Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
A combination herbal product containing American ginseng extract, Panax quinquefolium, (200 mg) and Ginkgo biloba extract (50 mg) (AD-FX; CV Technologies, Edmonton, Alta.) was tested for its ability to improve the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


METHODS
Open study.


METHODS
36 children ranging in age from 3 to 17 years who fit the diagnostic criteria for ADHD.


METHODS
AD-FX capsules were taken twice a day on an empty stomach for 4 weeks. Patients were instructed not to change any other medications during the study.


METHODS
At the beginning of the study, after 2 weeks, and then at the end of the 4-week trial, parents completed the Conners' Parent Rating Scale--revised, long version, a questionnaire that assesses a broad range of problem behaviours (and was used as an indication of ADHD symptom severity).


RESULTS
After 2 weeks of treatment, the proportion of the subjects exhibiting improvement (i.e., decrease in T-score of at least 5 points) ranged from 31% for the anxious-shy attribute to 67% for the psychosomatic attribute. After 4 weeks of treatment, the proportion of subjects exhibiting improvement ranged from 44% for the social problems attribute to 74% for the Conners' ADHD index and the DSM-IV hyperactive-impulsive attribute. Five (14%) of 36 subjects reported adverse events, only 2 of which were considered related to the study medication.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggest AD-FX treatment may improve symptoms of ADHD and should encourage further research on the use of ginseng and Ginkgo biloba extracts to treat ADHD symptoms.
Lyon
M R
MR
Oceanside Functional Medicine Research Institute, Nanaimo, BC.
Cline
J C
JC
Totosy de Zepetnek
J
J
Shan
J J
JJ
Pang
P
P
Benishin
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005894:Panax; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D010936:Plant Extracts