Arthritis

Pine Bark Extract Relieves Arthritis Pain and Improves Function

A new study to be published in the April 2008 edition of the Journal of Phytotherapy Research shows Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, reduced arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms by 56 percent.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, held at Italy's Chieti-Pescara University, 156 patients with knee OA received 100 mg of Pycnogenol or placebo, daily for three months and were then evaluated using a number of tools. Patients were permitted to continue taking their choice of pain medication provided they recorded every tablet in a diary for later evaluation.

The pycnogenol group also:

• Experienced a 55 percent improvement in joint pain
• Reduced pain medication use by 58 percent
• Had a 63 percent improvement in gastrointestinal complications
• Reduced stiffness by 53 percent
• Improved physical function scores by 57 percent
• Enhanced overall well-being by 64 percent

"The results of this study are significant as they clearly demonstrate the clinical action of Pycnogenol on arthritis and osteoarthritis and management of symptoms, says Gianni Belcaro, MD, PhD, a lead researcher of the study. “The use of Pycnogenol many reduce costs and side effects of anti-inflammatory agents and offer a natural alternative solution to people suffering from arthritis and osteoarthritis." 4/23/08

Learn about other herbs and supplements used to treat arthritis.

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