The cognitive and behavioural effects of Mentat in children exhibiting symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a systematic review.

ATTENTION-deficit hyperactivity disorder; PATIENT safety; HERBAL medicine; TREATMENT effectiveness; BEHAVIOR; LEARNING; SYSTEMATIC reviews; MEDLINE; ALTERNATIVE medicine; MEDICAL databases; MEMORY; ONLINE information services; VISUAL perception; AUDITORY perception; COGNITION; PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems; DRUG tolerance; ADOLESCENCE; CHILDREN

Objectives Research concerning the poly-herbal formula Mentat has reported benefits in cognitive outcomes in children and adolescents. Despite this, no systematic appraisal of these publications has been conducted. This review aims to assess and critically summarise the impact of Mentat consumption upon cognition and behaviour in populations of children exhibiting clinical/non-clinical levels of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method PsycINFO, Google Scholar, EBSCOHost, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, DHARA and CINAHL were searched up to September 2021. There were no restrictions in study design. Effect sizes are provided for all significant findings to allow for cross-study comparisons. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes from randomised controlled trials are grouped into validated constructs for cross-study comparison. Results A total of 23 trials met inclusion criteria for this review; 16 studies reported improvements in behavioural symptoms, with 10 reporting improved cognitive outcomes. Outcome data within the Carroll framework indicated improvements in reasoning, mental speed, language behaviour and number facilities within the cognitive domains, and attention within the behaviour domain. Only five studies reported sufficient data for effect size analysis. Nine studies reported safety data, with eight reporting no treatment side effects. Conclusion The current review provides acceptable evidence for the use of the poly-herbal preparation Mentat for improving cognitive and behavioural outcomes in child and adolescent populations. The weight of evidence is limited due to inconsistent statistical outcomes and limited safety and tolerability data. Consistent safety reporting is crucial for safeguarding individuals' wellbeing, security and proactive risk management. Improved statistical practices are strongly recommended for future trials of this preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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