Pycnogenol, a standardized French maritime pine bark extract, demonstrated efficacy in short-term randomized, placebo-controlled ADHD trials, improving hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and visual-motor coordination. Mechanistically, its effects are attributed to nitric oxide–mediated modulation of catecholamine signaling, potent antioxidant activity, normalization of urinary catecholamines, and enhanced cerebral blood flow. Despite minimal side effects, limited sample sizes and study durations necessitate further validation before clinical adoption as an ADHD therapy.
