Pine Bark Extract Cut a Bone-Loss Marker—But There's a Catch
A pine bark extract just posted a surprising result in women with weakening bones: a key bone-breakdown marker fell, and pain scores improved. But the headline hides a catch that could change how you read it. In a 67-woman randomized trial, CTX-1 dropped within the Pycnogenol group, yet there was no significant difference versus placebo at any visit. A companion paper found better pain and vitality scores and a reassuring short-term safety profile. Here is what the dose, the data and the limitations really tell us.
Shatavari Worked Better Stacked With Ashwagandha in 135 Women
An Ayurvedic herb that women have used for centuries just got put through a placebo-controlled trial, and the results got more interesting when a second herb joined in. In 135 women over 8 weeks, shatavari root extract improved total sexual function and satisfaction versus placebo. Paired with ashwagandha, it also lifted arousal, lubrication, orgasm, mood and happiness scores. All side effects were mild. But there was no ashwagandha-only arm, so the 'synergy' story comes with an important asterisk.