? In this study, 44 subjects (55-70 yrs) with high oxidative stress were supplemented with Pycnogenol® daily for 12 months. Another group with comparable oxidative stress was followed as a reference group. Cognitive testing, including IQ Code, cognitive function and SBT were conducted using defined scales. Results after 12 months showed significant improvement in the supplemented group vs the reference group for all tests conducted. Researchers concluded that Pycnogenol® supplementation appears to improve cognitive function and oxidative stress in normal subjects between 55 and 70 years old.(1) Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota evaluated the ability of grape-derived polyphenols to prevent the generation of a specific form of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, a substance in the brain known to cause neurotoxicity associated with Alzheimer disease (AD). They administered grape seed extracts to mice genetically determined to develop memory deficits and Aβ neurotoxins similar to those found in AD. They found that the brain content of Aβ*56, a specific form of Aβ previously implicated in the promotion of AD memory loss, was substantially reduced after treatment. Their study corroborates other studies suggesting grape polyphenols may protect against cognitive decline in AD.(2, 3)
1. Belcaro G, et al. The COFU3 Study. Improvement in cognitive function, attention mental performance with Pycnogenol® in healthy subjects (55-70) with high oxidative stress. J Neurosurg Sci 2015;59: 437-46.
2. Lie P, et al. Grape Seed Polyphenolic Extract Specifically Decreases Aβ*56 in the Brains of Tg2576 Mice. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Vol 26, No. 4.
3. Natural chemicals found in grapes may protect against Alzheimer’s disease. ScienceDaily, 18 July 2011