Pine Bark Naturally Reduces Osteoarthritis, Lowers Joint Pain and Improves Physical Function
The pine bark referred to in this study comes from a maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins
Bioflavonoids and other organic acids which offer extensive natural health benefits according to some studies. One of the chemical extracts of the maritime pine tree is Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the tree. This extract has been widely studied for the past 35 years and has more than 220 published studies and review articles ensuring its safety and efficacy as an ingredient in dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products around the world.
A recent study published in the April 2008 issue of Phytotherapy Research shows Pycnogenol as an antioxidant with the ability to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms by 56% & joint pain reduction of 55%. Furthermore, patients took less pain medication (-58%) while on Pycnogenol, which greatly improved the gastrointestinal complications resulting from the pain medication by 63%.
The study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial sampling 156 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were administered 100 mg Pycnogenol or placebo daily for three months and were permitted to continue their choice of pain medication (provided they recorded every tablet in a diary for later evaluation).
Results of the exercise tests on the treadmill showed that at the start of treatment patients could only walk 74 yards without feeling pain and after three months of treatment with Pycnogenol that distance increased to 216 yards compared to the placebo group which could only walk 96 yards. Overall well-being of the Pycnogenol group was increased by 64 % as opposed to the placebo group which showed an increase of only 15%.
In addition to the osteoarthritis results, 76% of the patients on Pycnogenol and 79% of the patients in the placebo group showed edema in the ankle and foot at the start of the study. After 3 months, edema decreased in 79% of the Pycnogenol group and only one percent in the placebo group.
Application and Conclusion: Dr. Belcaro, one of the study investigators was quoted as saying
The results of this study are significant as they clearly demonstrate the clinical action of Pycnogenol on Osteoarthritis (OA) and management of symptoms. The use of Pycnogenol may reduce costs and side-effects of anti-inflammatory agents and offer a natural alternative solution to people suffering from OA.
More information on Pycnogenol can be obtained at http://www.pycnogenol.com/
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
