking MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets approximately 30 minutes before your meal, and the glucosamine for example with the meal

Can MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes. When pregnant or breast feeding however, it is recommended that you inform your qualified practitioner or therapist about your diet and lifestyle and any nutritional supplements you may be using, including MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract. The more information your doctor has, the better he or she can advise you.

Are there any known risk factors or side effects associated with the use of MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets?

No. In all the years that Flavan® has been on the market in France, no reports regarding inconveniences were filed. MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets do however improve the blood flow, which aids the transportation and elimination of waste products from the body. During the first 2 to 3 weeks of use, it is recommended therefore that you drink sufficient (mineral) water, (green) tea and (natural) fruit juice.

Are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets beneficial for older people?

MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets are certainly beneficial for older people. Generally speaking, the ageing process decreases the flow of blood through the body, and elderly people are more likely to lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets also suitable for pets?

Yes. Scientific tests have been undertaken on mice for example. The tests revealed that the (reduced) blood flow in mice significantly improved after administration of Flavan®. If so desired, the tablet may be broken in half, crushed and mixed with food.

Should I use MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets when traveling?

Yes, this is recommended because travel often involves sitting in the same position for a long time, which interferes with the blood flow. A frequent symptom of long-haul flights is swollen feet and ankles, also known as "economy class syndrome."  MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets can help alleviate these symptoms.

Should I tell my doctor that I have started taking MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets?

Strictly speaking, this is not necessary. After all, you don't tell him or her that you eat oranges or whole-wheat bread. However, it helps that your doctor is aware of your lifestyle and eating habits. And that of course includes the use of MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets. There is no reason not to inform your doctor or therapist about the use of MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets.

How many people in the world take MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark tablets?

Worldwide, there are millions of users. Flavan®, one of the active ingredients, was launched in France in 1968. Since then, French Pine Bark Extract has become more and more popular around the world. The same holds true for MASQUELIER's® other invention, MASQUELIER's® Original OPCs, which is also used all over the world. In terms of French Pine Bark Extract, Flavan® is absolutely a world first. 

Have MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets been scientifically tested?

Yes. The active ingredients of MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets have been subjected to product-specific clinical trials from the 1960s, right up until today, in particular in the field of vascular health. All in all, it can be said that MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets are based on more than 60 years of scientific and ongoing research.

Have MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets been safety and quality tested?

Of course. Each batch of MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets is subjected to ruthless, high precision and highly advanced quality assurance methods, to ensure consistent quality. The safety of MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract ingredients has been fully tested and approved.  

Why are MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets packaged in a blister pack and not in a bottle?

This is done for reasons of hygiene and ease of use.

How and when should I take MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets?

MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets are best taken on an empty stomach or in between meals, with a large glass of water or fruit juice. Avoid taking MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets with milk, yoghurt or other high-protein drinks or food. If you are taking two or more tablets per day, then it is preferable to take 1 or 2 tablets in the morning and 1 to 2 tablets in the late afternoon or evening.

Can I brush my teeth before or after taking MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark Extract tablets?

That is no problem. 

Can I drink coffee before or after taking MASQUELIER's® French Pine Bark tablets?

Taking caffeine-rich or stimulating food or drink (like coffee) simultaneously with MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tabletsis not recommended. Wait half an hour before drinking any coffee.

Does MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract contain any gluten, lactose or other additives that I need to be aware of?

MASQUELIER’s® French Pine Bark Extract tablets contain no lactose, gluten, sugar, yeast, preservatives, colourings and flavourings.