Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effects of polyphenolic compound (PE) from pine bark on inattention, impulsivity and oxidative stress in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Methods: It was a randomized, double-blind, crossover and placebo-controlled 10-weeks period study, including two interventional periods (4 weeks/period) and one washout period (2 weeks). Data were from 11 participants with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at ages 35.1±9.6 years (2 male and 9 female). During the first interventional period, participants were received 2-3 capsule of PE from pine bark, which contain 25mg Oligopin^® per capsule, or 2-3 capsule of placebo, which contains 25mg cellulose. Then, participants entered the washout period for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of washout, the participants entered the second interventional period and crossed over to receive the supplementation which was different from the first interventional period. Neuropsychological assessment, antioxidative status, blood biochemical parameter and dietary intake were carried out.
Results: The item of hyperactivity-impulsivity in adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was significantly decreased; however the lipid peroxidation such as plasma 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance and 8-isoprostane levels only showed the lower trend when participants received PE capsules. All blood biochemical parameters were normal in the interventional periods. Moreover, significantly lower carbohydrate intake was found during the PE supplementation period.
Conclusions: This study indicated that 4-week supplementation with pine bark extract significantly decreased the hyperactivity-impulsivity based on adult ASRS, which represented pine bark extract may have the potential for ameliorating the symptoms of ADHD; however plasma TBARS and 8-isoprotstnae levels only showed the decreased trend in ADHD adults.