Pycnogenol® - A natural remedy for restless leg syndrome

A study recently published in Panminerva Medica has shown that Pycnogenol® can help to relieve and may prevent symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome (RLS). Pycnogenol® is a leading French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, and is an antioxidant with natural anti-inflammatory properties, also acting as a circulation booster.

Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease - Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually due to an uncomfortable sensation. People find that moving the legs such as stretching, pacing/walking, or shaking/jiggling them temporarily eases the unpleasant feelings. It typically occurs in the evening or during the night-time when the sufferer is inactive/relaxing - sitting or lying down. RLS can begin at any age, and the severity of symptoms can fluctuate even disappearing for a period before returning, but the condition has generally been found to worsen as you get older, and it can disrupt sleep and daily activities.

The uncomfortable sensations in the limbs sufferers often describe include - Crawling, Creeping, Itching, Aching, Electric Shocks, Pulling and Throbbing.

Lifestyle changes and sometimes medications are recommended to help relieve the symptoms. Suggested tips include taking hot baths, massage, exercise and avoiding commonly recognised triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.

This new research has shown welcome results for sufferers seeking to treat RLS in a more natural way, without the need for prescribed medications that often come with the risk of side effects.

The study involved 45 subjects with RLS. 21 supplemented with 150mg of Pycnogenol® per day, while 24 subjects in a control group followed standard management routines. After 4 weeks those in the Pycnogenol® group showed a significant decrease in restless leg syndrome symptoms over the control group.

Results included:

• 72% decrease in aching, whilst those in the control group saw only 3% decrease
• 63% reduction in throbbing, against 6% reduction in the control group
• 61% decrease in sleep problems, versus 16% decrease in the control group
• 51% decrease in electric shocks, whilst just 17% decrease was seen in the control group
• 48% reduction in itching, over 10% reduction seen in the control group
• 41% decrease in pulling, whilst the control group saw only 7% decrease
• 33% reduction in crawling and 30% reduction in creeping, with the control group achieving just 3% and 7% reduction respectively

Additionally, the requirement for pain management was significantly reduced for those in the Pycnogenol® group after four weeks.

Well researched and widely available in supplement form, this study offers Pycnogenol® as a trusted natural option for those suffering with disruptive symptoms associated with RLS.