Australian Journal of Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine

Objectives Research concerning the poly-herbal formula Mentat has reported benefits in cognitive outcomes in children and adolescents. Despite this, no systematic appraisal of these publications has been conducted. This review aims to assess and critically summarise the impact of Mentat consumption upon cognition and behaviour in populations of children exhibiting clinical/non-clinical levels of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method PsycINFO, Google Scholar, EBSCOHost, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, DHARA and CINAHL were searched up to September 2021. There were no restrictions in study design. Effect sizes are provided for all significant findings to allow for cross-study comparisons. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes from randomised controlled trials are grouped into validated constructs for cross-study comparison.

Results A total of 23 trials met inclusion criteria for this review; 16 studies reported improvements in behavioural symptoms, with 10 reporting improved cognitive outcomes. Outcome data within the Carroll framework indicated improvements in reasoning, mental speed, language behaviour and number facilities within the cognitive domains, and attention within the behaviour domain. Only five studies reported sufficient data for effect size analysis. Nine studies reported safety data, with eight reporting no treatment side effects.

Conclusion The current review provides acceptable evidence for the use of the poly-herbal preparation Mentat for improving cognitive and behavioural outcomes in child and adolescent populations. The weight of evidence is limited due to inconsistent statistical outcomes and limited safety and tolerability data. Consistent safety reporting is crucial for safeguarding individuals’ wellbeing, security and proactive risk management. Improved statistical practices are strongly recommended for future trials of this preparation.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) between the sexes is generally considered to be more similar than different, however, it appears that males tend more towards hyperactivity, impulsivity and externalising symptoms and females more towards inattention and internalising symptoms. This variance in ADHD symptom presentation between the sexes* may be influenced by sex hormones and hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. This scoping review describes the impact of sex hormones on adult ADHD neurobiology and symptomatology. As this field of investigation is emerging, a limited number of observational papers including pre-clinical and case studies were selected for review. Based on the reviewed studies, it appears that oestrogen concentration and balance relative to progesterone plays a role in the symptomatology, and possibly the neurobiology, of ADHD. Further research is needed to address this relationship, an understanding of which is essential for targeted and personalised naturopathic treatment approaches for women with ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, lasting for at least six months, and resulting in impaired social, academic, and occupational functioning. This case report concerns a 30-year-old female with ADHD-related concentration issues. The Boenninghausen Generalities Method and polarity analysis were used to categorise symptoms, followed by differentiation of medicines to determine the most indicated remedy, Phosphorus 200C.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles in recent issues of medical journals. Articles selected are of a general nature for the information of practitioners of naturopathy and herbal medicine. A dominant theme is often present throughout the journals which will be reflected in the reviews.

These abstracts are brief summaries of articles which have appeared in recent issues of herbal medicine journals, some of which may be held in the NHAA library.