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Ahmadi H, Khaksarian M. Medicinal Plants with Efficacy in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Mechanistic Insights. pbp 2026; 8 (In press)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-352-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-352-en.html
1- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
2- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran ,mojkhaksar@yahoo.com
2- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran ,
Abstract: (31 Views)
Objective: From the perspective of traditional Iranian medicine, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) arises from an imbalance in bodily temperament and a weakening of cerebral and nervous faculties. This disturbance manifests as impaired concentration, heightened irritability, and impulsive hyperactivity. While conventional treatments offer symptomatic relief, their side effects in many patients highlight the growing need for complementary approaches. Utilizing medicinal plants to restore temperament balance and modulate neurological functions has emerged as a promising strategy in this regard. This review aims to identify key medicinal plants that alleviate ADHD symptoms and elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action.
Methods: This systematic review draws on classical texts and authentic sources of Iranian traditional medicine alongside contemporary scientific literature retrieved from databases including Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, PubMed, and Scopus. Keywords relevant to ADHD and herbal medicine guided the comprehensive literature search and analysis.
Results: Evidence points to several botanicals—such as Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Valeriana officinalis (valerian), Crocus sativus (saffron), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Mentha species (mint), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Vaccinium species (blueberry), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Boswellia serrata (frankincense), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Pinus species (pine), Centella asiatica (gotu kola), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Avena sativa (oat), Tulipa species (garden tulip), and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort)—as having notable efficacy in symptom modulation. These plants exert their beneficial effects by calming the nervous system, enhancing cognitive capacity, regulating the body's internal temperament—particularly heat and moisture balance—and modulating central nervous system activity. According to traditional medicine principles, these processes restore the equilibrium of bodily humors and vital forces, thereby creating a foundation for cognitive and behavioral recovery.
Conclusion: The existing body of evidence suggests that the judicious use of medicinal plants, grounded in the framework of Iranian traditional medicine, holds potential as a complementary therapeutic approach for managing ADHD. Nonetheless, establishing optimal dosing, confirming efficacy, and ensuring safety necessitate rigorous, large-scale, controlled clinical trials. The convergence of ancient wisdom with contemporary neuroscience and pharmacology promises to open new avenues for safe, natural, and effective treatment of this disorder.
Methods: This systematic review draws on classical texts and authentic sources of Iranian traditional medicine alongside contemporary scientific literature retrieved from databases including Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, PubMed, and Scopus. Keywords relevant to ADHD and herbal medicine guided the comprehensive literature search and analysis.
Results: Evidence points to several botanicals—such as Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Valeriana officinalis (valerian), Crocus sativus (saffron), Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Mentha species (mint), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Vaccinium species (blueberry), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Camellia sinensis (green tea), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Boswellia serrata (frankincense), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Pinus species (pine), Centella asiatica (gotu kola), Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed), Avena sativa (oat), Tulipa species (garden tulip), and Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort)—as having notable efficacy in symptom modulation. These plants exert their beneficial effects by calming the nervous system, enhancing cognitive capacity, regulating the body's internal temperament—particularly heat and moisture balance—and modulating central nervous system activity. According to traditional medicine principles, these processes restore the equilibrium of bodily humors and vital forces, thereby creating a foundation for cognitive and behavioral recovery.
Conclusion: The existing body of evidence suggests that the judicious use of medicinal plants, grounded in the framework of Iranian traditional medicine, holds potential as a complementary therapeutic approach for managing ADHD. Nonetheless, establishing optimal dosing, confirming efficacy, and ensuring safety necessitate rigorous, large-scale, controlled clinical trials. The convergence of ancient wisdom with contemporary neuroscience and pharmacology promises to open new avenues for safe, natural, and effective treatment of this disorder.
Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Traditional Iranian Medicine, Medicinal Plants, Temperament Modulation, Complementary Therapy
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Pharmacognosy
Received: 2025/09/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/14 | Published: 2026/01/20
Received: 2025/09/11 | Accepted: 2025/09/14 | Published: 2026/01/20
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