Positive Health Online

Abstract

LAKE, InnoVision Communications, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA reviewed (112 references) the research and recommendations for psychotropic medications from natural products.

Background

Most psychotropic agents employed in allopathic medicine have limited efficacy and significant side effects. Although usually beneficial, synthetic psychotropics are unavailable to approximately 80% of the world's population. Improved understanding of appropriate and safe uses of naturally occurring psychotropic agents will greatly contribute to global mental healthcare. Empirical validation of non-allopathic treatments to ensure safety and efficacy is important because increasing numbers of patients in economically developed countries are using natural substances as medicinal agents. Patients and clinicians often lack accurate information, resulting in poor treatment outcomes or the possibility of drug-drug interactions of herbal and synthetic psychotropic medications. The authors aimed to distinguish compelling scientific evidence supporting the use of natural products in psychiatry from political or institutional biases that have been misrepresented as scientific arguments.

Methodology

A systematic literature review on natural products used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Significant recent research is reviewed, including emerging treatments of seizure disorders, schizophrenia, dementia and age-related cognitive decline, depression, anxiety states, and substance abuse. Substantial evidence is advanced for safety and efficacy of many natural products used to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms or disorders.

Results

Preliminary findings suggest that several treatments based on natural substances are as effective and safe as synthetic pharmaceuticals in current use. Additional studies are indicated to confirm these findings, to elucidate mechanisms of action, and to elaborate standards for safe and appropriate treatment indications.

Conclusion

Strategic approaches aimed at facilitating improved networking, accelerating promising research directions, and enhancing quality standards of ongoing investigations into putative psychotropic agents from natural sources are recommended.

References

Lake J. Psychotropic medications from natural products: a review of promising research and recommendations. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 6(3):36, 39-45, 47-52 passim. May 2000.