Pine - the celebratory murderer of a pain...

Finnish researchers say a group of anti-inflammatory compounds called phenolics found in the bark of Scotch &to=http://http://english.pravda.ru/usa/2003/02/04/42961.html' target=_blank>pine -- a popular choice for Christmas trees -- may prove effective in fighting arthritis and pain, confirms The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. .

These compounds, which have shown promise in preliminary laboratory tests with cells, are likely found in the bark of other species of pine trees as well, the scientists said in a study that will appear in the Dec. 29 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Pine bark extract is a folk remedy that's been used by people around the world to treat various health problems, from wounds to coughs. Recent research suggests that pine bark extract may have the potential to help treat high blood pressure, &to=http://http://english.pravda.ru/region/2003/02/27/43770.html' target=_blank>asthma , heart disease, and skin cancer, the study noted.