Ningdong for ADHD

Ningdong granule is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation that has been used in China for many years for the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. A new study suggests that it may be safe and effective for the treatment of this disorder as compared to a standard stimulant medication, methylphenidate.

Ningdong granule for ADHD

Method

Although only supported by preliminary evidence from one 2011 study, ningdong shows promise as an alternative treatment for ADHD. There is no recommended dose of ningdong, however, in the study participants were given 5mg/kg/day.

The study design was randomized and controlled though it only enrolled a small number of participants. After 8 weeks of therapy with ningdong, researchers found that there were statistically significant fewer adverse effects as compared to methylphenidate.

In addition to being safe and tolerable, ningdong therapy was associated with a statistically significant increase in the serum concentration of homovanillic acid (HVA), the terminal metabolite of dopamine. Furthermore, the increases in HVA concentration were correlated with an improvement of scores on the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale.

Why It Works

Ningdong has been shown in animal studies and one human study on Tourette's Syndrome to regulate dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked with ADHD. Ningdong has also been shown to influence serum levels of HVA which is involved in the regulation of dopamine.

Precautions

Constipation and loss of appetite have been reported in people who have taken ningdong.

Ningdong may interact with medications and supplements. Consult with your regular healthcare provider prior to starting this therapy.

Ningdong has not been studied in long-term treatment of ADHD. It may have adverse effects as yet undiscovered with chronic therapy.

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