Pycnogenol and ADHD

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Volume 15, Number 6 / September, 2006),  looked at the effect supplementation with Pycnogenol had on children (mean age 9.5 years) with ADHD. The 57 subjects were evaluated by standard questionnaires at the start of the study, at the end of the four-week intervention and one month after the study.  The questionnaires used were Conner's Teacher Rating Scale, Child Attention Problems teacher rating scale, and a modified Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The children were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or pycnogenol extract for four weeks. At the end of the four week trial, scores evaluating inattention and hyperactivity improved in the supplemented group, but not in the placebo group. When evaluated one month after discontinuing the supplement, the test improvements were negated. Pycnogenol is a powerful antioxidant; perhaps it act to protect cells in the nervous system.