LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to a new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Angiology, a natural extract made from the bark of pine trees may significantly improve the appearance, swelling and discomfort of pregnancy induced varicose and spider veins.
Around 30 per cent of women will suffer from enlarged veins. Varicose and spider veins can be an unsightly side effect of pregnancy, as the amount of blood increases to support the developing baby, putting an extra strain on the veins1. Increased hormone levels can also cause the walls of blood vessels to relax, which may also increase the risk of bulging veins1.
Dr Steve Lamm, a physician and nutritional medicine expert, said; “As some varicose and spider veins may improve on their own after a year or so post-pregnancy, standard treatment is simply to wear compression stockings, which is met with low compliance because patients often find them uncomfortable. This study shows that Pycnogenol® can significantly reduce the visibility of veins, swelling and pain post-pregnancy post-pregnancy and improve blood flow in a fraction of the time as it takes when treated with compression stockings alone.”
The study, conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy, included 133 women. All participants were recommended to wear compression stockings and the Pycnogenol® group consisted of 64 women who elected to take the extract 100mg/daily in addition to wearing the compression stockings.
Over six months, Pycnogenol® was shown to;
- Significantly reduce the number of varicose veins as compared to the control group
- Decrease visible clusters of spider veins
- Reduce leg cramps as compared to control (4.6 per cent with Pycnogenol®; 12.5 per cent in control group)
- Decrease minor pain and discomfort on prolonged standing
- Reduce swelling: after six months one Pycnogenol® patient reported swelling as compared to more than 13 per cent in the control group
- Decrease patient requests for additional treatment, such as chemical injections or minor surgery as compared to the control group
Dr Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study, said; “This study builds upon decades of research that shows Pycnogenol® to be a safe, effective, natural solution for venous insufficiency and the associated problems. Pycnogenol® has been found to seal capillaries and stop the outflow of blood into tissue that causes swelling. It supports the production of endothelial nitric oxide to improve blood vessel function and blood flow.”
The women included in the study had each developed varicose and spider veins during their second pregnancy and began treatment within four to eight weeks after giving birth or after conclusion of breastfeeding and without interference of hormonal treatments. All women reported good vein health in advance of their second pregnancy.
Results were reported using a number of metrics: visual recording of number and length of varicose veins and spider vein clusters; a visual analogue line scale to measure heavier legs, pain on prolonged standing, restless legs and bruises; ultrasound imaging to record points of major and minor venous incompetence and clinically-reported need for additional actions such as chemical injections, surgery or other medical treatment.
“This study confirms the findings of prior studies that have shown Pycnogenol® effective in strengthening capillary walls making them more resistant against pressure which consequently lowers the release of fluids into tissues. Pycnogenol® has been shown to exert a direct effect on the vein wall. It increases vein tonicity by improving vein resistance and vein elasticity. The extract reduces acute venous swelling and improves venous insufficiency,” said Dr Lamm.
To review the clinical research and additional information on Pycnogenol® visit www.pycnogenol.com
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About Pycnogenol®:
Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 340 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.co.uk
1 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Varicose-veins/Pages/Causes.aspx