BackgroundThe use of complementary medicines in those with mental health problems
is well documented. However, their effectiveness is often not established
and they may be less harmless than commonly assumed.AimsTo review the complementary medicines routinely encountered in
psychiatric practice, their effectiveness, potential adverse effects and
interactions.MethodElectronic and manual literature search on the effectiveness and safety
of psychotropic complementary medicines.ResultsPotentially useful substances include ginkgo and hydergine as cognitive
enhancers, passion flower and valerian as sedatives, St John's wort and
sadenosylmethionine as antidepressants, and selenium and folate to
complement antidepressants. The evidence is less conclusive for the use
of omega-3 fatty acids as augmentation treatment in schizophrenia,
melatonin for tardive dyskinesia and 18-methoxycoronaridine, an ibogaine
derivative, for the treatment of cocaine and heroin addiction.ConclusionsSystematic clinical trials are needed to test promising substances.
Meanwhile, those wishing to take psychotropic complementary medicines
require appropriate advice.
Pollen feeding proteomics: Salivary proteins of the passion flower butterfly, Heliconius melpomene
