The use of herbal alternative medicines in neuropsychiatry - A report of the ANPA committee on research

Growing numbers of people throughout the United States (40% in 1998) are us ing various forms of alternative therapies. A MEDLINE literature search of journals from the past three decades and an Internet database query were pe rformed to determine the types and frequency of alternative therapies used, with special attention given to the herbal medicines used in neuropsychiat ric disorders. Clinical effects, mechanisms of action, interactions, and ad verse reactions of the herbal treatments ave detailed. Objective controlled trials will be needed to establish safety and efficacy of herbal supplemen ts. Knowledge of the properties of these therapies can improve the care of neuropsychiatric patients.