A new study found Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract, a leading natural anti-inflammatory and circulation booster, to significantly relieve and prevent symptoms associated with Restless Legs Syndrome.
Many patients feel helpless because the symptoms are judged to be imagined or exaggerated," said Natural Physician, Dr Fred Pescatore. "This research shows there are steps people can take with a powerful natural ingredient that may help them feel better."
The study, published in Panminerva Medica, tested 45 subjects with Restless Legs Syndrome. 21 subjects supplemented with 150 mg of Pycnogenol per day, while another 24 subjects followed a standard management routine in the control group. After four weeks, subjects in the Pycnogenol group showed significant improvement in all prominent symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome, including:
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33% decrease in crawling (vs 3% decrease in control group)
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30% decrease in creeping (vs 7% decrease in control group)
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41% decrease in pulling (vs 7% decrease in control group)
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63% decrease in throbbing (vs 6% decrease in control group)
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72% decrease in aching (vs 3% decrease in control group)
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48% decrease in itching (vs 10% decrease in control group)
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52% decrease in electric shocks (vs 17% decrease in control group)
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61% decrease in sleep problems (vs 16% decrease in control group)
Research indicates that as many as 22% of those with Restless Legs Syndrome also have venous insufficiency. While additional research is needed to determine the relationship between Restless Legs Syndrome and edema, this study found that 81 % of subjects in the Pycnogenol group improved their status of minimal edema.
Additionally, after four weeks, the need for pain managements was significantly reduced for those in the Pycnogenol group.
"Even when Restless Legs Syndrome is properly diagnosed, medication to treat the condition includes pharmaceuticals that increase dopamine in the brain, resulting in side effects like nausea and sleepiness. Opioids or narcotic medications may be used to relieve more severe symptoms and can be extremely addictive," said Dr Pescatore.
"Pycnogenol is an all-natural solution. Decades of research and global market availability show this circulation booster is safe and effective and is especially recognised as an ingredient at the forefront of naturally improving blood circulation. This study now shows its effects specifically on symptoms related to Restless Legs Syndrome," said Dr Pescatore.
