The British Journal of Psychiatry (2006) 188: 109-121. doi: 10.1192/bjp.188.2.109
© 2006 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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REVIEW ARTICLES

Complementary medicines in psychiatry

Review of effectiveness and safety

URSULA WERNEKE, MRCPsych

Division of Health Service Research, Institute of Psychiatry, and Division of Psychiatry, Homerton University Hospital

TREVOR TURNER, FRCPsych

Division of Psychiatry, Homerton University Hospital

STEFAN PRIEBE, FRCPsych

Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Barts and The London, NHS Trust, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK

Correspondence: Dr Ursula Werneke, Division of Psychiatry, Homerton University Hospital, East Wing, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR, UK. E-mail: Ursula.Werneke{at}elcmht.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest None.


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ABSTRACT
 
Background The 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.

Aims To review the complementary medicines routinely encountered in psychiatric practice, their effectiveness, potential adverse effects and interactions.

Method Electronic and manual literature search on the effectiveness and safety of psychotropic complementary medicines.

Results Potentially useful substances include ginkgo and hydergine as cognitive enhancers, passion flower and valerian as sedatives, St John’s wort and s-adenosylmethionine 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.

Conclusions Systematic clinical trials are needed to test promising substances. Meanwhile, those wishing to take psychotropic complementary medicines require appropriate advice.


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INTRODUCTION
 
Complementary medicines are either used as an alternative or in addition to conventional medicine (Zimmerman & Thompson, 2002). Their use by those with chronic disorders such as cancers, with their associated physical and psychological problems, is well documented (Eisenberg et al, 1993; Ernst & Cassileth, 1999). In psychiatric patients, estimates of their use range from 8 to 57%, with the most frequent use being in depression and anxiety. A population-based study from the USA found that 9% of respondents had anxiety attacks, 57% of whom used complementary medicines; 7% of respondents reported severe depression, with 54% of these using complementary medicines (Kessler et al, 2001). Another survey from the USA reported mental disorders in 14% of respondents, 21% of whom used complementary medicines (Unutzer et al, 2000). Usage was highest (32%) in respondents with panic disorder. In studies restricted to those with psychiatric disorders, usage ranged from 13 to 54% (Knaudt et al, 2001; Wang et al, 2001; Alderman & Kiepfer, 2003; Matthews et al, 2003). Complementary medicines are also used by those seen by liaison psychiatrists and a recent study of cancer patients showed that 25% took substances with psychoactive properties (Werneke et al, 2004a).

Complementary medicines can be grouped into herbal remedies, food supplements, including vitamin preparations, and other organic and inorganic substances, including omega-3 fatty acids. Some people take food supplements and vitamin preparations in high doses, often outside the safety margins recommended by the Food Standards Agency (Food Standards Agency, 2003). People with mental health problems may take complementary medicines to treat anxiety and depression or to counter side-effects of conventional treatments, for example tardive dyskinesia and weight gain. Some seek a more holistic approach to treatment, others hope that complementary medicines have fewer or no side-effects, and many with chronic anxiety and depression understandably feel disillusioned by the apparent ineffectiveness of conventional treatment. The aim of this review is to acquaint psychiatrists with the complementary medicines routinely encountered in clinical practice, to review the evidence base for their purported effectiveness and to discuss potential adverse effects and interactions.


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METHOD
 
We searched the Medline and Cochrane databases for evidence of the effectiveness of complementary medicines for the treatment of psychiatric conditions. We divided the substances into different categories: cognitive enhancers, sedatives and anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics and remedies for movement disorders, and anti-addictives. Search terms included the identified substances in each category and EFFECTIVENESS or SIDE-EFFECTS or ADVERSE DRUG REACTION or INTERACTION. All recovered papers were reviewed for further relevant references. All evidence was collated and ranked as available. We also accessed web-based resources, such as the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (http://www.naturaldatabase.com), and for mularies, such as the PDR (Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines; Medical Economics, 2000) for further information on the identified substances. Where available, we used reviews summarising the proposed mechanism of action and effectiveness, since presenting all the evidence in detail was beyond the scope of this paper. Whenever possible, we gave priority to meta-analyses, systematic reviews and double-blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs), but we also included other evidence such as open trials and case reports when the findings were relevant to our review. Where standardised comparative measures such as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD; Hamilton, 1967) were available for meta-analyses, we reported the relevant risk ratios. Owing to the heterogeneity of the data, no attempt at meta-analysis of other trials was made. We included only studies applicable to general adult psychiatry and psychiatry of older adults. Other special patient groups and healthy volunteers were excluded, as were studies on a combination of substances with evidence available for the single substance (Fig. 1).



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  		Fig. 1 Selection of efficacy studies. SRs, systematic reviews; MAs, meta-analyses; RCTs, randomised controlled trials; OTRs, open trials.


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RESULTS
 
Two thousand and seven studies were identified for the 20 remedies under review for the five categories of mental health problems. The literature ranged from case reports and narrative reviews to systematic reviews including meta-analyses. For four categories, the evidence with regard to efficacy could be limited to RCTs, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. For anti-addictive substances we also considered open trials, since there was very little evidence available (Fig. 1).

Cognitive enhancers
Cognitive enhancers are either used in the treatment of dementia to enhance mental performance or to prevent cognitive decline in healthy people. This can be achieved by increasing choline availability in the brain, e.g. by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Alternative non-cholinergic neuroprotective strategies have been postulated; these include antioxidants scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing neurotoxicity, and anticoagulants increasing cerebral blood flow (Spinella, 2001). Suggested herbal cognitive enhancers include ginkgo, ginseng, hydergine, which is an ergot (Claviceps purpurea) derivative, and solanceous plants, including potatoes, tomatoes and aubergines (Table 1).


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  		Table 1 Cognitive enhancers

Although in some individuals with Alzheimer’s disease ginkgo biloba has been reported to improve cognitive performance (Birks et al, 2002; Kanowski & Hoerr, 2003), another trial did not show any benefit in elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease of vascular type or age-associated cognitive impairment (van Dongen et al, 2003). Whether the effect in those with Alzheimer’s disease is equivalent to that of synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors is debatable (Itil et al, 1998; Wettstein, 2000; Schreiter-Gasser & Gasser, 2001). Hydergine was reported to lead to significant improvement of cognitive impairment in dementia, but most studies were performed before standardised dementia criteria were agreed (Olin et al, 2001). The results for panax ginseng and vitamin E were inconclusive (Sano et al, 1997; Vogeler et al, 1999). Solanaceous plants may exercise strong cholinergic effects by inhibiting not only acetyl- but also butyrylcholinesterase. However, no clinical studies have been conducted to determine their effects on cognition. They may augment cocaine toxicity via the same mechanism (Krasowski et al, 1997).

Anxiolytics and sedatives
Anxiolytics and sedatives essentially have the same underlying mechanisms of action. The stronger the agent the greater the sedative effect, leading to coma in extreme cases. Four mechanisms of action have been implicated (Spinella, 2001): (a) binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors leading to hyperpolarisation of the cell membrane through increased influx of chlorine anions; (b) inhibition of excitatory amino acids, thereby also impairing the ability to form new memories; (c) sodium channel blockade, decreasing depolarisation of the cell membrane; and (d) calcium channel blockade, decreasing the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Most complementary medicines prescribed for anxiolysis/sedation (e.g. kava kava, valerian, passion flower and chamomile) are GABAergic, though for some such as hops the mechanism of action remains unknown. As expected, all remedies can lead to drowsiness when taken in high doses and can potentiate the effect of synthetic sedatives (Table 2).


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  		Table 2 Anxiolytics and sedatives


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  		Table 3 Antidepressants and augmentation: St John’s wort

The most researched substance is kava kava (Piper methysticum), which originated from Polynesia and was traditionally used for religious rituals (Chevallier, 1996). Kava has an anxiolytic effect that has been established in several RCTs (Pittler & Ernst, 2003). Kava has been associated with several cases of liver toxicity (Natural Medicines Database, 2004a), which has led to its voluntary withdrawal from the UK market. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis or Valeriana edulis) is a sedative believed to have been known to Galen and Dioscorides, which has maintained its importance throughout the centuries (Spinella, 2001). In 1845, Coffin described it as ‘an excellent sedative... predisposing the mind to quietness and the body to sleep’. Valerian may have comparable efficacy to oxazepam (Dorn, 2000; Ziegler et al, 2002). However, a systematic review on the effectiveness of valerian in insomnia produced inconclusive results (Stevinson & Ernst, 2000).

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) contains chrysin, a partial agonist to benzodiazepine receptors. One study comparing passion flower with oxazepam found both to be equally effective (Akhondzadeh et al, 2001a); more trials are needed to confirm the effect. No data are available on chamomile and hops. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Matricaria recutita) contains apigenin which binds to benzodiazepine receptors (Viola et al, 1995). The mechanism of action for hops (Humulus lupulus) remains unclear. Bach flower remedies are a combination of 38 flowers and seem to have no effect (Ernst, 2002). Melatonin extracted from the pineal gland may improve sleep in those with delayed sleep phase disorder, but no benefit has been shown in the treatment of primary sleep disorder (MacMahon et al, 2005). It may also improve initial sleep quality in older adults with insomnia (Olde Rikkert & Rigaud, 2001), but its role as a treatment for insomnia in those with Alzheimer’s disease remains disputed (Cardinali et al, 2002; Singer et al, 2003).

Antidepressants and augmentation therapy
All known synthetic antidepressants act via the enhancement of serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. Most complementary antidepressants are thought to work through the same pathways (Tables 3 and 4). The mechanism of action for selenium is not clear but does seem to be different. Its antioxidant qualities may reduce nerve cell damage (Benton, 2002), and it is also known to facilitate conversion from thyroxine (T4) to thyronine (T3); T3 substitution is one possible means of augmentation of antidepressants in conventional psychiatry. There are no clinical studies but low selenium levels have been associated with depression, anxiety and hostility (Hawkes & Hornbostel, 1996), and high dietary intake or supplementation has been associated with mood improvement. The apparent therapeutic effect may be dose-dependent (Benton & Cook, 1991; Benton, 2002). Like lithium, there may be a narrow therapeutic index. A recent report by the Food Standards Agency (2003) reduced the recommended limits of safe daily intake. Trials may be most promising in those with a low baseline selenium level.


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  		Table 4 Antidepressants and augmentation: supplements

The most robust clinical data are available for St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). These have been extensively reviewed in meta-analyses (Linde et al, 1996; Williams et al, 2000; Whiskey et al, 2001; Roder et al, 2004; Werneke et al, 2004b; Linde et al, 2005; Table 3) which have found a decrease in effect size over time when tested against placebo. The more recent meta-analyses mostly suggest that the effectiveness of St John’s wort is limited to mild depression, and more homogenous studies targeting patients with mild depression are required (Roder et al, 2004; Werneke et al, 2004b; Linde et al, 2005).

However, four of these meta-analyses have demonstrated equivalence to standard antidepressants (Linde et al, 1996; Whiskey et al, 2001; Roder et al, 2004; Linde et al, 2005). One recent trial using high doses (up to 1800 mg) of St John’s wort reported equivalence to paroxetine in those with moderate or severe depression (Szegedi et al, 2005). Hyperforin, which inhibits the reuptake of monoamines, is thought to be the most likely active component (Chatterjee et al, 1998; Müller et al, 1998). Thus, the use of extracts with maximum hyperforin content should be examined more systematically (Werneke et al, 2004b).

Folate and S-adenosylmethionine are in the same biochemical pathway, with folate being required to synthesise methionine, the direct precursor of S-adenosylmethionine, from homocysteine. S-adenosylmethionine facilitates many methylation reactions required for the synthesis of many neurotransmitters (Bottiglieri et al, 2000; Morris et al, 2003). Thus, those with high levels of homocysteine may be more likely to become depressed, or possibly less likely to respond to antidepressant treatment. Interestingly, hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in homocysteine levels (Roberts & Ladenson, 2004) and this may contribute to the associated depression. In clinical studies, folate has been reported to be effective only when added to antidepressant therapy (Taylor et al, 2004).

Parenteral S-adenosylmethionine has been reported to be superior to placebo (Bressa, 1994), and equivalence to imipramine has been demonstrated in two RCTs (Delle Chiaie et al, 2002; Pancheri et al, 2002). The onset of action may be more rapid (Fava et al, 1995). Oral S-adenosylmethionine may require doses four times as high as the parenteral formulation (Delle Chiaie et al, 2002). Finally, omega-3 fatty acids are known to stabilise membranes and to facilitate monoaminergic, serotonergic and cholinergic neurotransmission (Haag, 2003) but their antidepressant effect has not been convincingly demonstrated in clinical studies (Marangell et al, 2003; Su et al, 2003). Omega-3 fatty acids are possibly effective when added to lithium in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder (Bowden, 2001; Table 4).

Antipsychotics, augmentation and treatment of tardive dyskinesia
Only two complementary medicines have been suggested for the treatment of psychosis. Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina) extracts were traditionally used before synthetic antipsychotics became widely available, several alkaloid derivatives, including reserpine, being introduced in the 1950s (Malamud et al, 1957). Rauwolfia originates from India and was mentioned in Ayurvedic medicine around 700 BC (Chevallier, 1996). It blocks vesicular storage of monoamines, allowing them to be more easily degraded by monoamine oxidases in the cytoplasm. As a consequence, the amount of neurotransmitter available on depolarisation of the cell membrane is reduced (Spinella, 2001), which may lead to a reduction in dopamine and the resolution of psychotic symptoms. However, serotonin and noradrenaline will also be less available, which explains why reserpine readily precipitates depression. An alternative strategy is the augmentation of antipsychotic treatment with omega-3 fatty acids, but the results of clinical trials remain inconclusive (Joy et al, 2003; Table 5).


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  		Table 5 Antipsychotics, augmentation and treatment of tardive dyskinesia

Attempts have been made to treat tardive dyskinesia with vitamin E. This treatment strategy relies on the assumption that tardive dyskinesia not only results from dopamine receptor supersensitivity but is also related to the oxidative tissue damage of antipsychotic drugs (Shamir et al, 2001; Lohr et al, 2003). Meta-analysis of ten small trials has indicated that vitamin E protects against deterioration of tardive dyskinesia (Soares & McGrath, 2001); one recent trial has reported improvement (Zhang et al, 2004). A far more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E is melatonin, which attenuates the dopaminergic activity in the striatum as well as the release of dopamine from the hypothalamus (Shamir et al, 2001; Lohr et al, 2003). However, as with omega-3 fatty acids, clinical trials have been inconclusive (Shamir et al, 2000, 2001), and larger trials are required to test its therapeutic effectiveness (Table 5).

Anti-addictives
Although there are many addictive plants, few have been identified as having the potential to counter addiction (Table 6). Such may be ibogaine, which is derived from the West African shrub Tabernanthe iboga. It has hallucinogenic properties and is traditionally used in religious ceremonies and initiation rites, but has also been claimed to counter nicotine, cocaine and opiate addiction, via blockade of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (and the dopamine response in general) in chronic cocaine and opiate users (Maisonneuve & Glick, 2003). Ibogaine also binds to the cocaine site of the serotonin transporter (Staley et al, 1996), but its therapeutic value is limited as it is highly neurotoxic and can cause irreversible cerebellar damage (Maisonneuve & Glick, 2003); as a result, further clinical studies have been abandoned. A synthetic derivative 18-methoxycoronaridine has similar reported effects but no cerebellar toxicity or specific effects on the serotonin transporter (Maisonneuve & Glick, 2003). To date 18-methoxycoronaridine has only been tested in animal experiments where it has been shown to reduce cocaine, morphine and alcohol intake in rats (Rezvani et al, 1997; Glick et al, 2000).


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  		Table 6 Anti-addictives

Passion flower has also been used to ameliorate the effects of opiate, cannabis, benzodiazepine and nicotine addiction, but clinical data are limited (Dhawan et al, 2002a,b, 2003; Akhondzadeh et al, 2001b). Likewise, valerian has been tried in benzodiazepine withdrawal (Poyares et al, 2002) and St John’s wort has been used for the treatment of alcohol dependence (De Vry et al, 1999; Rezvani et al, 1999; Overstreet et al, 2003b), but effectiveness has not been established. Kudzu, Japanese arrowroot (Pueraria lobata), has traditionally been used for the treatment of alcoholic hangover. The active ingredient, purerarin, counteracts the anxiogenic effects associated with alcohol withdrawal (Overstreet et al, 2003a). Kudzu also contains two potent, reversible inhibitors of human alcohol dehydrogenase isozymes (Keung, 1993), but an effect has only been demonstrated in vitro (Lin & Li, 1998). One small trial among those with chronic alcohol misuse has not shown any difference from placebo (Shebek & Rindone, 2000). Further trials are required to test its genuine therapeutic potential, perhaps using more standardised formulations of the active ingredient.


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DISCUSSION
 
Our review demonstrates that the evidence base for the use of psychotropic complementary medicines is extremely limited. The best evidence is available for St John’s wort and kava kava, both of which are used extensively in various cultures. However, trials of St John’s wort need improved definition of inclusion criteria (Werneke et al, 2004b), and kava kava has been withdrawn due to concerns about hepatotoxicity. Further RCTs are required to assess other promising agents such as selenium and S-adenosylmethionine for the treatment of depression, ideally in individuals showing the corresponding deficiencies at baseline. This may lead to new therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant depression. Valerian and passion flower should be tested as anxiolytics and sedatives; their potential value in the treatment of addiction also requires further clarification. The role of omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct to antipsychotics and melatonin as a treatment or prophylactic agent for tardive dyskinesia remain ambiguous, both requiring trials with sound methodology.

We have outlined only a limited range of complementary medicines used for the treatment of common psychiatric problems. Clearly there are many more remedies that may be taken to improve general health or to counter the side-effects of conventional treatments. Clinicians need to be aware of and enquire about such forms of self-medication, since all remedies may interact with prescribed medication or have associated side-effects in their own right. For instance, patients may take phyto-oestrogens, such as black colosh (Actaea racemosa), wild yam (Dioscorea composita) or dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to counter sexual side-effects, and this might pose a problem in patients with oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (Werneke et al, 2004a). For the same reason, patients may also try evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), which could decrease the effect of sodium valproate (Miller, 1989). Kelp (Laminaria digitata or Fucus vesiculosus) may be taken to counter weight gain, but can contain substantial amounts of iodine and can interfere with treatment for thyroid function disorders. Iodine taken together with lithium may have additive hypothyroid effects (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2004b).

Given the complex pattern of potential interactions, clinicians should not be afraid to discuss complementary medicines with their patients. Although some patients may choose to use complementary medicines as alternatives to conventional treatment, many may decide to use them in addition to prescribed medications. Complementary medicines have – rightly or wrongly – a very positive ‘natural’ reputation among significant sections of the population, and therefore can be popular with those from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. This may lead to higher acceptance and adherence compared with conventional drugs, making it important to be ‘willing and prepared to work in partnership with patients’ beliefs and preferences – provided their actions are safe’ (Brugha et al, 2004). Also, we do not know whether the agreed use of complementary medicines could in itself improve insight and subsequently lead to greater adherence to conventional treatment regimens. This emphasises the importance of further research on complementary medicines focusing on promising agents such as passion flower, valerian and S-adenosylmethionine, which appear to be obvious candidates for further RCTs. In addition, it might be important to consider patients’ attitudes and preferences in future studies, possibly targeting those demanding complementary medicines.

Finally, clinicians need to be aware of side-effects associated with complementary medicines and any interactions with other treatments. They should be able to identify hazards, advising patients accordingly and avoiding uncritical encouragement of potentially harmful use. Ignorance in this area, given the independent usage of complementary medicines, may lead to criticism and possibly litigation (Cohen & Eisenberg, 2002). Equally, patients should be encouraged to disclose information about complementary medicines to healthcare professionals. These discussions need to be conducted sensitively in order to avoid alienating patients who may feel that they have not been taken seriously or have been criticised for using complementary medicines. Such discussions can be complex and may demand more time than is available in routine clinics. Service models need to be designed to meet this challenge, with consideration being given to specialist clinics providing regular updated advice to both clinicians and patients.


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Clinical Implications and Limitations
 
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
  • Depending on the inclusion criteria chosen, between 8 and 57% of psychiatric patients (most commonly those with depression and anxiety) use complementary medicines.
  • Clinicians must be prepared to discuss the use of complementary medicine with patients who prefer a holistic approach to treatment.
  • Clinicians need to be aware of side-effects associated with complementary medicines and their interactions with conventional treatments.

LIMITATIONS

  • The evidence base for the use of psychotropic complementary medicines is extremely limited and randomised controlled trials of promising agents are urgently needed.
  • Often, the active ingredient in herbal formulations has not been identified, which leads to problems with standardisation of extracts and dose recommendations.
  • Discussions of complementary medicine use may demand more time than is available in routine clinics.


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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
 
We thank Mr Oded Horn for his assistance with interpretation of the meta-analyses.


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