Pycnogenol may be effective for restless legs, 71% experienced less aching in study

24 Aug 2022 --- The natural chemical compound Pycnogenol, a standardized extract from French maritime pine bark, may be beneficial for restless legs, according to a study published in Panminerva Medica. The results significantly reduced symptoms for the 21 participants who were supplemented with Pycnogenol compared to the 24 people in the control group.

The US-based company with the same name, Pycnogenol, carried out the study.

“Restless legs syndrome is often missed or dismissed in diagnosis, but it’s a real health condition rooted in microcirculation. Many patients feel helpless and unheard because the symptoms seem exaggerated or imagined,” says Dr. Fred Pescatore, author and natural physician. 

“It’s not in your head – it’s in your legs, and this research shows there are steps you can take with a powerful natural ingredient that may help you feel better,” Pescatore adds. 

Impact on symptomsRestless legs syndrome affects sleep and everyday life, making it difficult for many to accomplish daily tasks.
After four weeks, the test group reported decreasing symptoms of 72% in aching, 61% in throbbing, 61% in sleep problems, 52% of electrical shocks, 48% of itching and 41% less pulling sensation.

Additionally, 33% said to have a decrease in crawling and 30% in creeping sensations. Overall, the need for pain management was also significantly reduced, as four out of the 21 people in the testing group required medication, whereas 16 out of the 24 people in the control group did. 

The study concludes that future studies should include more participants with complex symptoms to assess the role of Pycnogenol. 

In a previous study, Pycnogenol was also shown to reduce painful symptoms for patients with urinary tract infections and acted as stress relieving for interstitial cystitis.

Restless legs syndrome
The Natural Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) explains restless legs syndrome, also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, as unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations in the legs, causing an “irresistible urge to move them.” 

“Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. They also may occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods,” notes the institute.

This causes sleep disturbance for many as it is difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep and return to sleep. The sensation usually stops when the person moves. However, it may return rapidly when sitting still. It is characterized as a neurological sensory disorder as the symptoms originate from inside the brain.

The NIH notes that discomfort and sleep deprivation affect people in their everyday life. Many report difficulties with concentrating, memory difficulties, and cannot accomplish daily tasks. 

According to the institute, 7-10% of the US population suffers from restless legs syndrome, women are more likely to have it than men and symptoms can develop at any age. The symptoms are also likely to become “longer lasting and appear more frequently throughout life,” notes the NIH.

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander

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