Natural Medicines for Psychotic Disorders: A Systematic Review.

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2018 Feb;206(2):81-101. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000782. Hoenders HJR, Bartels-Velthuis AA, Vollbehr NK, Bruggeman R, Knegtering H, de Jong JTVM. *Lentis, Center for Integrative Psychiatry; †University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center; ‡Lentis Mental Health Institution; §University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Neuroimaging Center; ∥University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and ¶Boston School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts. Send reprint requests to H.J. Rogier Hoenders, MD, PhD, Lentis, Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Hereweg 80, 9725 AG Groningen, the Netherlands. E-mail: ln.sitnel@sredneoh.rjh. Abstract Patients with psychotic disorders regularly use natural medicines, although it is unclear whether these are effective and safe. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of evidence for improved outcomes by natural medicines. A systematic literature search was performed through Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane until May 2015. In 110 randomized controlled trials, evidence was found for glycine, sarcosine, N-acetylcysteine, some Chinese and ayurvedic herbs, ginkgo biloba, estradiol, and vitamin B6 to improve psychotic symptoms when added to antipsychotics. Ginkgo biloba and vitamin B6 seemed to reduce tardive dyskinesia and akathisia. Results on other compounds were negative or inconclusive. All natural agents, except reserpine, were well tolerated. Most study samples were small, study periods were generally short, and most results need replication. However, there is some evidence for beneficial effects of certain natural medicines. PMID: 29373456 PMCID: PMC5794244 DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000782 Free PMC Article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5794244/