Buoyed by greater public awareness and discussion, the number of Australians being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is growing. The jump in numbers reflects correction after decades of under-diagnosis, particularly in women whose symptoms have been less well understood.¹

This presents a clinical opportunity for natural healthcare practitioners as more patients seek support for ADHD. Some practitioners themselves may be unmasking neurodivergent traits and learning strategies to better support their own lives and those of their patients.

ADHD from the Female Perspective

ADHD is characterised by a consistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.² Symptoms and challenges with executive functioning may be present throughout life or become more apparent with major life changes.

For women, hormonal fluctuations and transitional periods of life influence symptoms.³ This includes during the post-natal period when sleep deprivation and the complexity of family life add to the mental load. ADHD symptoms can worsen during perimenopause and menopause. Declines in oestrogen and progesterone affect dopamine and serotonin release, leading to greater difficulties with concentration, focus, and reward responsivity.^3,4

Herbs an Effective Therapeutic Option

Psychostimulants are the therapeutic drugs of choice for many ADHD patients, despite their concerning side effect profile. Herbal medicines present a safe and effective alternative. In a systematic review, Saffron (Crocus sativus) and Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) had similar efficacy to methylphenidate (Ritalin) in children and adolescents with ADHD.^5,6,7

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri), Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and Gotu Kola (Centella asiastica) are nootropics that may also assist ADHDers.⁸ These cognition enhancing herbs improve memory and learning, attention, and mental flexibility.⁸

Bacopa the Brain Enhancer

Evidence consistently demonstrates the benefits of Bacopa for enhanced cognitive processing, heightened attention, diminished hyperactivity, and reductions in anxiety and depression.⁹ In males with inattention and hyperactivity (6-14 years), Bacopa treatment improved mental flexibility, executive functioning, interpersonal problems, and sleep routines compared to placebo (p=0.02), but did not improve behaviour.¹⁰

Adverse effects are mild and uncommon,¹¹ making Bacopa a safe and effective treatment option. Bacopa works by increasing cerebral blood flow, restoring cholinergic function, modulating GABA and serotonin levels, and reducing free radical damage. Bacosides, triterpenoid saponins from Bacopa, have demonstrated neuroprotective effects.⁸

Modulating Dopamine with Ginkgo

Ginkgo is an antioxidant and neuroprotective herb that supports healthy circulation and blood flow. Its cognition-enhancing properties are well established. Ginkgo’s beneficial effect on ADHD-like symptoms may be related to modulation of the neuronal system, influencing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine signalling.¹²

An early open trial found that Gingko extract (240 mg/d) led to modest improvements in 20 children with ADHD.¹³ In a randomized, double-blind trial, Ginkgo (80–120 mg/d) significantly improved parental and teacher ratings of attention compared to placebo in 60 children with ADHD.¹⁴ When compared with methylphenidate, both Ginkgo (80–120 mg/d) and methylphenidate improved attention from baseline. While the drug treatment was superior, adverse effects were significantly worse and more common compared to Ginkgo.^15,8

Sustained Attention with Saffron

A recent pilot study highlights Saffron as comparable to standard drug therapy. The safety and efficacy of Saffron versus methylphenidate was studied in children with ADHD (6–17 yrs) who were randomly assigned to receive Saffron extract (20-30 mg) or methylphenidate for 6 weeks. Based on assessment of 50 children who completed the study, the Saffron group and drug group did not differ significantly in alterations in ADHD rating Scale scores (rating hyperactivity and inattention) from baseline to the end of the trial.⁶

Active ingredients in Saffron are suggested to restrict dopamine and norepinephrine absorption. They also protect against oxidative damage, supporting neuroprotection. Saffron influences monoaminergic and glutamatergic pathways, making it ideal for the treatment of ADHD which is involves a breakdown of these pathways.^2,16,17

L-Theanine Promotes a Calm Clear Mind

L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in Green tea (Camilla sinensis) that may enhance cognitive function, reduce acute stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.¹⁸ L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness, via effects on alpha brain wave activity.¹⁹ L-theanine may help improve sustained attention and decrease mind wandering, enhancing executive function.^18,20,21

L-theanine and caffeine appear to have synergistic effects, benefiting ADHD-associated impairments in sustained attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive performance.²² A randomised, crossover trial investigated the effects of L-theanine (2.5 mg/kg), caffeine (2 mg/kg), a combination of both, and placebo in boys with ADHD. All substances enhanced sustained attention and reduced mind wandering, however the greatest improvements were seen with combined L-theanine and caffeine [all p<0.001].²² Further, L-theanine (400 mg/d for six weeks) was shown to objectively improve sleep quality in boys with ADHD.²³

Now We Have Your Attention…

Herbal medicines offer efficacious treatment options for patients with ADHD and ADHD-like symptoms, with fewer side effects. Promoting a calm, clear, focused mind and improving executive function, herbs enhance productivity and functional ability in those living with ADHD.

References

1. Australian Psychological Society. ADHD diagnoses on the rise as awareness grows [Internet]. APS, Melbourne, VIC:APS. [updated 2024 Aug 2024; cited 2025 Apr 1]. Available from: https://psychology.org.au/insights/adhd-diagnoses-on-the-rise-as-awareness-grows
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