Pine tree bark over prescription pharma: Experts flag natural extract as improved ADHD treatment

25 Oct 2022 --- Pycnogenol, an antioxidant extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, may have significant effects on pediatric Attention-Deficit Hyper Disorder (ADHD). The natural extract may aid in managing impulsivity and hyperactivity in young children and provide an alternative to the typical treatment, methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH).

The study, conducted by the University of Antwerp, Belgium, found that the extract not only aided in ADHD management but did so with far less adverse effects than the prescription stimulant. 

“ADHD is a perplexing condition, and treatment can be frustrating for many parents and children. Parents often feel reluctant to continue with prescription pharmaceuticals due to common side effects,” says Dr. Fred Pescatore, an author and natural physician.

The antioxidant extract comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree.“Management of ADHD behavior is pivotal to improved school performance and self-esteem, especially during a child’s formative years. This study suggests a promising natural path option.”

Will you sit still, please?
ADHD is a neurocognitive behavior disorder that affects 2.4 million children in the US alone. Its symptoms are usually displayed as inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity compared to children of the same age and stage of development. ADHD can cause issues with learning, especially in classroom settings. 

The study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, included 88 children between the ages of 6 and 12 who had been previously diagnosed and treated for ADHD. They were then divided into three groups and supplemented – depending on their weight – either with MPH (20 to 30 mg per day), pycnogenol (20 to 40 mg per day) or a placebo for ten weeks. 

Then the researchers collected responses from the participants, their parents and teachers using questionnaires at the beginning of the trial, after five weeks and then again at the trial’s ten-week conclusion. 

The questionnaires focused on nine areas, including fidgeting, interrupting others, ability to follow instructions and ability to organize activities and tasks.

Paying attention to inattention
The results revealed that, after ten weeks, the parents reported an 11% decrease on the overall ADHD rating scale for those taking the extract versus 28% for kids taking MPH. They further noted a 12% decrease in impulsivity and hyperactivity versus another 28% for children given MPH and a 10% decrease in attention versus a 29% decrease with MPH.The study found pycnogenol could be a natural alternative to prescription stimulants

Additionally, teachers say they noted a 29% decrease in overall symptoms with the pine bark extract against a 45% decrease with MPH. They also noticed a 34% decrease in impulsivity and hyperactivity when the alternative supplement was taken versus a 36% decrease with MPH. 

Moreover, they reported a 34% decrease in inattention versus 52% with MPH.

However, even though the children taking MPH showed greater improvement in all areas, they also experienced five times the adverse effects – such as weight loss – as those taking pycnogenol. 

“In pediatric ADHD and especially in the primary school environment, pycnogenol was proven to be a good alternative for methylphenidate for those willing to wait a few weeks for effects, a fortiori when considering its almost complete lack of adverse effects as opposed to methylphenidate,” Pescatore concludes.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols