Daily use of Pycnogenol may help improve overall cognitive function

Daily use of Pycnogenol may help improve overall cognitive function

A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences showed that daily use of Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, may help improve attention span, memory, decision-making – including executive-level performance – and overall cognitive function

The study finds Pycnogenol to be a safe and effective natural option to improve day-to-day cognitive function, essentially serving as 'brain food' for executives, entrepreneurs and those who want help sharpening their decision-making. What is unique about this study is that it observes how Pycnogenol can positively impact mood as participants reported feeling less anxiety and a stronger sense of content. That may be connected back to the mental performance boost and demonstrates the effects of dramatic reduction of oxidative stress," said physician and nutritional medicine expert Dr. Fred Pescatore.

59 participants

The peer-reviewed study conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy and published in the December 2014 Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, included 59 participants between ages 35 – 55, all of whom were generally fit and followed a healthy lifestyle.

In the study, 30 participants supplemented Pycnogenol 50mg/three times daily in combination with a controlled health plan; 29 participants in the control group followed the controlled health plan alone. The health plan involved regular sleep, balanced meals and daily exercise. While there is no single solution to improved cognitive function, lifestyle patterns and daily exercise routines have shown to increase attention span and improve mood.

Results

In the study, after 12 weeks of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, results were also shown to:

- Significantly improve mood

- Measurably boost mental performance

- Advance sustained attention

- Dramatically reduce oxidative stress

"This study completes a number of research observations indicating that Pycnogenol can naturally help improve some aspects of cognitive functions throughout life. Multiple studies have been conducted using Pycnogenol® and showing its positive effects in managing and improving some attention parameters in children with ADHD, in improving results of specific cognitive test in students and in improving several aspects of cognitive functions in adults over 60," said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study.