Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Valerian – A comprehensive review

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition affecting children and adolescents. While ADHD symptoms may ameliorate during adolescence, the disorder can endure into adulthood, resulting in a diminished quality of life. Various treatments for ADHD exist, encompassing behavioural therapy, psychosocial interventions, and medications with associated side effects—prompting concern among parents who often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM approaches include dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, and herbal medicine. This research provides an overview of CAM methods for managing ADHD, with a focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and phytotherapy, specifically valerian root extract. Valerian root extract is renowned for its anxiolytic effects and has demonstrated, in some studies, efficacy in alleviating ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Nevertheless, further research is imperative to ascertain the long-term effectiveness and safety of valerian root extract as a treatment for ADHD, thereby ensuring its appropriateness in clinical contexts.