Pycnogenol® Relieves Symptoms Related to Restless Leg Syndrome & Improves the Venoarteriolar Response

by | Oct 17, 2022 | 2022, Botanicals, Pycnogenol

Written by Taylor Woosley, Staff Writer. 4-week supplementation of 150 mg/day of Pycnogenol significantly improved Visual Analogue Scale Line scores (P<0.05) and significantly decreased levels of oxidative stress (P<0.05). Furthermore, subjects in the Pycnogenol® group had a significant (>15%) increase in venoarteriolar response. 

leg painRestless leg syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease (WED) is an under-diagnosed, chronic, and progressive primary sensory-motor disorder1. RLS is a multifactorial movement disorder of the limbs in which patients have an irresistible urge to move legs2. There is an increased prevalence of RLS symptoms in women and adults over 40 years of age, with some studies estimating prevalence to be as high as 18-23% in the elderly3. RLS pathophysiology can be related to a variety of imbalances, such as decreased iron stores in the brain, iron regulation disturbances or due to dopamine imbalance4.

Pycnogenol, a specific blend of procyanidins extracted from a French maritime pine bark, is a nutritional supplement used as a phytochemical remedy worldwide5. The constituents of Pycnogenol, such as taxifolin, catechin, and phenolic acids, act as free radical scavengers and exhibit a range of anti-inflammatory actions6. The antioxidant abilities of Pycnogenol have reported benefits such as recovery of muscle performance, optimization of skeletal muscle oxygenation concentration and reduction of muscle fatigue7. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that Pycnogenol supplementation can down-regulate the NF-κB pathway and reduce the production of the proinflammatory cytokines8.

Belcaro et al. conducted a parallel group study to assess the efficacy of Pycnogenol on healthy subjects with restless leg syndrome. All participants were managed with a standard management plan (SM) which included regular rest, mild exercise (20 min, 4 times/week), vitamin C and niacin & total B vitamins (600 mg/day). Subjects (n=45) were assigned to one of two groups: the SM & Pycnogenol (150 mg/day) treatment group (n=21) and the SM group (24) for four weeks. A laser Doppler flowmeter was used to assess the venoarteriolar response (VAR). Blood samples were obtained to measure levels of oxidative stress. A Visual Analogue Scale Line (0 to 4) was evaluated at inclusion and at the end of the study to measure changes in sensations and symptoms of RLS. An edema tester was utilized to evaluate the presence of minimal edema. Significant findings of the 4-week study are as follows:

  • Visual Analogue Scale Line scores were significantly improved in the Pycnogenol group (P<0.05).
  • The need for pain management during the study period was significantly lower in the Pycnogenol group (P<0.05) compared to the SM-only group.
  • Oxidative stress was significantly reduced only in the Pycnogenol group (P<0.05).
  • Minimal edema was significantly decreased in the Pycnogenol group compared to the SM-only group.

Results of the study show that Pycnogenol significantly relieves symptoms associated with RLS. Additionally, supplementation significantly improved the venoarteriolar response. Further studies should be conducted using a larger study size and a longer duration of supplementation to better understand the beneficial effects of Pycnogenol on restless leg syndrome.

Source: Belcaro, Gianni, Peter Rohdewald, Maria R. Cesarone, Claudia Scipione, Valeria Scipione, Umberto Cornelli, Roberta Luzzi et al. “Restless legs syndrome: prevention with Pycnogenol® and improvement of the venoarteriolar response.” Panminerva Medica 64, no. 2 (2022): 253-258.

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Posted October 17, 2022.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

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