The aim of this open label clinical study was to investigate the effectiveness of a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri in improving the severity of ADHD symptoms. Children aged 6-12 years old, with an age of onset prior to 7 years of age were recruited for the study and received 225 mg bacopa extract daily for 6 months. Each child was assessed using the Parent Rating Scale at baseline and at the end of the 6-month supplementation.
The results show a significant reduction in subtest scores of ADHD symptoms, except for social problems, with bacopa supplementation. Symptoms of restlessness reduced in 93% of the children, improvement in self control was observed in 89% of the children and overall attention-deficit symptoms were reduced in 85% of the participants. In addition, symptoms of learning problems, impulse control and psychiatric problems were reduced in 78%, 67%, and 52% of children, respectively, suggesting that B. monnieri could be effective in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD.
References:
Dave, U. P., Dingankar, S. R., Saxena, V. S., Joseph, J. A., Bethapudi, B., Agarwal, A., & Kudiganti, V. (2014). An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Advances in mind-body medicine, 28(2), 10–15.
