New scientific findings may offer hope and a natural solution to those who suffer from sensations of crawling, pulling, throbbing, aching and itching in the legs, often resulting in sleep disruption and the uncontrollable urge to move. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) impacts nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population and can lead to other health concerns. A new study found Pycnogenol French maritime pine bark extract to significantly relieve and prevent symptoms associated with RLS.

"RLS is often missed or dismissed in diagnosis, but it's a real health condition often rooted in microcirculation. Many patients feel helpless and unheard because the symptoms seem to be exaggerated or imagined. It's not in your head—it's in your legs, and this research shows there are steps you can take with a powerful natural ingredient that may help you feel better," said author and renowned natural physician, Dr. Fred Pescatore.

Frustrating symptoms can begin at any age and worsen, according to the company. Most who suffer from this condition feel sensations of crawling, pulling and throbbing after long periods of sitting or lying down, such as sleeping or sitting at a desk. Moving the legs typically temporarily relieves the discomfort, but the sensations can reoccur after movement stops. Those who have RLS can also suffer from poor sleep quality, fatigue and higher stress levels, which can impact other aspects of daily life.

The study, published in Panminerva Medica, tested 45 subjects with RLS. 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 RLS, including:

• 33 percent decrease in crawling (vs. 3 percent decrease in control group)

• 30 percent decrease in creeping (vs. 7 percent decrease in control group)

• 41 percent decrease in pulling (vs. 7 percent decrease in control group)

• 63 percent decrease in throbbing (vs. 6 percent decrease in control group)

• 72 percent decrease in aching (vs. 3 percent decrease in control group)

• 48 percent decrease in itching (vs. 10 percent decrease in control group)

• 52 percent decrease in electric shocks (vs. 17 percent decrease in control group)

• 61 percent decrease in sleep problems (vs. 16 percent decrease in control group)

Research indicates that as many as 22 percent of those with RLS also have venous insufficiency. While additional research is needed to determine the relationship between RLS and edema, this study found that 81 percent 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 RLS 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 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 recognized as an ingredient at the forefront of naturally improving blood circulation. This study now shows its effects specifically on symptoms related to RLS," Pescatore concluded.

For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.