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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments
Published on: May 31, 2017
[Herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders]
D Anheyer1, H Haller2, P Klose2
1Klinik für Naturheilkunde und Integrative Medizin, Knappschafts-Krankenhaus, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276, Essen, Deutschland. d.anheyer@kliniken-essen-mitte.de.
Herbal medicines are common in Germany, but only St. John's wort shows strong evidence for depression. More research is needed for other herbs like Passiflora incarnata.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Herbal medicines have a long tradition in Germany, frequently used for self-medication.
- Phytotherapeutic drugs are an important therapeutic option, particularly in self-care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize the evidence for phytotherapeutic drugs in psychiatric indications.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies for mental health conditions.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of current systematic review articles and meta-analyses.
- Focus on evidence supporting phytotherapeutic drug use for specific psychiatric conditions.
Main Results:
- St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is the only herb with convincing evidence for treating depression.
- No other herbal medicine demonstrated significant efficacy for the psychiatric indications reviewed.
Conclusions:
- Further randomized controlled trials are indicated for herbs like Passiflora incarnata, Rhodiola rosea, and Lavandula officinalis.
- Promising effects and low side effect profiles warrant continued investigation into these phytotherapeutic agents.
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