Preprint / Version 1

Phytotherapy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Authors

  • Tusheema Dutta Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
  • Jarosław Proćków Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
  • Devendra Pandey Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
  • Mahipal Shekhawat Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Kanchi Mamunivar Government Institute for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Lawspet, India
  • Nusratbanu Shaikh Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Smt N. M. Padalia Pharmacy College, Ahmedabad, India
  • Niraj Jha Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
  • Mimosa Ghorai Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
  • Shreya Mitra Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
  • Uttpal Anand CytoGene Research & Development LLP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Abhijit Dey Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India

Keywords:

herbal treatments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), complementary alternative medicine (CAM), phytotherapy, Melissa officinalis L., Valeriana officinalis L

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly a neurodevelopmental behavioural disorder in children and adolescents. Mainly characterized by symptoms like lack of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness, it can impact the overall mental development of the one affected. Several factors, both genetic and non-genetic, can be responsible for this disorder. Although several traditional treatment methods involve medication and other counselling techniques, they also come with different side effects. Hence, the choice is now shifting to alternative treatment techniques. Herbal treatments are considered one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) administered. However, issues related to the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies for the treatment of ADHD need to be investigated further. This study aims to find out the recent advancement in evidence-based use of herbal remedies for ADHD by a comprehensive and systematic review that depicts the results of the published works on herbal therapy for the disorder. The electronic databases and the references retrieved from the included studies present related randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies. Seven RCTs involving children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD met the inclusion criteria. There is a fair indication of the efficacy and safety of Melissa officinalis L., Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Matricaria chamomilla L., and Valeriana officinalis L. from the studies evaluated in this systematic review for the treatment of various symptoms of ADHD. Limited evidence was found for Ginkgo biloba L. and pine bark extract. However, various other preparations from other plants did not show significant efficacy. There is inadequate proof to strongly support and recommend the administration of herbal medicines for ADHD, but more research is needed in the relevant field to popularize the alternative treatment approach. Keywords: herbal treatments, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), complementary alternative medicine (CAM), phytotherapy, Melissa officinalis L., Valeriana officinalis L

Downloads