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Treatments > Alternative and Natural Therapies > Pine Bark for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
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Pine Bark for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief

A new study on pine bark as an osteoarthritis treatment, published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research, shows Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, reduced osteoarthritis symptoms by 56 percent and provided osteoarthritis pain relief.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, held at Italy's Chieti-Pescara University, 156 patients with knee osteoarthritis received 100 milligrams 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.

Results indicated pine bark was an effective osteoarthritis treatment and provided osteoarthritis pain relief. In addition to the statistic cited above, 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 OA and management of symptoms,” says Gianni Belcaro, MD, PhD, a lead researcher of the study. “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."

Linda Basta
12 Mar 2010, 20:00
We've used pycnogenol or a generic pine bark OPC product since 1992. It works well for sooo many things.(Cardio, allergies,arthritis,skin aging,etc
We now can use the next generation pycnogenol called Enzogenol. It is a special pine bark extract from New Zealand, capsul form, and unlike the others ,is processed with pure water.
The best part is that the price is finally reasonable for the amount of milligrams.
send name, address, phone for a free brochure or call 800-492-0441
cathy
09 Mar 2010, 12:42
my husband has high blood pressure, what can he take naturally to get it under control? please respond urgent!!
thanks
Julie Kristina
27 Feb 2010, 15:50
Dear Rita,

You may be interested in this site for cancer and diabetes. www.elementalresearchinc.com
Cheryl
21 Feb 2010, 21:50
You can get pycnogenol at any health foods store. I read 100mg is effective in reducing symptoms of OA. I haven't used it for that (but will now as I have constant pain in my knees that mobic can't control), I do use it for its antioxidant effects and help with fatigue. It is also used as a homeopathic remedy for kids with ADHD. No side effects for me but helps me get up and be alert as soon as I wake.
Susan
11 Jan 2010, 19:07
My email address for information regarding Isotonix OPC3 and other Isotonix vitamins is
Healthyliving-opc3@live.com or go to my web protal at marketamerica.com/nygandsusan
Susan
11 Jan 2010, 19:04
There are numerous OPC3 products on the market but only ONE Isotonix OPC3 which is exclusively sold though Market America distributors. I started taking Isotonix OPC3 about three months ago. For over a year I suffered from Fibromyalgia and chronic fatique-after only two weeks of taking Isotonix OPC3 I am now pain free, and have more energy than I know what to do with! I have my life back! I feel great! I lost 10 pounds of weight gained due to all the prescrption drugs I was taking and am still losing the weight without any major diet changes. Another benefit is that my complextion has cleared up-I had rochea (red blotches all over my face)and now I also have my clear complextion back! The two most improtant factors when searching for the best quality nutritional supplrments is absorption and potency. Isotonic supplements when mixed with water have the same PH and osmotic preasure as tears, plasma and blood. The reason this is important is in order to achieve meaningful absorption of nutritional content all food must be converted into an isotonic state (digested to this form)and this process can take up to 3 to 4 hours. With isotonic supplements you take them on an empty stomach 1/2 hour before eating or 2 hours after a meal which allows maximum absorption of all the nutrients with-in the product in the shortest amount of time. And it tastes great too! There are too many benefits of Isotonic OPC3 to mention here - if you would like more information I would be more than happy to share with you the scientific studies related to the Isotonix Supplements and vitimins. please contact me athealthyliving-opc3@live.com
Harry G
09 Jan 2010, 16:34
I have lived with pain from osteoarthritis for over 20 years. It started with my spine and spread to my knees ankles shoulders elbows and hands. The pain made me tired and unable to do daily tasks. I read an add about the Dr Max Powers 'Joint Support with Vitamin B' and thought I would give it a try because the daily regimine of pain medicines and nsaids were not giving me relief.

I felt better the first week after the first dose. I purchased the dr max formula and cannot believe how much better I feel. The Dr Max Powers Joint Support with Vitamin B is worth the price because it actually works, I have not felt this good for a long time. I firmly believe in this product. The pain has diminished and the stiffness is almost completely gone. I sleep better also which has been difficult because getting in a comfortable position was nearly impossible. Now I lay down and fall fast asleep.
Ellie Monski
02 Dec 2009, 22:37
All pine bark is not created equal. The pine bark used in supplements should come from the Maritime French Pine trees grown only on the cost of France. http://www.pycnogenol.com/consumer/ has lots of great information on it. The quality used in supplements also varies.
I personally use a supplement called Isotonic OPC-3. It has changed my life. My back pain and knee pain prevented me from living the life I wanted to life. I now am more active than I have been in years with less pain. It has also helped with my allergies. If you want to read more about OPC-3 http://momentumbiz.isotonix.com/
If you want to start a dialogue info@momentummarketingbiz.com.
ruth mckenney
03 Nov 2009, 09:19
I take hydrocodone 4X daily in order to endure osteoarthritis pain. How do we know if these described remedies are appropriate for treatment in many different peoples, other than the few testimonies that are here provided?
Rita McDonald
01 Sep 2009, 19:26
I am up on herbal and alternative methods of health care. Do you have something for diabetes and cancer? Be a miracle if you do.
Haelan951 is to help with radiation.

Thanks,
Rita
healthyagain
28 Aug 2009, 15:19
This is to respond to gayle 06 Aug 2009,

Gayle, if you compromized kidney function, take the document of pycnogenol to your doctor, and ask them. I know the isotonic products are great for a lot of people, however, for people that have a kidney problems, especially if they have issues with potassium, they need to be extra careful. As Isotonix OPC-3 have potassium in there. Best thing is to try some.

yes, if you have asthma, gout, and acid reflux, this product probably helps you the most. My best friend no longer have the acid reflux any more as he is on this product. Pycnogenol is considered an adjunct to asthma therapy in Europe because it is extremely helpful. Some people who have genetic make up that makes them not suit for some inhalers with albuterol. OPC-3 would work wonders. The key here is it is a natural anti-inflammatory.

OPC-3 is a natural blood thinner. So, if you are on prescription Rx that have blood thinner in them already, you should not take this. this may thin your blood too much.

on the other hand, you can probably stop the Rx blood thinner and take OPC-3, as they do not have side effects. Lots of blood thinners cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels, OPC-3 on the other hand strengthens' the blood vessel, and thins the blood at the same time.

You can not go wrong with OPC-3.

I could email you some documents on the research of pycnogenol with asthma, and inflammation and cardiovascular health. Feel free to email me at:

healthyagain@yahoo.com

Shi Yun

gayle
06 Aug 2009, 15:22
I too would like to know,can this 'pine bark'extract be used by a person with diminished kidney function?and who also gets gout.I have asthma and some acid reflux problems,is it helpful with these illnesses?How does it interact with RX drugs too?Both my husband an I take RX's which we need to take everyday.Answers would be helpful.
R B B
03 Aug 2009, 19:06
A friend of mine swears by pine tree extract. So does his 76 year old parents. He makes his own by scrapping off the dirt on the outer layer of the pine bark. Then slice off slivers of the bark. Try not to penatrate deeper than a 16th of an inch. Get about 2 handfuls and put it into a quart of water and bring to a boil. Let it sit for a few minutes and strain with a coffee filter. Drink 2 1/2 ounces twice a day. Should not take much longer than a week to see results.
Rochelle
12 Jul 2009, 12:56
I suffer from joint arthritis in my hands, elbow joints and neck.I hate taking advil or mobic but do not trust the glucosamine information. I also suffer from reflux and fear that glucosamine may really increase the acid in my stomach. Any suggestions??
Rochelle
Heather Stavrou
09 Jul 2009, 21:27
For those of you with questions, follow this link and click the view product demo button (the one with the video camera icon next to it) This stuff could truly change your life. Aftering suffereig for 7 with with daily chronic pain, I finally have relief!

http://www.marketamerica.com/its4u/index.cfm?action=shopping.wpGoShopProduc ts&skuID=13007&switchPrdCountry=USA
George
08 Jul 2009, 01:12
I also suffer this kind of sickness.
Barbara
24 Jun 2009, 15:08
Hello r long,

I started on OPC-3 about 5 months ago. I have 4 discs in my back that were crushed in a car accident. I also had fusion and have osteo. The addition of this natural antioxidant formula (pine bark) has changed my life! OPC-3 is in an isotonix (powder mixed with water). The body more easily absorbs it in this form because it is just like a body fluid. It has attacked the inflamation in my body. My back, knees, skin (exzema and clarity) have all improved. My daughter is now on it as it helps with asthma and allergies and ADHD. (they have a childrens version.) I have a tremendous increase in energy and stamina too. After not taking this for 2 days after about 4 weeks of being on it, I decided that I could not go without it. I became a distributor for Market America. Please jump on my web site at www.healthycareer4life.com and look under Isotonix. If you click on the description, there will be tabs that explain all of the benefits and conditions that it helps. It is also good for regulating sugar levels and cardiovascular benefits. Make sure that you sign up as a preferred customer as this will come back to you in points that you can redeem for free products. If you take the NutriPhysical in the bottom left corner, it will let you know what products can help your health concerns. E-mail me at Headedtotop@aol.com if you have any questions. Try it...you will be amazed at how much it helps!
jknaub
21 May 2009, 17:04
Pycnogenol is a trademarked term referring to a product produced by Horphag in France. They farm the maritime pine tree for different industries. The bioflavonoids in the bark of the tree are believed to be the most effective antioxidant in the world.

Pycnogenol has been studied heavily in the last 10-12 years, especially with value to venous health.

As with anything, a reputable company is imperative when taking any type of supplement. I use the OPC3 because it is a drinkable product that tastes great.
Craig Vollan
04 May 2009, 01:46
Pycnogenal (pine bark) when taken in a isotonic solution on a empty stomach, gives the body a higher rate of absorption.
I've taken it for ten years that way and believe in the efficacy.
Crystal Griffin
02 May 2009, 08:26
I use cat's claw which is "inner bark" herbal supplemnet. Supposed to help with immune system which in turns helps inflamation. I have read this recommendations from several notable sources. I also use Devil's Claw which is a root which helps helathy bones again same sources. Taste is not the best but you add liquid drops to a little water...drink.
r long
01 May 2009, 09:31
Ok, I would imagine like most meds and therapies, I should consult my doctor first. But I will ask this anyway... In addition to osteoarthritis, I have Type II Diabetes; making it difficult to take NSAIDS. How could this stuff react with this other condition? I would also like to echo the questioning from SJ Fitzgibbons. Some answer would be good. Thanks.
eileen dougherty
21 Apr 2009, 12:07
Is Pink Bark & Pine Bark one and the same is it safe to take with other medications and vitamines? Can it be purchased in health food stores? What is the recommended dose.
Ellie
20 Apr 2009, 21:04
I have purchased Pine Bark Extract in capsule form from a company called Swanson.
Hope this helps!
luisa
06 Apr 2009, 13:56
se puede conseguir en mexico y con que nombre yo tengo osteoartitris
Norma Debs
31 Mar 2009, 18:35
Is this pine bark available in health food stores in pill form and will it help with osteoarthritis of the hip?
J Curtis
30 Mar 2009, 15:51
I have taken Pycnogenol and have never had any adverse effects from it. It helped me overcome and prevent winter colds. It first gained appreciation in this country when Indians gave it to sailors & helped the sailors get well from some winter illnesses.

I had no idea it could also be good for arthritis ... I will definitely try it again for this.

Dorothy Sitkiewicz
30 Mar 2009, 11:46
Are these in pill form. this pine bark?
Kathy Pawlak
30 Mar 2009, 11:03
Are the pills available in the US? Are they safty checked? Any Side effects?
saundra Hucker
24 Mar 2009, 13:58
I have exactly the same questions as Dr Fitzgibbons. Side effects, can you boil pine bark from a tree, dosage, is this available in pill form,tested for purity & safety??
S. J. Fitzgibbons MD
24 Mar 2009, 07:14
Where is the discussion of possible adverse effects? How is this extracted--can patients boil down some bark from the pine tree in their back yard, and if so how do they know what dose to take? If pycnogenolis is available in pill form, how do people know that what they're taking has been tested for purity and safety?

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