Klinische Studien mit Psycho-Phytopharmka

Author(s): Hübner, W. -D., Ploch, M.

Journal/Book: Zeitschrift für Phytotherpie. 1997; 18: 141-154.

Abstract: Phyto-psychopharmacological agents are total extracts of plants with stimulating or calming effects an the central nervous system. Phyto-psychopharmacological agents are among the most frequently prescribed herbal medicines in Germany. The efficacy and harmlessness of some of the preparations have been established by high quality clinical trials. Between 1975 and 1992, a total of 34 clinical studies involving some 2326 patients were published an the effects of Ginkgo special extracts EGb 761 and LI 1370; to date, 28 clinical trials in 2120 patients have been undertaken with alcoholic extracts of St. John's Wort. The therapeutic efficacy of kava and valerian extracts has been investigated in six and four controlled studies respectively. In general, a high placebo effect is likely. Therefore it is essential to include control groups in these studies. A considerable advantage over synthetic psychopharmacological agents is the low incidence of side effects, which in clinical monitoring studies is below 3 %. The sharp increase in quality standards for clinical trials means that only a few preparations undergo large scale testing programmes in accordance with the international guidelines. For other phyto-psychopharmacological agents, there is the danger that no further clinical trials will be undertaken due to the stringent requirements now demanded of them.

Keyword(s): Phyto-psychophrmcological agents

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