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An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa Monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
Dave et al. (2014) point out how poor the average response rates are (70%) of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) taking psychostimulant medications. The children may not respond to the medication or in some cases suffer from adverse effects such as nausea, insomnia, and weight loss. This study therefore tries to find an effective treatment of ADHD using the standardized Bacopa monnieri extract (SBME). Conducted in Mumbai, India, this open-label trial recruited thirty-one children between the ages of 6 and 12. The onset of ADHD was before the kids were 7 years old. The SBME was given at 225mg per day for a period of 6 months. To assess ADHD symptom scores at baseline and at post-treatment, the Parent Rating Scale was used. The scores were significantly reduced after treatment with SBME, with the exception of social problems. There was a 93% reduction in score for restlessness, as well as improvement in self-control seen in 89% of the participants. Similarly, scores for learning problems, impulsivity, and psychiatric problems were reduced in 78%, 67%, and 52% of the kids, respectively. Total subtest scores reduced by at least 20% in the majority of the subjects (74%), while 26% of the children also scored between 21-50% less in the total subtests. It was concluded that the standardized extract of B monnieri was effective in ameliorating the children’s ADHD symptoms while also being well tolerated. [NPID: ADHD, attention, herbs, self-control, restlessness, impulsivity, Bacopa, SBME]
Year: 2014
