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Urinary catecholamines in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): modulation by a polyphenolic

Monika Dvoráková1, Daniela Jezová, Pavol Blazícek

  • 1Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. monika.dvorakova@fmed.uniba.sk

Nutritional Neuroscience
|November 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pycnogenol (Pyc) effectively reduced hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This potent polyphenol complex normalized catecholamine levels and decreased oxidative stress, offering a promising natural treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with hyperactivity, elevated catecholamine excretion, and increased oxidative stress.
  • The noradrenergic system is implicated in ADHD pathophysiology, with potential links to adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA) release.
  • Oxidative stress markers, such as oxidized glutathione, may be elevated in ADHD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Pycnogenol (Pyc), a polyphenol complex, on hyperactivity, catecholamine excretion, and oxidative stress in children with ADHD.
  • To determine if Pyc treatment can normalize catecholamine levels and reduce oxidative stress in ADHD patients.
  • To explore the correlation between hyperactivity, catecholamine concentrations, and oxidative stress markers in ADHD.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy controls.
  • Urine catecholamine concentrations (dopamine (D), adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA)) were measured.
  • Plasma levels of glutathione (GSH/GSSG ratio) were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress.
  • ADHD children received either Pycnogenol (Pyc) or a placebo (PL) for one month.

Main Results:

  • ADHD children exhibited higher urine catecholamine concentrations compared to healthy controls.
  • Noradrenaline (NA) levels positively correlated with the degree of hyperactivity in ADHD children.
  • Adrenaline (A) and NA concentrations correlated with plasma oxidized glutathione levels in ADHD patients.
  • Pycnogenol (Pyc) treatment led to decreased dopamine (D) and a trend of decreased A and NA, alongside an increased GSH/GSSG ratio.

Conclusions:

  • The findings support the hypothesis of noradrenergic system overactivity in ADHD, with increased adrenaline (A) release potentially contributing.
  • Pycnogenol (Pyc) treatment normalized catecholamine concentrations in ADHD children, resulting in reduced hyperactivity.
  • Pycnogenol (Pyc) administration effectively reduced oxidative stress, suggesting a beneficial role in managing ADHD symptoms.

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