Anyone have any luck with Pycnogenol(sp?) for Lyme arthritis ?
Posted by Mrs.Lyme (Member # 17297) on :
Sorry.Forgot to ask ,if so, what dose worked?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Pycnogenol - Yes, great stuff.
I have used it in the past. I found it to be wonderful. It really help with energy and cleared by brain immediately.
It is a great anti-oxidant.
I can't really say about the "arthritis" or even myofascial pain as I took it so long ago.
But now I recall that I was clearer, less dizzy and had more energy. The price at that time was very expensive - that's why I stopped it. I do think it has come down, though.
I also recall that I may have felt a little "wired" from it - so start very slowly and don't increase it too fast at first.
Also, depending upon the source (I have read that pycnogenol from pine bark extract is better than from grape seed extract) - and the brand, there can be differences.
I'm sure you can find some good links to literature through Google. I thought I'd see what I could find to wake up my brain today. The abstracts at PubMed are great reading. Whoo-Hoo!
Pycnogenol is a standardized extract of the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), a well-known, potent antioxidant. Studies in vitro show that Pycnogenol is several times more powerful than vitamin E and vitamin C.
In addition, it recycles vitamin C, regenerates vitamin E and increases the endogenous antioxidant enzyme system. Pycnogenol protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
. . . No side effect was observed. . . .
Moreover, several other associated symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, pains in the body and anxiety were also improved.
Seniors' Nutritional Needs -By Karen Sadowsky Kaufman, MS CCN
Excerpt:
Free Radicals and Antioxidants . . .
Some of the most well known and best studied antioxidants include the vitamins C, E, A, beta carotene and the mineral selenium.
Additionally, several other antioxidants are now believed to contribute to controlling the effects of free-radicals, including
grape seed extract (containing proanthocyanadins, found in Pycnogenol), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), alpha lipoic acid, and bioflavonoids, to name just a few.
Licorice root, ginseng root, ashwaghanda root, Siberian ginseng root bark, astragalus root, oldenlandia (bai hua she she cao or O. diffusa), pycnogenol, carthamus flower,
and several types of seaweed (particularly Hizikia fusiformis, a kind of algae, and Meristotheca papulosa)
have been shown experimentally to modulate the activity of B-cells . . . .
Proanthocyanidin (also known as procyanidin oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), pycnogenol, leukocyanidin, leucoanthocyanin and condensed tannins) is a class of flavanols.
Pycnogenol� is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica ), which is grown in coastal southwest France.
Pycnogenol� contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids: catechin, epicatechin, phenolic fruit acids (such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid), and taxifolin.
Procyanidins are oligometric catechins found at high concentrations in red wine, grapes, cocoa, cranberries, apples, and some supplements such as Pycnogenol�.
There has been some confusion in the U.S. market regarding OPC products containing Pycnogenol� or grape seed extract (GSE) because one of the generic terms for chemical constituents ("pycnogenols") is the same as the patented trade name (Pycnogenol�).
Some GSE products were formerly erroneously labeled and marketed in the U.S. as containing "pycnogenols."
Although GSE and Pycnogenol� do contain similar chemical constituents (primarily in the OPC fraction), the chemical, pharmacological, and clinical literature on the two products are distinct.
The term Pycnogenol� should therefore only be used to refer to the specific proprietary pine bark extract. Scientific literature regarding this product should not be referenced as a basis for the safety or effectiveness of GSE.
. . .
[There is a chart at the link about research on different conditions/symptoms.]
. . .
DOSING
Adults (18 years and older)
In general, 25-360 milligrams has been taken by mouth in divided doses daily.
For gum health, 5 milligrams Pycnogenol� in chewing gum for 14 days has been used.
Pycnogenol� appears to be absorbed into the bloodstream in about 20 minutes. Once absorbed, therapeutic effects are purported to last for approximately 72 hours, followed by excretion in the urine.
Because of its astringent taste and occasional minor stomach discomfort, it may be best to take Pycnogenol� with or after meals.
. . . .
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Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
I use it for Restless leg or in my case I experience restless leg, arm & torso.
I just finished my bottle of it last week. It is expensive, so I only take for 2 weeks. I can't remember the mg.
But I will take 2-3 daily and use up the bottle. It stops RLS sx for 3-4 months and repeat. For me anyway.
Somebody on this site recommended I try it. I can't remember who it was. Much better than taking another rx.
Pam
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Mrs.Lyme,
I see you have posted, looking for a LLMD. This is probably fine to take now but be sure your doctor knows about it and that it is considered regarding any medicines.
As with any antioxidant, it might decrease a level of medicine. Sometimes, just taking it at a different time can be the solution, but be sure to check with your doctor.
Most LLMDs nearly require the use of antioxidants to help get the toxins out (lyme is a very toxic bacteria). Mostly, Antioxidants can actually help protect cells from damage.
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In his book, Singleton does not list pycnogenol, however, many antioxidants are highly suggested, including GSE which is Grape Seed Extract (and contains proanthrocyanidin as does the pine bark extract that the brand name pycnogenol is made from).
For GSE, this author suggests 60 - 200 mg twice a day as an "exceptional" brain antioxidant. (Page 379, Singleton)
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This book, by an ILADS member LLMD, holds great information about treatments options and support measures:
Thanks for all the feedback. I was looking for something for my hubby to take in place of his NSAID (diclofenac) which he can no longer take for his Lyme induced RA. The terrible side effects (hypertension,stomach problems and possible TIA) are no longer tolerable.His joint pain has gotten worse (though it was no bargain while on diclofenac) since stopping it and thought we could go "natural" for some relief.I'll let you know how it works.