Lee Swanson Research Update

Study Shows Pine Bark Extract May Aid ADHD Symptoms

October 2007

pine bark

Approximately two million or three to five percent of children in the United States have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Though there are many prescription drugs available for ADHD, there had yet to be any significant natural supplement found to reduce symptoms of the disorder.

A recent study, however, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, found that the French maritime pine bark ingredient Pycnogenol® had lowered adrenaline by 26.2% and the neurostimulant dopamine by 10.8%.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, which took place at the Department of Child Psychology in Slovakia’s Children’s Hospital, is based on previous studies and sampled 57 ADHD outpatients at an average age of nine. The children’s urine and blood samples were measured prior to the study. Then, 41 patients were given Pycnogenol and 16 received a placebo.

While the patients were not given any additional dietary supplements, every morning for one month, individuals received a placebo or 1 mg of Pycnogenol per kg of their body weight. The results found that the pine bark extract reduced adrenaline and dopamine, the hormones and stimulants that affect learning, cognition, attention and behavior.

Nutritional Neuroscience 10(3&4): 151-157, 2007

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