Pine Bark Extract (pycnogenol) arthritis relief

Pine Bark Extract (pycnogenol) arthritis relief

Recent studies in medical research have shown that Pine Bark Extract (pycnogenol), may be helpful in reducing knee arthritis. In addition to the Pine Bark extract's most common use is in preventing and treating a condition known to be chronic venous insufficiency.

This type of Chronic venous insufficiency condition occurs when blood collects in the veins of the legs because valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged. Chronic venous insufficiency may cause heavy, itchy, painful, or tired feelings in the legs. Results that are more serious can include varicose veins, swelling, leg sores, or blood clots in the legs.

An extract of pine bark has proven to be one of the most potent antioxidants, a property that may explain why pine bark has been used in folk medicine around the world, according to a new report by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley.

In addition medical research recently have documented a number of strong antioxidant effects of Pycnogenol that place it among the most potent antioxidants, ranking with vitamins E and C, and lipoic acid.

Pine bark extract is made from the bark of a European coastal pine tree called the Landes or maritime pine, whose scientific name is Pinus maritima. The maritime pine is a member of the Pineaceae family. Pine bark extract is a new nutritional supplement used for its antioxidant properties, which are believed to be effective for a wide range of healing and preventative purposes. Pine bark extract has been patented by a French researcher under the name Pycnogenol (pronounced pick-nah-jen-all).

Pine Bark Extract
Other Names: French Marine Pine Bark Extract, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Leucoanthocyanidins, OPC, Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins, PCO, Pine Bark, Pinus maritima, Pinus pinaster, Procyandiol Oligomers, Procyanodolic Oligomers, Pycnogenol, Pygenol

For more information / sources of this information:

Pine Bark Extract - Herbs & Supplements - Drug Library - DrugDigest

02.05.98 - Pine bark extract is a potent antioxidant, and may help

Sloan-Kettering - Pine Bark Extract

Pine Bark Extract: Information from Answers.com