According to a new peer-reviewed study published in the International Journal of Angiology, Pycnogenol, a standardized natural plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, may significantly improve the appearance, swelling and discomfort of pregnancy-induced varicose veins and spider vein clusters. Roughly 30% of women post-pregnancy suffer from enlarged veins, which can be unattractive, painful and may lead to a chronic vein condition, blood clots and ulcers if veins do not return to healthy function.

The open registry study, conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy, included 133 women. All participants were recommended to wear compression stockings, as is the standard treatment, and the Pycnogenol group consisted of 64 women who elected to take the extract 100 mg/daily (50 mg two times a day) in addition to wearing compression stockings.

Over 6 months, Pycnogenol was shown to significantly reduce the number of varicose veins as compared to the control group and significantly decrease visible clusters of spider veins. This number did not significantly change in the control group. In addition, Pycnogenol was found to significantly reduce leg cramps as compared to control (4.6% with Pycnogenol; 12.5% in control group); significantly decrease minor pain and discomfort on prolonged standing; and significantly reduce the number of points of major and minor venous incompetence. In addition, the supplement reduced swelling after 6 months, while only one Pycnogenol patient reported swelling as compared to more than 13% in the control group. There was also a significant decrease in patient requests for additional treatment, such as chemical injections (sclerotherapy) or minor surgery as compared to the control group.

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 analog 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.

After 12 months, 98 women (56 in the Pycnogenol group and 42 in the control group) were again evaluated without statistically significant changes occurring between six months and 12 months. Participants will be evaluated again at two years of treatment.

For more information: www.pycnogenol.com