Clinical trials with herbal medicinal products in children: a literature analysis

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2015 Jun;165(11-12):236-42. doi: 10.1007/s10354-015-0373-6. Epub 2015 Jul 17.

Abstract

Herbal medicinal products have been used since several decades for the health care of children. Nevertheless, well-controlled clinical studies with herbal medicinal products for children are rare. The authors' objective therefore was to evaluate clinical trials with herbal medicinal products in children, based on a literature search in PubMed and Web of Science. A total of 133 trials were identified. 90 studies were randomized, 32.2% were randomized and double-blinded. Most studies were performed in China, in the age group 6-12 years, and in children with respiratory diseases, most often herbal medicinal products with Hedera helix were tested. The analysis revealed that studies on herbal medicinal products were feasible in children. Although clinical trials have been found, this literature search have limitations and did not cover all studies performed. However, only few clinical trials of high quality were identified. Further studies therefore are urgently needed to support the good empirical findings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • China
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Hedera
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy

Substances

  • Plant Extracts