Pycnogenol, also called pine bark extract, is a supplement sometimes used for the treatment of conditions that include blood circulation problems and muscle soreness. A leg cramp, sometimes referred to as a charley horse or muscle spasm, stems from a painful, involuntary contraction of muscle tissue. As of November 2010, pycnogenol's effectiveness in treating leg cramps is unknown. Consult your doctor before you use pycnogenol.
Pycnogenol Basics
Pine bark extract is derived from a tree species called the maritime pine, or Pinus pinaster. The active ingredients in this extract are a group of related chemicals called proanthocyanidins. In addition to proanthocyanidins obtained from P. pinaster, pycnogenol products can contain proanthocyanidins obtained from other plant sources such as witch hazel bark, peanut skins and grape seeds. Pycnogenol appears to achieve its circulatory- and muscle-related effects by improving blood flow. Other potential activities of the supplement include boosting of your immune system and protection of your cells from damaging particles called free radicals.
Leg Cramp Basics
The average person is more prone to leg cramps than any other kind of muscle cramp, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. You can develop a cramp in the quadriceps group on the front of your thigh and/or in the hamstring group on the rear of your thigh, as well as in your gastrocnemius muscle, which forms the major portion of your calf. Cramps commonly occur when you overuse or injure your legs, or don't maintain your fluid levels when you exercise. Other potential sources of cramping in your legs or elsewhere in your body include pregnancy, use of certain medications, alcoholism, kidney failure and an underactive thyroid gland.
Pycnogenol and Cramping
MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, rates supplements by their scientifically verified effectiveness in the treatment of various health conditions. According to this rating system, pycnogenol is potentially effective for the treatment of pain and heaviness in your legs that stem from circulation problems. However, MedlinePlus distinguishes these effects from those related to the treatment of leg cramps, and cites insufficient scientific evidence to confirm or reject pycnogenol's ability to ease leg cramping.
Leg Cramp Treatments
In most cases, leg cramps and other muscle cramps go away without treatment. When a cramp begins, stop what you're doing and massage and stretch your affected muscle. If necessary, apply heat at the start of a cramp, then apply ice after the cramp ends and your pain levels drop. If soreness persists after an active cramp, you can try to relieve it with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Other methods for self-treatment or prevention of a cramp include maintaining your fluid intake during exercise, improving your flexibility with stretching and working within your known physical limitations when exercising. Seek medical treatment if you have persistent or severe cramping. Also, consult your doctor for more information on pycnogenol.
