Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine, the latest research has found it to be a safe and effective way of boosting day-to-day cognitive function. Great ‘brain food’ for those who want help sharpening their decision-making skills!
Pycnogenol® may improve cognition function
New research, published in the Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, shows that daily intake of Pycnogenol® may help improve cognition function including attention span, memory and decision making.
Pycnogenol® can also positively impact mood & reduce oxidative stress
The study also observed how Pycnogenol® positively impacted mood as participants reported feeling less anxiety and a stronger sense of contentment, nutritional medicine expert Dr. Fred Pescatore suggests that this "may be connected back to the mental performance boost and demonstrates the effects of dramatic reduction of oxidative stress”.
The study was conducted over a 12 week period and involved 59 participants aged between 35 and 55, 30 of these participants received 3 daily doses of 50mg of Pycnogenol® alongside a controlled health plan of regular sleep, balanced meals and daily exercise.
Results were shown to:
- Significantly improve mood (16% increase in the Pycnogenol® group compared to -2.1 % in the control group)
- Measurably boost mental performance (8.9% increase in the Pycnogenol® group compared to 3.1% in the control group)
- Advance sustained attention (13.4% increase) and memory (3.6% increase)
- Dramatically reduce oxidative stress (30% decrease in the Pycnogenol® group)
Results back up previous research
Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study states: “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,”
“These latest findings are supported by decades of research on Pycnogenol®’s ability to naturally regulate oxidative stress levels (that may significantly affect some cognitive functions) and confirm the positive impact on overall cognitive function.”
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.