Pine bark extract has been found to offer effective pain management for the symptoms of dysmenorrhea, a new Japanese study suggests.

Findings published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine indicate that a dietary supplement of Pycnogenol pine bark extract can help reduce pain and limit the need for more pain medications for female patients with painful menstrual periods.

Results found that the number of painful days due to dysmenorrhea decreased from an average of 2.1 days prior to treatment to 1.3 at both the third and fourth cycle.

Lead researcher Dr Nobutaka Suzuki explained: "Dysmenorrheal pain is thought to be caused by elevated levels of inflammation and characterized by menstrual cramping pain, which may reach incapacitating severity.

"Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin or ibuprofen provide temporary help against menstrual pain. Unfortunately, they are generally ineffective for resolving spasmodic events and commonly cause side effects, particularly gastric problems."

A previous study looking at the natural anti-inflammatory properties of Pycnogenol found that the supplement can reduce symptoms of endometriosis by 33 per cent.

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