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Ask the ADD Medical Expert:
Larry Silver, M.D.
Pycnogenol and Alternative Treatments
Q:
"Can you tell me about Pycnogenol and Maquelier's OPC (pine bark extract and grape seed oil extract)? I have heard many good things about these treatments but would like to know more regarding any side effects."
A:
The scientific literature shows that neither of the products you list helps individuals with ADHD. Manufacturer trying to sell the products provide the only literature available suggesting that they work. I discourage you from considering either. If you want a summary of the literature on these proposed alternative therapies, you might read the chapter on such therapies in my book (either The Misunderstood Child or Dr. Larry Silver's Advice to Parents on ADHD).
 3 Comments:
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Posted by
trishanazy
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Mar 18 2009 @ 4:45 PM
Pycnogenol
I just started my 10 yr. old son on Pycnogenol about 4 days ago. It may sound crazy, but I think I am seeing a difference already. He gets 1, 100mg tablet per day. It's the only dose I have. I hope it is okay to give a little more than recommended for a 86 lb. boy, but it sounds like there are not any harmful side effects. I will let you know how things are in a couple weeks. Wondering about dosages others are using. kmom said 10mg per kg of weight. Did you mean 1mg? He still takes his concerta every day, but when it wears off, I am not seeing the mood swings or hyperactivity. I am looking forward to trying just the Pycnogenol this weekend without the meds.
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Posted by
TrevsMom
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Mar 5 2008 @ 4:02 AM
Pycnogenol
No disrespect to the Doctor on duty, but I have to say my 10 yr old son is taking this at 30mg daily as recommended by his nutritionist, and is working for him. We are mainstreaming him back in to regular curriculum from an "ER" class.. If stress in general zapps antioxidants in the body, then why not replenish it?
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Posted by
kmom
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Feb 14 2008 @ 5:38 PM
Pycnogenol
I know this guy is a Dr and everything, but pycnogenol changed my family completely.
Pycnogenol was recommeded to us by a dietician from NYU for my son's ADHD symptoms. He takes, as recommeded in the study released in September 07, 10 mgs per kilo. They told us to give it two weeks to see if we saw a difference.
I couldnt' believe it. He was a totally different kid. He was already on Concerta and while that helped there was still some impulsiveness and hyper episodes. Two weeks later, he was so calm and happy. I had a totally different person. The one I knew was in there, but didn't have a chance to get out. NYU is recommending it and we found it to work. I don't care what Dr's say if the anti-oxident nature of this extract works, and it can't hurt your child, why not give it a try?
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