Pine Tree Extract Pycnogenol® Reduces ADHD Symptoms

Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics , Food and Agriculture on June 19, 2006

Extracts form the bark of the French maritime pine tree (commercially available as Pycnogenol®), may reduce the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurobehavioral condition that affects about 2 million children in the US. About 4.3% of these children are taking stimulant drugs such as Ritalin, Dexedrine and adderall, which often have side effects such as depression, anxiety and irritability.

A clinical study of 61 patients diagnosed with ADHD were supplemented with Pyclogenol (1 mg/kg body weight) daily for a month, and were examined based on:

• Child Attention Problems scale (CAP),


• Connor's Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS) and


• Connor's Parent Rating Scale (CPRS)

Supplementation with Pycnogenol resulted to improved scores, as well as decrease in hyperactivity and inattention. Sypmtoms returned to their previous levels within a month after termination of treatment.

Further details from the study from Pycnogenol Research News.