[Effects of cyclandelate on the CNS--a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of healthy subjects]

The effect of cyclandelate (Natil) on the CNS was tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study on 48 healthy males using a single oral dosage of 1200 mg. The EEG was evaluated quantitatively by spectral analysis before and one hour as well as two and a half hours after drug or placebo administration under resting conditions and while performing a test of mental arithmetic. Under resting conditions the power in the alpha 2 frequency band of the signals from the frontal and central recordings was increased in the cyclandelate group in comparison to the placebo group. This effect was still observed two and a half hours after drug intake. Under the condition of mental arithmetic no drug related effect was observed in the EEG. The cyclandelate induced increase of spectral power in the alpha 2 frequency band under resting conditions demonstrates a general effect of cyclandelate on the CNS. The results are discussed with respect to the known age related decrease of spectral power in the alpha frequency band. The established effect of cyclandelate in young healthy subjects calls for a study with chronic treatment in elderly subjects or patients with cognitive deficits.