Enzogenol for cognitive functioning in traumatic brain injury: a pilot placebo-controlled RCT.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with cognitive deficits.
• Oxidation and inflammation exacerbate cognitive outcomes post-TBI.
• Enzogenol, a pine bark extract, has demonstrated cognitive benefits in healthy adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Enzogenol in individuals with mild TBI.
• To assess Enzogenol's impact on cognitive functioning following mild TBI.
• To investigate Enzogenol's role in mitigating TBI-related cognitive impairments.

Main Methods:

• Phase II randomized controlled trial involving 60 adults with mild TBI.
• Participants received Enzogenol (1000 mg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks.
• Cognitive failures, memory, and mood were assessed over 16 weeks.

Main Results:

• Enzogenol was safe and well-tolerated in the mild TBI population.
• A significant reduction in cognitive failures was observed after 6 weeks of Enzogenol treatment.
• Positive trends in other cognitive measures were noted, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Enzogenol supplementation is safe and well-tolerated post-mild TBI.
• Enzogenol may improve cognitive functioning, specifically reducing self-perceived cognitive failures.
• Class IIB evidence supports Enzogenol's potential in managing post-mild TBI cognitive difficulties.