Clinical Investigation of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as compared to Methylphenidate and Placebo: Part 2: Oxidative Stress and Immunological Modulation

To evaluate the effect of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (PBE; Pycnogenol®) on immune, oxidative stress and neurochemical biomarkers in paediatric Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as compared to methylphenidate (MPH) placebo. Paediatric ADHD patients (n = 88, 70 % male, mean age 10.1 years) were randomised (placebo 30), PBE 32) MPH 26)) receiving 20 mg/day if < 30 kg or 40 ≥ PBE, for 10 weeks. In pathway, catalase (CAT) activity was nominally significant different group with a p-value 0.025 whereas immunity IgA IgG2 after treatment 0.028 0.017 respectively, baseline. Serum Neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels weight significantly lower 10-weeks MPH. Loss appetite loss observed MPH, no differences NPY concentrations gain, which is be an expected physiological process this group, noticed PBE. Firm evidence that increases antioxidant levels, reduces damage improves immune status general placebo could not obtained.