A new clinical study has found that Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine tree bark extract, can significantly relieve the symptoms of lipedema, a condition which affects about 400 million women globally.

The new double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study,published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science, enrolled 100women aged between the ages of 18 and 40 who had been diagnosedwith lipedema-a condition causing an abnormal and painful build up offat, especially in the lower body.

Conducted at a vascular health clinic in Vitoria, Brazil, it represents oneof the first clinical trials to evaluate a plant-based compound for managing lipedema symptoms.

Participants were monitored over a 60-day period, with half receiving Pycnogenol (50 mg, three times daily) and half receiving a placebo.

Researchers evaluated quality of life (QuASiL questionnaire), bodycomposition and symptom severity at the start, midpoint and conclusion of the study.

Key findings included a 29% reduction in symptoms by day 60 in the supplemented women, while symptoms in the placebo group continuedto worsen. The supplemented group also experienced significant reliefacross all reported symptoms: sensitivity, bruising, pressure, burning,cramps, heavy legs, swelling and itchiness.

Furthermore, participants in the supplement group experienced an 8%reduction in body fat compared to the placebo group over the 60-daytest period and reported an improvement in satisfaction with legappearance, as well as quality of life, with no adverse effects reported.

Supporting circulation

Lipedema disproportionately affects women, with an estimated 11% to39% experiencing symptoms ranging from tenderness and easybruising to a heavy, aching sensation in the legs. Because it oftendevelops or worsens during hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancyor menopause, it can have lifelong consequences for physical andemotional health.

Despite its prevalence, there are currently no approved medications forthe treatment of lipedema and no widely accepted medical standard ofcare. Most women rely on symptom-management strategies such ascompression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, physical therapy andlifestyle adjustments, which can help but do not address the underlying condition.

The ingredient’s effects on lipedema reportedly stem from itsantioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help strengthenblood vessel walls, improve microcirculation and support lymphaticflow. These effects are particularly relevant for lipedema, whereimpaired circulation contributes to chronic swelling and tissuediscomfort.

“The lack of validated, accessible treatment options for women withlipedema often leaves them searching for alternatives that canmeaningfully improve daily comfort and mobility,” said Dr. FredPescatore, natural physician and author on the study. “What makesthese findings important is that Pycnogenol demonstrated measurableimprovements in symptoms including pain and tenderness relief, bodycomposition and emotional well-being. Patients with lipedema nowhave a safe, natural option that may help fill a long-standing treatment gap.’

The study noted potential limitations include the fact that patientsresided in the same region and were treated in a single clinic. Therewere also a differences between groups in terms of initial body weight.Therefore multicenter studies are needed to confirm and validate the findings.

Building scientific backing

Available in more than 1,000 dietary supplements and health productsworldwide, Horphag Research’s Pycnogenol ingredient contains aunique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids,which offer extensive natural health benefits, widely studied over thepast 40 years with the ingredient found to support symptoms of menopause, endometriosis, skin health, fibromyalgia and more.

Previous studies have shown that Pycnogenol can aid in weight loss,primarily by improving glycolipid metabolism and promoting fat burning(lipolysis), as well as helping to control risk factors associated withmetabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity.

One of the mechanisms underlying this action involves the breakdown and release of fat stored in adipocytes (fat cells) through activation ofthe cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinaseA (PKA) pathway, which induces hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).

Source: The Cureus Journal of Medical Science. doi:10.7759/cureus.96589. “Impact of Pycnogenol Use in the Treatment ofPatients With Lipedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Authors: B.A.S., Mello Netto et al.