Any Experience with Pycnogenol?

[jerseyguy2k]

Supposedly it's good for reducing inflammation.  I have swelling and pain in several end finger joints of right hand - diagnosed as osteoarthritis.  I've been taking 150 mg/day for 4 days, but have not seen any changes yet.  Has anyone tried it? It's pretty expensive - $52 for 60, 50 mg pills.

[txsilver]

Mary,

Thank you for sharing the info.  Would love to hear what measurable results you have had from taking the supplement.  While I am sceptical, I keep hoping that something will work.

Jerseyguy,

Sorry to read that, like my experience, the supplement did not work out well for you.  I honestly wish that there were one that did.  I would be on it in a flash.  I am glad to read the Aleve helps you.  Anything to take some of the pain and discomfort away is great.

[jerseyguy2k]

Thanks...that's a big difference in price.  I tried it for a week and did not see any change in joint inflammation, so I stopped taking it.  In general, I'm reluctant to take supplements long term without a good reason. I'd argue that whatever the body doesn't use, it will mean extra work for the liver and kidneys to eliminate. I recently discovered (via blood test) that I was low on Vit. D, so I now take 1000 IU/day, but that's the only vitamin I'm taking so far.  In contrast to the pycnogenol, I had a dramatic reduction in inflamation after taking just one Aleve.

[MaryL57]

I'm sorry.  Fingers don't always go where I want.  That was 50 50mg capsules for $12.99

[MaryL57]

http://www.pycnogenol.com/consumer/
This is their web site.  I ran across this somehow last year and my husband and I have been taking it ever since as a general antioxidant.  I have not yet researched the site to see what they recommend for inflammation but have read on many sites that it does help.  On the site you will also find a link on where you can purchase it.  It is only made in one place in the world from what they say, so it should all be the same.  We buy ours through Swanson and for 30 100 mg capsules we pay $14.99.  It varies from time to time but not by much.  They also list 20 50 mg capsules for $12.99.  Hope this helps both you and your wallet.

[txsilver]

I don't have experience with this particular supplement.  I tried many and found the only change was in my wallet.  :)  I truly hope you reap benefits from it.  My response will bump your message back up in the forum increasing it's visibility and the liklihood of a response from someone else who is trying this.  Good luck!