title: Alterations in the CNS effects of anti-epileptic drugs by Chinese herbal medicines.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Concomitant use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) is increasing globally. However, information summarizing how CHMs might alter the CNS effects of AEDs is lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the English-language articles in evidence-based databases was performed. It identified CHMs that interact with AEDs and lead to alterations in the CNS effects of AEDs. This review provides a descriptive summary of the existing information on CHM-induced changes of both the therapeutic and adverse CNS effects of AEDs, including i) anti-epileptic effect, ii) sedative effect, iii) anxiolytic effect and iv) memory impairment effect. The proposed mechanisms behind the interactions are also summarized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the popularity of both AEDs and CHMs, the availability of information on CHM-AED interactions that could result in altered CNS outcomes is considerably limited. Moreover, there are some insufficiencies in the study designs of the identified reports. More research, including both mechanistic and human studies, with improved study design is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of combinational use of AEDs with CHMs.
authors: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, School of Pharmacy , Shatin, N.T. , Hong Kong SAR.
authors: Sophia Yui Kau
authors: SY
authors: Fong
authors: Yin Cheong
authors: YC
authors: Wong
authors: Zhong
authors: Z
authors: Zuo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions / Q000502:physiology*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives