Pycnogenol alleviates pain associated with pregnancy

Abstract

The effect of Pycnogenol was studied in women in the third trimester of pregnancy, complaining of lower back pain, hip joint pain, pelvic pain (pain in the inguinal region), pain due to varices or calf cramps. The women were supplemented with Pycnogenol at a dose of 30 mg/day without any other therapy. Alleviation of pain was evaluated by pain scores until delivery. A significant reduction of pain could be obtained compared with the control group, where no decrease in pain scores in any symptoms was reported. No unwanted effects were observed in the Pycnogenol group. These results indicate the potential of Pycnogenol to reduce pain associated with pregnancy.