Effect of polyphenolic extract, Pycnogenol^®, on the level of 8-oxoguanine in children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled study was to test the effect of polyphenolic extract of pine bark Pycnogenol (Pyc) on the level of oxidized purines represented by 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) and on the total antioxidant status (TAS) in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).We have found significantly increased damage to DNA in ADHD children when compared to controls. 8-oxoG was significantly lower after 1 month of Pyc administration in comparison to the beginning state and to placebo group. TAS in ADHD children was lower in comparison to controls. After Pyc administration, TAS was elevated but statistically significant increase was recorded after 1 month of termination of Pyc application. Improvement of DNA damage and TAS after Pyc administration is associated with the improvement of attention in ADHD children. In conclusion, Pycnogenol(R) administration reduces oxidative damage to DNA, normalizes TAS and improves attention of ADHD children. Explanation of mutual relation between oxidative damage to DNA, TAS and symptoms of ADHD and mechanism of Pyc's action needs further investigations.

Oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders: evidence base and therapeutic implications

“…Impaired oxidative status has also been reported for ADHD, and a randomized, controlled trial of Pycnogenol, a pine bark extract with potent antioxidant properties, in children diagnosed with ADHD (n=61) has found symptomatic and biochemical improvements (Chovanova et al, 2006;Dvorakova et al, 2006;Trebaticka et al, 2006). On the other hand, a small (n=24) study comparing Pycnogenol and methylphenidate in adult ADHD has failed to show any advantage of either treatment over placebo (Tenenbaum et al, 2002).…”

Antimutagenic in vitro activity of plant polyphenols: Pycnogenol® and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761)

“…A protective effect of PYC has also been demonstrated on lymphocyte DNA, in an in vitro study (Vagá&ová, personal communication) and in a clinical study (Chovanová et al, 2006). The beneficial chemoprotective effect of EGb 761 against radiationinduced clastogenic factors (Emerit et al, 1995), azoxymethane-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci in rats (Suzuki et al, 2004), as well as against forestomach neoplasia in mice induced by benzo(a)pyrene (Agha et al, 2001) has been demonstrated.…”

Pycnogenol® and Antioxidant Activity in Health Promotion

“…Administration of Pycnogenol Ò for the duration of 1 month has been found to normalize TAS in children with ADHD, at the same time improving the redox state by significantly decreasing oxidized glutathione levels and increasing GSH levels (Dvorakova et al, 2006). In comparison with healthy children, children with ADHD have increased DNA (Chovanova et al, 2006). Pycnogenol Ò administration for 1 month resulted in a significant reduction of hyperactivity, an improvement in attention, concentration, and visual-motoric coordination (Chovanova et al, 2006).…”

“…In comparison with healthy children, children with ADHD have increased DNA (Chovanova et al, 2006). Pycnogenol Ò administration for 1 month resulted in a significant reduction of hyperactivity, an improvement in attention, concentration, and visual-motoric coordination (Chovanova et al, 2006).…”