- Swinburne University of Technology, Brain Sciences Institute, Graduate Studentadd
- Research into Childedit
Research Interests:
Objective: Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention can lead to significant academic issues for children, with few treatment options readily accessible for concerned families. This review investigates the benefits of... more
Objective: Symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention can lead to significant academic issues for children, with few treatment options readily accessible for concerned families. This review investigates the benefits of psychosocial interventions programs in school-aged children exhibiting sub-clinical symptoms of ADHD. Method: Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched up to July 2017 for trials meeting inclusion criteria. Results: Three studies met inclusion criteria for this review. The research reported improvements in self-control and impulsiveness (p<0.01) as well as reduced hyperactivity (p<0.01), conduct issues (p<0.05) and increased attention (p<0.01) in non-clinical child and adolescent samples. Effect sizes were mixed between programs. Discussion: This area of research highlights the significance of the child’s proximal environment and its impact on learning in a social context. The results reported here contribute to the applicabili...
Research Interests:
Clinical diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the use of prescription medications for its treatment have increased in recent years. Current treatments may involve the administration of amphetamine-type... more
Clinical diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the use of prescription medications for its treatment have increased in recent years. Current treatments may involve the administration of amphetamine-type substances, a treatment path many parents are apprehensive to take. Therefore, alternative pharmacological treatments are required. Few nutritional or pharmacological alternatives that reduce ADHD associated symptoms (hyperactivity and inattention) have been subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Bacopa monnieri is a perennial creeping herb. CDRI 08 is a special extract of Bacopa monnieri which has been subjected to hundreds of scientific studies and has been shown in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve memory, attention, and mood. It is hypothesised that chronic administration of CDRI 08 will improve attention, concentration and behaviour in children with high levels of hyperactivity and/or inattention. This paper reports the protocol for ...
Research Interests:
Background: The prevalence rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within Western cultures is between 5% and 12%, and is the most common psychiatric illness among school-aged children, with an estimated 50% of these... more
Background: The prevalence rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within Western cultures is between 5% and 12%, and is the most common psychiatric illness among school-aged children, with an estimated 50% of these children retaining ADHD symptoms for the rest of their lives. Children with ADHD have lower blood levels of long-chain Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (LC PUFAs) compared with children without ADHD, and following PUFA supplementation, have shown improvements in ADHD-related symptoms. One highly promising marine based LC PUFA preparation is the Omega-3-rich Lyprinol/Omega XL which is a natural formulation containing standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) known as PCSO-524® which contains a unique combination of free fatty acids, sterol esters, polar lipids and carotenoids. It is this unique combination of marine lipids that may assist in correcting the decreased levels of LC PUFA levels in children with symptoms ...
This study investigated the effects of a marine oil extract (PCSO-524®) on inattention, hyperactivity, mood and cognition in children and adolescents. PCSO-524® is a standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel and is... more
This study investigated the effects of a marine oil extract (PCSO-524®) on inattention, hyperactivity, mood and cognition in children and adolescents. PCSO-524® is a standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel and is an inflammatory modulator that inhibits the 5'-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways and decreases concentrations of the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA). PCSO-524® or a matched placebo was administered for 14 weeks to 144 participants (123 males/21 females; mean age 8.7 years) with high hyperactivity and inattention in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The primary outcome was the Conners Parent Rating Scale assessing parental reports of behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes assessed changes in cognition and mood. The results of the present study did not support the hypothesis that PCSO-524® improves parental reports of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity in children ages 6 to 14 years over placebo. Repeat...
Research Interests: Psychopharmacology, Cognition, Attention, Vitamins, Treatment Outcome, and 14 moreAdolescent, Olive Oil, Affect, Lipids, Humans, Child, Omega-3 fatty acids, Female, Male, Dietary Supplements, Vitamin E, Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, and Medical and Health Sciences
Several studies have indicated a chronic cognitive enhancing effect of Bacopa monnieri across different ages and cognitive impairment associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies in children. Therefore, we investigated the effects of... more
Several studies have indicated a chronic cognitive enhancing effect of Bacopa monnieri across different ages and cognitive impairment associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies in children. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 4-month supplementation with a combination of B. monnieri extract and multiple micronutrients on cognitive functions in Indian school children aged 7-12 years. This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel design, single-center study in which 300 children were randomized to receive a beverage either fortified with B. monnieri and multiple micronutrients ("fortified") or a non-fortified isocaloric equivalent ("control") twice-daily for 4 months. Cognitive function was assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Test Battery (CANTAB) administered at baseline, Day 60 and Day 121. The primary endpoint was change in short-term memory (working memory) from baseline in subjects receiving "fortified" vs. "control" beverages after 4 months. Secondary endpoints included sustained attention, episodic memory, and executive function. The "fortified" beverage did not significantly improve short-term memory or any of the secondary outcomes tested relative to the "control" beverage. However, the spatial working memory "strategy" score showed significant improvement on Day 60 (difference between groups in change from baseline: -0.55; p < 0.05), but not on Day 121 due to the active intervention. Study products were well-tolerated. Reasons for these unexpected findings are discussed.
KEYWORDS:
Bacopa monnieri extract; Brahmi; Indian; cognitive function; information processing; micronutrient supplementation; school children; working memory
PMID: 29204115 PMCID: PMC5699204 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00678
KEYWORDS:
Bacopa monnieri extract; Brahmi; Indian; cognitive function; information processing; micronutrient supplementation; school children; working memory
PMID: 29204115 PMCID: PMC5699204 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00678
Research Interests:
OBJECTIVES: Clinicians utilise critical research to advance their knowledge when prescribing standard and alternative therapies for developmental disorders. Recent research has reported that the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa... more
OBJECTIVES:
Clinicians utilise critical research to advance their knowledge when prescribing standard and alternative therapies for developmental disorders. Recent research has reported that the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri may improve cognitive outcomes in adult populations; however, few studies have investigated its benefits in younger cohorts. The aim of the current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trial outcomes and safety of Bacopa and its effects on the cognition and behaviour in children and adolescents.
METHOD:
PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google and CINAHL were searched up to August 2015 for trials investigating Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations. There were no restrictions in study design. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs and effect sizes were calculated for all significant data to allow for direct comparisons.
RESULTS:
Five studies met inclusion criteria for this review. The results demonstrated significant consistent improvements in the language behaviour cognitive domain and in a number of the memory sub-domains. Significant improvements were also seen in hyperactivity and attention-deficit domains. Overall outcome data demonstrated small to medium effect sizes (mean d=0.42). Safety and tolerability data was well reported for 80% of studies with only 2.3% of all participants reporting mild side-effects.
CONCLUSION:
This review highlights the safe use of Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations for improving elements of cognition as well as behaviour and attention-deficit domains. However, there is a significant need for replicated study designs and stringent statistical analysis to validate these outcomes.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; Ayurveda; Bacopa; Cognition; Complementary medicine; Paediatric
PMID: 27912958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.09.002
Clinicians utilise critical research to advance their knowledge when prescribing standard and alternative therapies for developmental disorders. Recent research has reported that the traditional Ayurvedic medicine Bacopa monnieri may improve cognitive outcomes in adult populations; however, few studies have investigated its benefits in younger cohorts. The aim of the current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trial outcomes and safety of Bacopa and its effects on the cognition and behaviour in children and adolescents.
METHOD:
PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google and CINAHL were searched up to August 2015 for trials investigating Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations. There were no restrictions in study design. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs and effect sizes were calculated for all significant data to allow for direct comparisons.
RESULTS:
Five studies met inclusion criteria for this review. The results demonstrated significant consistent improvements in the language behaviour cognitive domain and in a number of the memory sub-domains. Significant improvements were also seen in hyperactivity and attention-deficit domains. Overall outcome data demonstrated small to medium effect sizes (mean d=0.42). Safety and tolerability data was well reported for 80% of studies with only 2.3% of all participants reporting mild side-effects.
CONCLUSION:
This review highlights the safe use of Bacopa monnieri in child and adolescent populations for improving elements of cognition as well as behaviour and attention-deficit domains. However, there is a significant need for replicated study designs and stringent statistical analysis to validate these outcomes.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; Ayurveda; Bacopa; Cognition; Complementary medicine; Paediatric
PMID: 27912958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.09.002
Research Interests:
Clinical diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the use of prescription medications for its treatment have increased in recent years. Current treatments may involve the administration of amphetamine-type... more
Clinical diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the use of prescription medications for its treatment have increased in recent years. Current treatments may involve the administration of amphetamine-type substances, a treatment path many parents are apprehensive to take. Therefore, alternative pharmacological treatments are required. Few nutritional or pharmacological alternatives that reduce ADHD associated symptoms (hyperactivity and inattention) have been subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Bacopa monnieri is a perennial creeping herb. CDRI 08 is a special extract of Bacopa monnieri which has been subjected to hundreds of scientific studies and has been shown in human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve memory, attention, and mood. It is hypothesised that chronic administration of CDRI 08 will improve attention, concentration and behaviour in children with high levels of hyperactivity and/or inattention. This paper reports the protocol for the first 16-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel groups trial examining the efficacy and safety of CDRI 08 in male children aged 6-14 years with high levels of inattention and hyperactivity. The primary outcome variable will be the level of hyperactivity and inattention measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). Secondary outcome variables include cognition, mood, sleep, and EEG.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12612000827831.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; CDRI 08; RCT; bacopa monnieri; cognition; hyperactivity; inattention
PMID: 26633481 PMCID: PMC4690059 DOI: 10.3390/nu7125507
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12612000827831.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; CDRI 08; RCT; bacopa monnieri; cognition; hyperactivity; inattention
PMID: 26633481 PMCID: PMC4690059 DOI: 10.3390/nu7125507
Research Interests:
Background: The Ayurvedic medicinal system employs a holistic approach to health, utilising the synergistic properties of organic resources. Research into the Ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (B.monnieri) has reported... more
Background: The Ayurvedic medicinal system employs a holistic approach to health, utilising the synergistic properties of organic resources. Research into the Ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (B.monnieri) has reported improvements in cognitive outcomes in child and adult populations. The aim of current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trials investigating B.monnieri-dominant poly-herbal formulas and their effects on the cognition, memory, learning, and behaviour in children and adolescents. Methods: Key word searches were performed using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, DHARA, and CINAHL for publications meeting inclusion criteria up to November 2017. There were no restrictions in study design. Effect sizes were calculated for all significant findings to allow for direct comparisons, and each study was evaluated on design quality. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs for cross-study comparison. Results: Nine trials met inclusion criteria. Five studies reported sufficient data for effect size analysis with most improvements reported in behavioural outcomes. True cognitive abilities and behavioural constructs were reviewed in six studies, with visual perception, impulsivity, and attention demonstrating the greatest improvements. The veracity of the evidence for the formulations reviewed is weakened by inconsistent statistical design and under-reporting of safety and tolerability data (44%). Conclusions: The current review extends research supporting B.monnieri as a cognitive enhancer and provides modest evidence for the use of B.monnieri in poly-herbal preparations for improving cognitive and behavioural outcomes in child and adolescent populations. Greater emphasis on statistical vigour and the reporting of tolerability data are essential for future trials to adequately document poly-herbal treatment efficacy.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; Ayurveda; Bacopa monnieri; attention; behaviour; cognition; paediatric
PMID: 29165401 PMCID: PMC5750610 DOI: 10.3390/medicines4040086
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; Ayurveda; Bacopa monnieri; attention; behaviour; cognition; paediatric
PMID: 29165401 PMCID: PMC5750610 DOI: 10.3390/medicines4040086
Research Interests:
INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of a marine oil extract (PCSO-524®) on inattention, hyperactivity, mood and cognition in children and adolescents. PCSO-524® is a standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped... more
INTRODUCTION:
This study investigated the effects of a marine oil extract (PCSO-524®) on inattention, hyperactivity, mood and cognition in children and adolescents. PCSO-524® is a standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel and is an inflammatory modulator that inhibits the 5'-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways and decreases concentrations of the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA).
METHODS:
PCSO-524® or a matched placebo was administered for 14 weeks to 144 participants (123 males/21 females; mean age 8.7 years) with high hyperactivity and inattention in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The primary outcome was the Conners Parent Rating Scale assessing parental reports of behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes assessed changes in cognition and mood.
RESULTS:
The results of the present study did not support the hypothesis that PCSO-524® improves parental reports of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity in children ages 6 to 14 years over placebo. Repeated measures ANOVA on post hoc subsample analysis indicated significant improvements in hyperactivity (p = 0.04), attention (p = 0.02), learning (p = 0.05) and probability of ADHD (p = 0.04) with a medium to large average effect size (d = 0.65) in those children who did not meet criteria for combined hyperactivity and inattention. Furthermore, significant improvements in the PCSO-524® group were indicated in a whole sample repeated measures ANCOVA on recognition memory between baseline and week 8 over placebo (p = 0.02, d = 0.56); this difference was not sustained at week 14.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results presented indicate that PCSO-524® may be beneficial in reducing levels of hyperactivity and inattention in a population of children with clinical and subclinical symptoms of ADHD.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; Attention; Children; Cognition; Green-lipped mussel; Hyperactivity; Marine oil; Mood; Omega-3
PMID: 27921139 PMCID: PMC5225177 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4471-y
This study investigated the effects of a marine oil extract (PCSO-524®) on inattention, hyperactivity, mood and cognition in children and adolescents. PCSO-524® is a standardised lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel and is an inflammatory modulator that inhibits the 5'-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways and decreases concentrations of the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA).
METHODS:
PCSO-524® or a matched placebo was administered for 14 weeks to 144 participants (123 males/21 females; mean age 8.7 years) with high hyperactivity and inattention in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The primary outcome was the Conners Parent Rating Scale assessing parental reports of behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes assessed changes in cognition and mood.
RESULTS:
The results of the present study did not support the hypothesis that PCSO-524® improves parental reports of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity in children ages 6 to 14 years over placebo. Repeated measures ANOVA on post hoc subsample analysis indicated significant improvements in hyperactivity (p = 0.04), attention (p = 0.02), learning (p = 0.05) and probability of ADHD (p = 0.04) with a medium to large average effect size (d = 0.65) in those children who did not meet criteria for combined hyperactivity and inattention. Furthermore, significant improvements in the PCSO-524® group were indicated in a whole sample repeated measures ANCOVA on recognition memory between baseline and week 8 over placebo (p = 0.02, d = 0.56); this difference was not sustained at week 14.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results presented indicate that PCSO-524® may be beneficial in reducing levels of hyperactivity and inattention in a population of children with clinical and subclinical symptoms of ADHD.
KEYWORDS:
ADHD; Attention; Children; Cognition; Green-lipped mussel; Hyperactivity; Marine oil; Mood; Omega-3
PMID: 27921139 PMCID: PMC5225177 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4471-y
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Correction: A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of PCSO-524®, a patented oil extract of the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus), on the behaviour, mood, cognition and neurophysiology of children and adolescents (aged 6–14 years) experiencing clinical and sub-cl...more
ABSTRACT The authors have identified an error in this published article[1]. On page 4, under &quot;Treatments&quot; the milligrams listed have been calculated incorrectly. The sentence: &quot;The Lyprinol capsules contain 18%... more
ABSTRACT The authors have identified an error in this published article[1]. On page 4, under &quot;Treatments&quot; the milligrams listed have been calculated incorrectly. The sentence: &quot;The Lyprinol capsules contain 18% EPA (46.8 mg) and 14% DHA (36.4 mg) per capsule.&quot; Should read: &quot;The Lyprinol capsules contain approximately 14% EPA (7.3 mg) and 11% DHA (5.5 mg) per capsule.&quot; We apologize for this error.