GENEVA, Switzerland – New research delivers exciting news for Baby Boomers – people ages 55-70 – and those seeking natural ways to boost daily mental performance. A new study published in the Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences shows daily use of Pycnogenol^® (pic-noj-en-all), a natural plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, may help improve attention span, memory, daily decision-making and the ability to manage people and finances, as well as overall cognitive function.

The year long, peer-reviewed study conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy and published in the December 2015 Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, included 77 participants between ages 55 – 70, all of whom were generally fit and followed a healthy lifestyle but, had high levels of oxidative stress.

“Cognitive function continues to be a health priority, especially for my Boomer patients,” said physician and nutritional medicine expert, Dr. Fred Pescatore. “This research is good news to those seeking safe and scientifically-supported natural options for daily cognitive function. What I found compelling about this study is the measurable effect Pycnogenol^® had on the adult participants in relation to memory, attention span and ability to manage everyday tasks. Those who took Pycnogenol in this study reported feeling more focused while making decisions and stronger when it came to tasks like dealing with people and managing finances.”

According to a survey conducted by the CDC (2013) [1], one in eight boomers report confusion and memory loss more often. Of these people, one-third reported that confusion or memory loss interfered with their work, social activities or ability to do household chores.

In the university study, 38 participants supplemented Pycnogenol^® 50mg/twice daily in combination with a controlled health plan; 39 participants in the control group followed the controlled health plan alone. The health plan involved a regular sleep regimen of at least eight hours per night, balanced meals with reduced caffeine, salt and sugar intake, and regular exercise.

While there is no single solution to improved cognitive function, lifestyle patterns – including adequate amounts of sleep, diet and daily exercise routines have shown to increase attention span and improve mood. 

In the study, after 12 months of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol^®, results were shown to:

· Significantly improve daily decision making (72 percent improvement Pycnogenol^® /-5 percent control)

· Measurably improve attention span (41.2 percent improvement Pycnogenol® / 1.9 percent control)

· Significantly decrease oxidative stress (-28% decrease with Pycnogenol® / no significant variation in control)

· Significantly improve memory (37.3 percent improvement Pycnogenol^® / -9.8 percent control)

· Boost ability to deal with people (57 percent increase Pycnogenol^® / -5 percent control)

· Strengthen ability to manage finances (32 percent increase Pycnogenol^® / -12 percent control)

“As we found with previous research indicating the effectiveness of Pycnogenol^® on improving some cognitive function aspects, this standardized antioxidant showed measurable positive effects on memory, attention and daily tasks-related decision-making. We continue to see a significant performance with Pycnogenol^® in reducing oxidative stress and how that factors into improving overall cognitive function. This research adds to a body of science for Pycnogenol^®, demonstrating its benefits for adults, ages 55 and older,” said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, lead researcher of the study.  

Results of the study were measured using an Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the elderly (IQ Code), daily tasks, cognitive function, oxidative stress and the short Blessed tests (SBT) to evaluate cognitive functions (COFU).

Dr. Pescatore also noted study findings on improving mood and quality of sleep. “Intriguingly, the sleeping score of participants increased by 72 percent in this study indicating a measurable improvement in sleep quality. As science shows, the better quality of sleep we get, the better cognitive function we have as we age,” said Pescatore.

To review clinical research and additional information on Pycnogenol^®, visit www.Pycnogenol.com. Pycnogenol^® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements and multi-vitamins worldwide.

About Pycnogenol^®
Pycnogenol^® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits.  The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 340 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol^® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide.  For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.

About Horphag Research

Horphag Research Ltd. is the exclusive worldwide supplier of Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) brand French maritime pine bark extract. Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. For its patented ingredient, Pycnogenol®, Horphag Research has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award, Nutraceutical Business & Technology Safety & Quality Award, SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and The American Botanical Council’s Tyler Research Award. For more information about Pycnogenol® visit www.pycnogenol.com

[1] Self-reported increased confusion or memory loss and associated functional difficulties among adults, aged >60 – 21, states 2011. Center for Disease Control. Accessed at:  http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6218a1.htm