By Cathy Wong, ND
For people with osteoarthritis (the most common arthritis
form), a natural remedy known as Pycnogenol® may offer some relief of
symptoms like pain and stiffness. A substance sourced from the bark of the
French maritime pine tree, Pycnogenol® is thought to treat osteoarthritis in
part by reducing inflammation.
Sold in dietary supplement form, Pycnogenol® is also touted as a
natural treatment for conditions such as allergies, asthma, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
It's also said to possess anti-aging properties and to protect
against heart disease.
Why
Is It Sometimes Used for Osteoarthritis Relief?
Pycnogenol® contains procyanidins, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects. Preliminary research
suggests that procyanidins may influence the body's inflammatory response.
Since inflammation plays a key role in the development and progression of
osteoarthritis, it's thought that Pycnogenol®'s anti-inflammatory action may
aid in osteoarthritis management.
Research
on Osteoarthritis
To date, only a small
number of studies have evaluated Pycnogenol®'s effects in people with
osteoarthritis.
These studies include a clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research in 2008, for which 100
osteoarthritis patients took either Pycnogenol® or a placebo each day for three months. At the
study's end, those treated with Pycnogenol® reported a greater improvement in
pain symptoms, compared to those given the placebo. What's more, members of the
Pycnogenol® group reduced their use of pain medication during the treatment
period, while members of the placebo group increased their use of such
medication.
In another study published in Phytotherapy Research in
2008, osteoarthritis patients assigned to three months of treatment with
Pycnogenol® also experienced a greater improvement in symptoms and a larger
decrease in pain medication use (in comparison to those given a placebo for the
same time period). In addition, patients treated with Pycnogenol® were able to
walk longer distances by the study's end.
Although these studies indicate that Pycnogenol® may be helpful
in the treatment of osteoarthritis, it should be noted that a report published
in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2012
determined that both studies were poorly designed. More research is needed to
confirm their findings.
Isotonix OPC-3 is the
only liquid form of Pycnogenol® available.
It is gluten free, vegetarian and has no detectable GMOs. OPC-3
comes as a powder which wen mixed with the appropriate amount of water becomes “isotonic”
which means it is the same pressure as your bodily fluids and does not need to
be digested. So, when you drink your possibly
Pycnogenol®, you will not have any breakdown of the effectiveness due to
erosion by stomach acid. When taken on
an empty stomach Isotonix OPC-3 will pass through into your intestines where it
is absorbed into you blood stream in less than 15 minutes. It is the closest thing you can find to an IV
infusion of Pycnogenol®.
Alternatives
to Pycnogenol® for Osteoarthritis Relief
A number of other natural remedies may help ease the pain and
stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. For instance, studies have shown that glucosamine, bromelain and turmeric may help with osteoarthritis
control.
Some alternative therapies may also benefit people with
osteoarthritis. These therapies include massage and acupuncture. Additionally, taking up mind-body practices
like yoga and tai chi may help reduce osteoarthritis pain and improve
flexibility.
Because osteoarthritis is closely linked to chronic
inflammation, it's possible that following an anti-inflammatory diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and in antioxidant-rich
foods and may help manage osteoarthritis as well.
If you're thinking of
using any type of alternative medicine (including Pycnogenol®) in the treatment
of osteoarthritis, talk to your doctor for guidance in incorporating the remedy
into your treatment plan.
Sources
Belcaro G1, Cesarone MR, Errichi S, Zulli C, Errichi BM,
Vinciguerra G, Ledda A, Di Renzo A, Stuard S, Dugall M, Pellegrini L, Errichi
S, Gizzi G, Ippolito E, Ricci A, Cacchio M, Cipollone G, Ruffini I, Fano F,
Hosoi M, Rohdewald P. "Treatment of osteoarthritis with Pycnogenol. The
SVOS (San Valentino Osteo-arthrosis Study). Evaluation of signs, symptoms,
physical performance and vascular aspects." Phytother Res. 2008
Apr;22(4):518-23.
Original Article can be found at: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/arthritis/fl/Pycnogenol-for-Osteoarthritis-Relief.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment