Improved cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with a Pinus radiata bark extract formulation

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Age-related cognitive decline is a growing concern.
• Flavonoid-rich plant extracts show promise in animal models for cognitive enhancement.
• Human studies on the cognitive effects of such extracts are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of Enzogenol, a Pinus radiata bark extract rich in flavonoids, on cognitive performance in middle-aged and older men.
• To assess the effects of a 5-week supplementation with Enzogenol plus vitamin C versus vitamin C alone on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• A 5-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 42 males aged 50-65 years with a BMI >25.
• Participants received either Enzogenol plus vitamin C or vitamin C only.
• Cognitive performance was evaluated using a battery of computerized tests; cardiovascular and haematological parameters were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with Enzogenol plus vitamin C significantly improved response speed in spatial working memory and immediate recognition tasks.
• Vitamin C alone did not yield similar cognitive improvements.
• A trend towards reduced systolic blood pressure was noted with Enzogenol plus vitamin C, while blood safety parameters remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Enzogenol supplementation demonstrates a beneficial effect on cognitive function in older individuals.
• Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm its potential role in preventing age-related cognitive decline.