J ECT. 2000 Jun; 16(2): 144-56.

Herbal treatments for ECS-induced memory deficits: a review of research and a discussion on animal models.

Andrade C, Sudha S, Venkataraman BV.

Department of Psychopharmacology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. candrade@bgl.vsnl.net.in

During the last decade the use of herbal medicinal substances in the attenuation of anterograde and retrograde amnesia induced by electroconvulsive shock (ECS) has been studied using animal research. We will discuss the background of herbal medicine in India, review the research findings on herbal medicines for ECS-induced amnestic deficits, and examine the applications and limitations of animal models in this context. We will focus on our own research and insights, with particular emphasis on practical issues.