Pine Bark for Osteoarthritis

Sometimes called pycnogenol, pine bark extract is a substance derived from the Pinus pinaster tree. Herbalists recommend pine bark extract for the treatment of a number of conditions.

Function

• Herbalists credit pine bark with having the potential to decrease inflammation in patients. Patients with osteoarthritis often develop inflammation of the joints, which some natural medical practitioners believe can be alleviated through pine bark.

Clinical Evidence

• A 2008 study conducted at the Comenius University School of Medicine at the University Hospital Ruzinov in Bratislava, Slovakia and published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research" found that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who took pine bark extract for three months experienced a decrease in inflammation.

Effects

• The Comenius University School of Medicine study suggests that taking pine bark for arthritis may alleviate the pain associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. As a result, patients may need to take less over-the-counter and prescription medications

Risks

• Pine bark extract has the potential to cause side effects like dizziness, headache and mouth ulcers, reports RxList. The herb may not be safe for use in pregnant women or patients with auto-immune diseases like lupus.

Considerations

• Although the Comenius University School of Medicine study appears promising, more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of pine bark for osteoarthritis, cautions RxList.