Tree Bark Found to Improve Osteoarthritis Symptoms

The study was conducted at the rheumatology department of Mashhad Medical University, Iran. Thirty five middle aged volunteers were randomly assigned a daily dose of Pycnogenol or placebo for three months. Patients were to report arthritic pain after 30, 60 and 90 days. After two months of supplementation, physical function and pain scores improved in the pycnogenol group. After 90 days, the pycnogenol group experienced a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness, and 52 percent in physical function.

The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study. Head researcher, Dr. Ronald Watson claims, "Pycnogenol's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were responsible for delivering these excellent results. This study shows that supplementing with Pycnogenol can fight joint inflammation and sooth the pain and stiffness, thus paving the path for cartilage renewal with substances such as Glucosamine."