Pine bark extract is the quieter ingredient in PUMP, sitting behind L-Citrulline on the label at 250mg. It works on blood flow through a completely different mechanism, backed by real vascular research.
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What Is Pine Bark Extract?
Pine bark extract is a concentrate of proanthocyanidins, a class of antioxidant plant compounds, extracted from the bark of pine trees, most commonly French maritime pine bark. It's included in PUMP at 250mg per serving, alongside L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, and AstraGin®.
How It's Linked To Blood Flow
Proanthocyanidins are thought to support nitric oxide production by protecting the enzyme responsible for making it, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, from oxidative breakdown. That's a different mechanism to what L-Citrulline does in the same formula, helping the body sustain its own nitric oxide output rather than supplying a nitric oxide precursor directly. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial measured forearm blood flow in 16 healthy young men after two weeks of pine bark extract supplementation at 180mg per day. Blood flow response to a vasodilating stimulus increased significantly in the treated group, and when researchers blocked nitric oxide production directly, the benefit disappeared entirely, confirming nitric oxide as the mechanism at work.1
Why It's In PUMP
PUMP already delivers its main pump effect through 8g of L-Citrulline, feeding the nitric oxide pathway with more raw material. Pine bark extract works on a different part of the same system, helping protect the enzyme that converts that material into nitric oxide in the first place, rather than just supplying more substrate. Paired together, and alongside Taurine and AstraGin®, the formula targets blood flow from more than one angle rather than relying on citrulline alone.
Pine Bark Extract FAQs
Eddie's take: "Blood flow is blood flow, doesn't matter if it's citrulline or pine bark extract doing the work behind the scenes. Stacking two different mechanisms rather than doubling up on one is just smarter formulation."
Beast PUMP
PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout
30 Servings£34.99
Maximum pump. Zero stimulants.
Beast Pharm PUMP is built around 8g of pure L-Citrulline per serving, the premium form of citrulline for maximum nitric oxide production and one of the highest doses in any pre-workout on the market.† Alongside Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, CellFlo6™, Pine Bark Extract, and AstraGin® for absorption.
No caffeine. No crash. No compromise on the pump.
Most stim-free pre-workouts are just underdosed citrulline and a prayer. PUMP is the real thing: built for evening training, stimulant-free days, or anyone who knows the pump is driven by blood flow, not caffeine.
Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man.
†L-Citrulline at 8g per serving supports nitric oxide production and blood flow to working muscles.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (15g) with 250ml to 350ml ofwater.
Consume approximately 20-30 minutes prior to workout.
Do not consume more one serving in any 24 hour period.
Ingredients
L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinesis) (as CellFlo6™), Pine Bark Extract, Astragalus membranaceus Extract (root) & Panax notoginseng Extract (root) (as AstraGin®), Flavouring, Citric Acid, Anti-caking agent (Aerosil®, Sipernat®), Sweetener (Sucralose).
NET WT. 450g. No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
References
- Nishioka, K., Hidaka, T., Nakamura, S., Umemura, T., Jitsuiki, D., Soga, J., Goto, C., Chayama, K., Yoshizumi, M., & Higashi, Y. (2007). Pycnogenol®, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Augments Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Humans. Hypertension Research, 30(9), 775-780.
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are under 18, or are sensitive to stimulants.
