Pycnogenol, Pine Bark Derivative, Effective Against C-Reactive Protein

C-Reactive Protein Found to Cause Pain and Arthritis Symptoms

Times of the Internet is carrying an article out of Italy, "Pine bark cuts osteoarthritis inflammation," that reports that Pycnogenol, which is a derivative of pine bark, reduces C-reactive protein.

As the article goes on to say, the Italian and German study illustrated that Pycnogenol's effective reduction of C-reactive protein reduced symptoms and pain associated with osteoarthritis.

This is a surprising turnabout.

My wife has rheumatoid arthritis and it has long been known that it has abnormal levels of C-reactive proteins which accounts for the multiple spots of pain.

What this shows is that C-reactive protein is typically associated with immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and acute pancreatitis to name a few, however, simple osteoarthritis ( translation osteo=bone, arthro=joint, itis=inflammation) has been considered a self-limiting condition.

The study that has been completed had a control group of 55 people with a "universe" of 156 people. The plasma levels with respect to C-reactive protein were at normal by the end of the test.

What does this actually mean?

Historically it was thought that osteoarthritis was simply inflammation in one join brought on by injury or aging or wear and tear. What this study is telling us is that C-reactive protein moves past the affected spot, and since the plasma levels are increased, circulates with the blood throughout body causing symptoms and pain in many places.

The medical profession is just learning how dangerous C-reactive protein can be since it can also be an early marker for Alzheimer's.

I know in a related situation to rheumatoid arthritis I suffer from fibromyalgia which is unexplained severe pain all over my body. Since C-reactive protein causes pain and symptoms, I wonder if there is a correlation.

In reading the study we find that the Pycnogenol was administered in two 50 milligram tablet doses and the rest of the group was given a placebo.