Pycnogenol is an extract from pine bark; it is a powerful antioxidant. Research appearing in Nutrition Research (Nov 2007, Vol 27, Issue 11, pp 692-697) looked at the effect pycnogenol has on arthritis. It was a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 37 patients. Subjects received either 150 mg of pycnogenol or a placebo each day. After 60 and 90 days of supplementation, those receiving the pycnogenol had an improvement in physical function averaging 52%, according to the Wesern Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthirits Index (WOMAC). Pain was reduced by 43% and stiffness was reduced by 35% in the group receiving the supplement. There was also a reduction in the amount of pain medication taken by the pycnogenol group.