AbstractNatural health products (NHPs), including herbal medicines, are a modality of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) commonly used by pediatric patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most fami-lies of pediatric patients find NHP treatment to be beneficial; however, clinical evidence of efficacy remains weak or lack-ing. Evidence of herbal medicine safety is similarly scarce, particularly with respect to herb-drug interactions and adverse events (AEs) associated with concurrent use of NHPs and
ADHD prescription drugs. To support both families and phy sicians managing ADHDcare, this review focuses on integrat-ing available data on the safety and efficacy of herbal medi-cines commonly used by pediatricADHDpatients. In addition
to reviewing results from clinical trials, patient surveys, and experimental studies relating to commonly used herbal medi-cines, the paper discusses adverse event reports involving concurrent use of herbs and ADHD drugs, identified through the FDAble database. While NHP and other CAM offer patients alternative treatment options with potential benefits as well as risks, additional research is needed to support open discussion and evidence-based decision making by families and physicians. Keywords Attention-deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD).
Complementary and alternativemedicine (CAM). Natural health products (NHPs).
Herbal medicines. Adverse events (AEs). Herb-drug interactions.Efficacy.Pediatric