Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Supplementation Improves Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Data From an 8-Week,
Antonio Bruno1, Gianluca Pandolfo, Manuela Crucitti
1From the Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology
|June 8, 2017
Summary
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) supplementation improved cognitive function in schizophrenia patients. This nutraceutical approach showed significant benefits in executive functioning and semantic fluency, offering a promising strategy for managing cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Nutraceutical Science
Background:
- Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive dysfunction, increasing long-term disability.
- Polyphenolic compounds, like those found in Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), are being explored for cognitive benefits.
- Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) presents a potential nutraceutical strategy for cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) supplementation.
- To assess the impact of BPF on cognitive and executive functioning in schizophrenia patients on second-generation antipsychotics.
Main Methods:
- A study involving twenty outpatients with schizophrenia receiving second-generation antipsychotics.
- Participants were administered 1000 mg/d of BPF orally for 8 weeks.
- Cognitive assessments included the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Verbal Fluency Task.
Main Results:
- BPF supplementation significantly improved WCST 'perseverative errors' (P = 0.004).
- Semantic fluency test scores also showed significant improvement (P = 0.004).
- A trend towards improvement was noted in other cognitive variables, including WCST categories and phonemic fluency.
Conclusions:
- Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) administration shows potential as a supplementation strategy to enhance cognitive outcomes in schizophrenia.
- Further well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of BPF for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
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