St. John's Wort Not Effective for ADHD Symptoms

New research suggests St. John's Wort does not improve ADHD symptoms in children.

A recent double-blind study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that St. John's Wort did not reduce ADHD symptoms in children, when compared with children receiving a placebo.

The sample of 57 children between the ages of 6 and 17 were not given other ADHD medication, and were randomly assigned to receive a placebo or 300 mg of St. John's Wort. Scores on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV and Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale were measured at the beginning of the study and again at the end of the eight week treatment.

The researchers, led by Dr. Wendy Weber from Bastyr University in Washington, found slight improvements in both the placebo and the St. John's Wort groups. However, St. John's Wort provided no significant benefit over a placebo.

To read more, go to The Journal of the American Medical Association website.