Rigillo Giovanna, Blom Joan M C, Cocchi Arianna, Martinucci Valentina, Favaro Francesca, Baini Giulia, Cappellucci Giorgio, Tascedda Fabio, Biagi Marco
Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
Pediatrica S.r.l., 57121 Livorno, Italy.
Children (Basel). 2025 Aug 28;12(9):1142. doi: 10.3390/children12091142.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Anxiety, agitation, and mood disturbances are increasingly common among children and adolescents. Given the limitations of conventional pharmacological treatments in the pediatric population, particularly for subthreshold or mild conditions, interest in complementary approaches such as phytotherapy is growing. This review aims to critically evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of herbal medicines and botanical food supplements for mental health symptoms in youths and to explore the pharmacological basis of their activity.
A systematic search was conducted across main databases for clinical trials involving herbal products for psychologically related symptoms in children and adolescents. Eligible studies included those using registered herbal medicines, as well as authorized food supplements, that evaluated behavioral or cognitive outcomes. In addition, bioinformatic analyses were performed on selected phytocompounds to predict their molecular targets.
Twenty-nine clinical trials were identified, including eighteen targeting pathological conditions (notably attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression) and eleven addressing borderline symptoms such as nervous agitation, restlessness, or sleep disturbances. Herbal products showing clinical promise include (L.) Wettst., L., L., L., Mill., L., C.A. Meyer, L., Aiton, L., and (L.) Dunal. Bioinformatic predictions revealed polypharmacological activity profiles involving neuroinflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmitter-related pathways.
This review highlights both the potential and the current limitations of herbal products in pediatric mental health care. Evidence supports their use for selected indications, provided that standardized preparations and clinical oversight are ensured. Further research is essential, particularly to inform dosing, safety, and integrative care strategies.
背景/目的：焦虑、烦躁和情绪障碍在儿童和青少年中越来越普遍。鉴于传统药物治疗在儿科人群中的局限性，特别是对于阈下或轻度病症，人们对植物疗法等补充疗法的兴趣与日俱增。本综述旨在严格评估支持使用草药和植物性食品补充剂治疗青少年心理健康症状的临床证据，并探讨其活性的药理学基础。
在主要数据库中进行系统检索，以查找涉及草药产品治疗儿童和青少年心理相关症状的临床试验。符合条件的研究包括使用注册草药以及经授权的食品补充剂并评估行为或认知结果的研究。此外，对选定的植物化合物进行了生物信息学分析，以预测其分子靶点。
共确定了29项临床试验，其中18项针对病理状况（尤其是注意力缺陷多动障碍（ADHD）、焦虑和抑郁），11项针对边缘症状，如神经烦躁、不安或睡眠障碍。显示出临床前景的草药产品包括[具体草药名称]。生物信息学预测揭示了涉及神经炎症、神经保护和神经递质相关途径的多药理学活性谱。
本综述强调了草药产品在儿科心理健康护理中的潜力和当前局限性。有证据支持在确保标准化制剂和临床监督的情况下，将其用于特定适应症。进一步的研究至关重要，特别是为了确定剂量、安全性和综合护理策略提供依据。
