Abstract: This article reviews the current evidence for herbs and plant extracts that show any benefits when used as alternative therapies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD in Children. Herbal and natural remedies range from Standardized Plant Extracts such as BE55, Sedative Herbs, Kava, Gingko Biloba and St. John's Wort. Whilst scientific studies have been conducted in various mental disorders, reliable studies in ADHD are few. The current evidence points to Standardized Plant Extracts as a potential natural alternative for ADHD in children.
Introduction
Herbal remedies have been used for a long time for their sedative or anti-anxiety properties as well as their possible enhancement of memory and cognition. Some of the difficulties in assessing the potential of some of these natural alternative treatments for ADHD include:
1.The lack of good scientific studies
2.The lack of standardization and dosing
3.Comparison with conventional medicines in clinical setting are rare
However, this article attempts to list some of these natural herbal alternatives and the current evidence.
Standardized Plant Extracts
Standardization of herbs or plant extracts is important for comparing herbal therapy with conventional medicines. Standardization is also important for the delivery of the correct dose in a consistent manner, especially in children.
•BE55 is one such standardized plant extract. Scientific research has shown that BE55 enhances the cholinergic nerve transmitter system that is associated with improved memory. BE55 also increases blood circulation and oxygenation of brain cells. Clinical studies in children showed an improvement in learning tasks. As a natural supplement, BE55 showed significant improvements in logical memory in elderly with age associated memory impairment. BE55 helps improve protein activity and protein synthesis, especially in brain cells, which can help decrease brain ageing. BE55 aids in repair of damaged nerve cells and improves nerve function.
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