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In a recent study at UC Berkeley scientists have discovered that the Pine Bark Extract is a potent antioxidant and it may also help in boosting the effects of Vitamin C, a potent treatment for Cancer. It increases the lifetime of vitamin C which in itself is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging agent.

For the study a host of natural compounds were examined for antioxidant activity and it was found that the pince bar extract whick is available as Pycnogenol (pik-nah-je-nal) is the most effective among the other natural antioxidants.

The pycnogenol suppresses the production of nitric oxide and immunizes the body from bacterias and other viruses. Nitric Oxide or NO is also related to inflammation, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease.

The notable study found out that people suffering from knee arthritis who took the pine bark extract for 3 months reported relief in their knee pain. It was also found that the pain persisted after the extract which is marketed as Pycnogenol was stopped after 2 weeks.

This is a total herbal medication and was taken by Europeans and North Africans but it was only until this study that light was shed on its modern medical implications.