Clinical investigation of French maritime pine bark extract on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as compared to methylphenidate and placebo

Ondertitel:part 1: efficacy in a randomised trial

Objectives Determine the effect of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (PBE; Pycnogenol®) on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) behaviour and co-morbid physical/psychiatric symptoms, compared to placebo and the medicine MPH, and to assess its tolerability. Behaviour (measured by the ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) and Social-Emotional Questionnaire (SEQ)) and physical complaints were evaluated in weeks 5 and 10. Results Eighty-eight paediatric ADHD patients (70 % male, mean age 10.1 years) were randomised to placebo (n = 30), PBE (n = 32) or MPH (n = 26). Teachers reported significant improvement of total and hyperactivity/impulsivity ADHD-RS scores by PBE and MPH after 10 weeks compared to placebo. MPH also improved inattention. SEQ ratings support ADHD-RS results. Adverse effects were reported five times more frequently for MPH than for PBE. Conclusions PBE appears a good alternative for MPH in paediatric ADHD and especially in the primary school environment, a fortiori when considering its almost complete lack of adverse effects.

Jaar van publicatie:2022

Trefwoorden:A1 Journal article

Toegankelijkheid:Open