Pycnogenol, an extract of pine bark, may help to reduce the misery of haemorrhoids, according to new research. Those taking it had significantly reduced pain and stopped bleeding within 7 days. They also had less time off work compared with those taking inactive placebo. It's thought that the flavonoids in pine bark extracts have a strenghening effect on blood vessel linings
- Healthspan Magazine 2010

Many studies have been done on this extract for its effects on the vascualr system and it will prevent blog clots. It is my chose selection to take daily. It has also helped me with allergies.

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Where can i buy the stuff? I've got Tate & Lyles (Cockney Rhyming slang for piles!) at the moment and need to get a quick remedy, as they're itching and drining me mad!

Pycnogenol treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes

These guys used a product with Pycnogenol�

You can find the same registered product in this product Now Foods, Pycnogenol, 60 mg, 50 Vcaps Our price: $28.03 (�17.92)
Not all Pycnogenol is the � form. I cannot say whether or not that matters.

In the above study 300 mg of Pycnogenol tablets daily for four days and then 150 mg daily for the next three days; those in group two received the same treatment plus 0.5% Pycnogenol topical cream; the patients in the third group were given a placebo. After a week, bleeding had stopped in patients in groups one and two but continued during two weeks of follow up among patients in the placebo group. The patients in the Pycnogenol groups also reported less pain and fewer lost working days.

Bear in mind the 300mg = 5 capsules of the example product and
150mg = spreading those 5 capsules over 2 days.

I get mine from Iherb
If you've not used IHERB before Code WAB666 saves $5 on your first purchase.
Remember UK readers have to pay 20% VAT on orders above the threshold
With effect from 1 November 2011, the threshold over which commercially imported goods are subject to import VAT will reduce from �18 to �15.
If you are going to have to pay VAT then it makes sense to use DHL delivery option as they TRACK the item and notify you (you have to set this up online but it's dead easy) when it's cleared customs and on the delivery van. Very quick order Sunday night delivered Wednesday morning. and they only charge �1.25 to collect the VAT.
The postal option may seem cheaper BUT PO charges �8 to collect the VAT and you have to go to the PO to get the parcel from the sorting office AND pay the VAT.
DHL pay the vat for you and send you a bill (usually at the end of the month so it could be 3 weeks after order delivered) + �1.25 handling fee which you can pay online or with your credit card.
US readers may find the same product cheaper with a google/amazon search but do check the shipping cost and other discounts available.

Just checked online and Holland and Barrett (UK high street healthfood/supplement supplier) do a
Product Description Quantity RRP You Pay
Pycnogenol Capsules (60mg) 30 Capsules -+1 �20.99 �10.99

I don't know if this offer is in the shops or just online. If you buy 4 pots you get free shipping.
Remember it's not the � but that may/may not make any difference. But you could give it a try using the same amounts stated above.

No offense to any of the above posters or to the researchers, but why does it have to be an "extract of"?

Ugh, why can't I remember back to college LOL...But this happened in asprin. People used to use Willow bark to ease pain, then people discovered the chemical in the bark...which I can't remember the name...then we altered it somehow...and put it on the market. If it was me, I'd just go find a tree and take the bark from it! If it worked before, why wouldn't it work now?

White willow bark actually works better than aspirin due to cofactors present.

Thanks Ted!

The reasons extracts are selected and standardized extracts prefered is because you have no way of knowing how a company produces its product. Is it watered down? too much alcohol in the extact? not enough active herb put into it? was the herb grown in the proper soil to assure quality?

extracts are generally stronger applications of any herb. The goodness is sucked out of the plant and put into the extract medium. Standardization tells you that the active ingredient is there and in what concentration.

Of course teas and ground herb in capsule do have an effect, but it has proven with some products that the medicinal effect may not be strong enough for the desired result. Because we don't have a vast compilation of studies and literature on all the different applications of herbs and their potencies many people choose extracted and standardized products to assure they are receiving the potency they are seeking to get the job done. It may not be a perfect approach to dealing with herbs but its what we got.