New Research Shows Natural Antioxidant Pycnogenol® Effective in Improving Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment

In published research, the French maritime pine bark extract reduced MCI symptoms associated with early onset dementia

HOBOKEN, N.J., Aug. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A new peer-reviewed study shows that daily supplementation with the natural super-antioxidant Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all) can be instrumental in improving the symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) – a potential risk factor for early onset dementia and other degenerative cognitive conditions.

"This is potentially breakthrough research for millions. Mild Cognitive Impairment hits general memory and reasoning. Those suffering from MCI may have more difficulty remembering where they put their car keys, recalling names or learning new skills. In many cases, it's a precursor for dementia," said Medical Director of NYU Langone Center for Men's Health, Dr. Steven Lamm.

"Daily supplementation with Pycnogenol^® made a difference for those struggling with this frustrating and frightening condition," said Dr. Lamm.

A Natural Option to Boost Cognitive Function

The study, published in Minerva Medica, tested 87 men between the ages of 55 and 75 who showed signs of MCI. Researchers administered a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 30-point questionnaire to determine the level of cognitive impairment for each individual. Participants supplemented with 150mg (three 50mg capsules) of Pycnogenol^® daily for eight weeks and their MMSE scores were re-evaluated at the end of the study.

All study participants followed a standard management routine including healthy sleep habits, regular exercise, and low sodium and low sugar meals. Results show that along with these standard management practices, study participants who supplemented with Pycnogenol^® had an 18 percent improvement of their MMSE scores, including improvements in the following areas:

• Significant enhancement of ability to remember friends and family (31.3 percent improvement with Pycnogenol^® vs. 0 percent improvement control)
• Improvement of remembering where things are (39.4 percent improvement with Pycnogenol^® vs. 6.5 percent improvement control group)
• Increase of ability to learn new gadgets and technology (24.1 percent improvement with Pycnogenol^® vs. 3.3 percent improvement control)
• Greater ability to manage money and finances (39.4 percent improvement with Pycnogenol^® vs. 12.5 percent improvement control)
• Significant improvement of ability to deal with people (19.4 percent improvement with Pycnogenol^® vs. 7.6 percent control)

In addition, researchers found that the participants who supplemented with Pycnogenol^® also experienced a 16 percent reduction in oxidative stress.

"Decline in memory and cognition seems to be accepted as a natural part of aging, but most people don't realize that cognitive decline can start as early as your mid-forties¹. This study shows promising results for Pycnogenol^® to support healthy brain function and overall cognitive health," said Dr. Lamm.

Building on a Body of Cognitive Health Research

This new study builds upon previous research supporting the benefits of Pycnogenol^® for cognitive health improvement. A study conducted in 2015² and published in the Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences showed that Baby Boomers (ages 55+) experienced increased overall cognitive performance, including for memory, attention and daily decision-making. In addition, a 2008 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that Pycnogenol® helps improve numerical working memory as well as spatial memory in seniors.

"This continued research shows compelling evidence that Pycnogenol^®'s antioxidant benefits boost cognitive function. Study participants show measurable improvements for oxidative stress, and the research explains the correlation between high levels of oxidative stress and cognitive decline. Additional research will be needed to further validate this important study," said Dr. Lamm.

Pycnogenol^® is a powerful super-antioxidant shown in decades of research to boost blood circulation and act as a natural anti-inflammatory. Pycnogenol^® helps endothelial cells produce more nitric oxide (NO) which has multiple effects on brain function. Initially, NO increases blood flow, which improved oxygenation and the transport of nutrients to brain cells. NO regulates neuronal functions and thus contributes to processing signals inside the brain. In addition, NO helps modulate key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This new study supports previous research examining Pycnogenol^®'s benefits for reducing venous conditions and managing jet lag symptoms.

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