Alternative Health Blog

There is a pine tree that grows along European coastlines that appears to represent more than just another entry in the world’s botanical catalog. Pine bark extract from the Landes tree, also called the maritime pine, has been the subject this decade of several positive studies related to reducing high blood pressure.

Earlier this year, the maritime pine bark extract was linked to significantly easing arthritis pain and stiffness. The study was performed by Italian researcher Dr. Gianni Belcaro at Chieti-Pescara University. One particular version of pine bark extract has been patented as a registered drug by a French scientist and brand-named Pycnogenol (pronounced “pick-nah-jenn-all) 

Pine bark extract was first discovered some 450 years ago by explorers who were suffering from scurvy, the vitamin C deficiency. They decided to make tea brewed from the pine bark and needles of the Landes tree. That plant-centric notion of medicine, quite common in those days, has found confirmation in European researchers who have connected pine bark extract to a group of antioxidants known as OPCs or oligomeric proanthocyanidins. OPCs are believed to fight against the buildup of plaque and cholesterol in the blood vessels, and can also be found in red wine and grape seed extract. 

There are other potential uses for pine bark extract, some have been evaluated in small studies and others noted by natural health practitioners. Among the possibilities for healing: ADHD ADD, varicose veins, edema (body swelling/fluid retention), premenstrual syndrome, menopause symptoms, vision damage caused by diabetes and macular degeneration. And don’t forget the previously mentioned healthy effect on blood pressure.

The 2008 Italian study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research suggests pine bark extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help individuals with osteoarthritis. The researchers found Pycnogenol decreased stiffness in the experimental group by 53 percent compared to a control group taking a placebo. Similarly, self-reported pain symptoms were 55 percent lower in the experimental group. Physical function among the Pycnogenol group zoomed upward by nearly 60 percent. The daily dose was 100 milligrams for three months.

Interestingly, no one in the study was required to stop taking pain medications they regularly used, provided they kept a diary of all pills. Nonetheless, individuals in the Pycnogenol group reduced medication use by 58 percent compared to the control group and likewise experienced a 63 percent improvement in gastrointestinal complications.

Pycnogenol has displayed no side effects in the hypertension and arthritis studies, perhaps explaining why the mainstream Arthritis Foundation was happy to report on its website that the herbal remedy can reduce pain and stiffness symptoms.

“The use of Pycnogenol may reduce costs and side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs [it has been suggested rheumatoid arthritis sufferers would also benefit] and offer a natural alternative solution to people suffering from osteoarthritis.”

We like the sound of that quote here at the Alternative Health Blog.

Bob Condor blogs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for Alternative Health Journal.