Japanese researchers performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 116 women between 16 and 48 years, with either dysmenorrhea or some menstrual pain. They found that supplementation with 60 mg per day of Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) for two menstrual cycles significantly reduced menstrual pain and the amount of and need for analgesic medication. They also noted a decrease in the number of days that women with dysmenorrhea experienced menstrual pain, as well as the number of days that analgesic medication was required. Benefits remained even after supplementation was stopped.
Source: J Reprod Med, 2008; 53(5): 338-46
