A small study that was published in the March 2009 issue of the Journal of Dietary Supplements indicates that Panax ginseng may be able to alleviate some symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

"Although the sample size is very small [three youth between the ages of 14 and 17] and generalization is very difficult, this observation indicates that Panax ginseng may be a slightly effective treatment for ADHD," the study's author, H. Niederhofer, reported in the abstract of the study. Niederhofer is affiliated with Regional Hospital Bozen in Bolzano, Italy

In a May 19 article on the about.com Alternative Medicine Blog, Cathy Wong reported that previous studies into Panax ginseng indicate that the herb may help boost immunity, improve mood, and control diabetes. "Another form of the herb (American ginseng) has been found to benefit children with ADHD when combined with ginkgo biloba," Wong wrote.

With summer approaching, most ADHD experts advise parents not to change their child's meds or allow them to take a "medication vacation," especially if the child will be attending a summer camp for kids with ADHD or other type of seasonal program.

Labels: medications, Attention_Deficit_Hyperactivity_Disorder, herbs

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In addition to traditional prescription medication, some parents turn to herbal remedies for treating their child's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But a study conducted by Bastyr University in Washington has found that on of the more popular herbs, St. John's Wort, is not an effective treatment for ADHD.

"[Lead author Wendy] Weber and co-workers recruited 54 children with ADHD aged between six and 17, and randomly assigned them to receive a daily supplement of 300 mg of [St. John's Wort]... or placebo for eight weeks... At the end of the study, the researchers reported no significant differences between the groups with respect to inattentiveness or hyperactivity."

The researchers aren't ruling out St. John's Wort completely, noting that it may be beneficial when combined with other herbs or medication. But as a stand-alone treatment it appears to be ineffective. Source: NutraUSA

Labels: alternative_medicine, herbs

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St. John's Wort, an herbal remedy for depression, does not help children with Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity (ADHD), according to a joint study from scientists at Harvard University, Bastyr University, and the University of Washington.

Wendy Weber, lead author, divided 54 children with ADHD into two groups. One group took St. John's Wort three times a day, and the other took a placebo. After eight weeks, the two groups showed no significant difference in their symptoms or side effects.

This study appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Labels: alternative_medicine, depression, herbs

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