Effect of sweet almond syrup versus methylphenidate in children with ADHD: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Aug:36:170-175. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.07.008. Epub 2019 Jul 19.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common health disorders among children. Some patients do not respond to methylphenidate or cannot tolerate its side effects. Sweet almond syrup as a Persian Medicine preparation has been used for many years. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sweet almond for ADHD children.

Materials and methods: Fifty children aged 6-14 years with ADHD were recruited to the study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either methylphenidate or sweet almond syrup. The outcomes were assessed using the Parent and Teacher ADHD Rating Scale every two weeks for 8 weeks.

Results: Results showed that the two treatments had similar effects on symptom reduction in ADHD children. No significant differences were observed between the two groups (F=2.3, df=1, p=0.13, F=0.57, df=1, p=0.47).

Conclusion: Sweet almond may be an effective treatment for ADHD children.

Keywords: DHD; Iranian Traditional Medicine; Persian Medicine; functional food; sweet almond.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / drug therapy*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Functional Food
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Prunus dulcis*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Methylphenidate