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Health News Archive 352 - Leg Cramps
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Pycnogenol Pine Tree Bark Reduces Leg Cramps 75%

A recent study reported in the June 2006 edition of Angiology the use of pine tree bark (pycnogenol) in reducing muscle cramps and pain. There were two parts to the study.

In the first part, three different groups, including healthy subjects, patients with poor circulation, and athletes, were evaluated. In order to enroll, individuals had to suffer muscle cramps at least four to eight times weekly and moderate to severe muscular pain at least three days a week. All three groups were given 50 mg pine tree bark capsules which they took four times daily (for a total dose of 200 mg a day) and were instructed to drink about 1½ quarts of water daily.

By the fourth week of the study, the number of cramping episodes decreased by a statistically significant level in all three groups. Most individuals had a reduction in the amount of muscle cramping of about 75%.

In the second part of the study, 47 patients who suffered with poor circulation involving the blood vessels were given 200 mg of pycnogenol brand pine tree bark daily for one week and compared to individuals given placebo. Those given pycnogenol noted a significant decrease in cramping episodes and muscular pain by over 20% compared to those receiving placebo pills.

Vinciguerra G, Belcaro G, Cesarone MR, Rohdewald P, et al. Cramps and muscular pain: prevention with pycnogenol in normal subjects, venous patients, athletes, claudicants and in diabetic microangiopathy. Angiology. 2006 May-Jun;57(3):331-9.

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