Pine bark may reduce need for hormone therapy
Aug 29 2007 12:00AM
A pine bark extract may reduce the need for hormone replacement therapy, a new study has revealed.
Researchers found that Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract from French maritime pine trees, reduced many of the symptoms associated with women entering the menopause.
These included the hot flushes, depression, panic attacks and other symptoms that typically characterise the condition.
Dr Peter Rohdewald, of the University of Munster in Germany and a lead researcher on the project, said: "Pycnogenol was chosen for this study due to previous research revealing health benefits associated with cognitive function, skin elasticity, nitric oxide stimulation, free radical scavenging and the broadening of antioxidant activity.
"Achieving these health benefits is key to treating perimenopausal symptoms naturally."
He continued: "There is a shift away from the use of hormone replacement therapy due to side effects and in its absence women are searching for safe and natural options to help manage their symptoms.
"This study investigating Pycnogenol as a potential natural alternative is very encouraging in view of the safety of Pycnogenol as it does not bear any hormone-like activities at all."
Are you looking for slightly more conventional pine products? Head to wimbledonpine.co.uk for a high quality selection of new pinefurniture, including pine benches, tables, bookcases and pinebeds.