Brain with roots extending into the earth

The Ancient Herb That Could Calm ADHD: Rehmannia's Promise

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Could a traditional Chinese medicine offer new hope for managing ADHD symptoms?"

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, ADHD often persists from childhood into adulthood, impacting various aspects of life. While conventional treatments like methylphenidate (MPH) exist, they can come with unwanted side effects, prompting the search for safer, alternative therapies.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to health, viewing the body as an interconnected system. One TCM remedy, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, derived from the Rehmannia root, has been used for centuries to nourish the kidney and benefit essence and marrow – concepts closely tied to brain health in TCM theory. Intriguingly, this herb is a popular choice among TCM practitioners for addressing ADHD.

Emerging research suggests Rehmanniae Radix Preparata possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Studies hint at its potential to improve learning, memory, and even mood. Now, scientists are exploring whether this ancient remedy could offer a new way to manage ADHD by targeting structural differences in the brains of those affected.

How Can Rehmanniae Radix Preparata Potentially Help With ADHD Symptoms?

Brain with roots extending into the earth

ADHD is increasingly understood to involve structural differences in the brain, particularly in the cortex. These differences can affect neuronal development, energy metabolism, and even lead to neuronal apoptosis (cell death). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective, viewing the brain as the "house of spirit" and "sea of marrow," closely linked to the health of the kidneys. When kidney essence is deficient, it can impact brain marrow, leading to symptoms associated with ADHD.

Rehmanniae Radix Preparata is believed to work by:

Neuroprotection: Protecting brain cells from damage.
Antioxidation: Reducing harmful oxidative stress in the brain.
Anti-inflammation: Reducing inflammation, which can contribute to brain dysfunction.
Supporting Energy Metabolism: Ensuring brain cells have the energy they need to function properly.

One active component of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, catalpol, is particularly interesting. Research suggests catalpol can elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for brain health. It may also protect against neuronal apoptosis and improve energy metabolism – all potentially beneficial for individuals with ADHD.

A Promising Avenue for Future Research

The idea that Rehmanniae Radix Preparata and its active component, catalpol, could offer a new approach to managing ADHD is compelling. By targeting neuroprotection, apoptosis, and energy metabolism, these natural medicines may help address the structural abnormalities associated with the condition. While more research is needed, particularly in human trials, this ancient remedy offers a promising avenue for those seeking alternative and complementary ADHD treatments.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1155/2018/3052058, Alternate LINK

Title: The Therapeutic Effect Of The Chinese Herbal Medicine, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Via Reversal Of Structural Abnormalities In The Cortex

Subject: Complementary and alternative medicine

Journal: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Publisher: Hindawi Limited

Authors: Haixia Yuan, Meng Yang, Xinmin Han, Xinqiang Ni

Published: 2018-10-14

Everything You Need To Know

How might Rehmanniae Radix Preparata help with the symptoms of ADHD?

Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, a herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is thought to help with ADHD symptoms because of its potential to provide neuroprotection, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and support energy metabolism in the brain. It aims to address structural differences in the brain associated with ADHD. The active component, catalpol, may elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is crucial for brain health, protect against neuronal apoptosis, and improve energy metabolism.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine explain the connection between kidney health and brain function in the context of ADHD?

Traditional Chinese Medicine views the brain as the "house of spirit" and "sea of marrow," linking it to the health of the kidneys. When kidney essence is deficient, it can impact brain marrow, leading to symptoms associated with ADHD. Rehmanniae Radix Preparata is believed to address this by nourishing the kidney and benefiting essence and marrow.

What role does catalpol play in Rehmanniae Radix Preparata's potential benefits for ADHD?

Catalpol, an active component of Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, is thought to elevate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein crucial for brain health. Additionally, catalpol may protect against neuronal apoptosis and improve energy metabolism, which are potentially beneficial for individuals with ADHD. More research is needed to fully understand its effects.

How does Rehmanniae Radix Preparata compare to existing treatments for ADHD, like methylphenidate (MPH)?

Current treatments like methylphenidate (MPH) can have unwanted side effects, prompting the search for safer, alternative therapies. Rehmanniae Radix Preparata could be a complementary approach due to its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it's important to note that more research, especially human trials, is necessary to validate its effectiveness and safety compared to existing treatments.

What are the key mechanisms through which Rehmanniae Radix Preparata is believed to impact brain health in individuals with ADHD?

Rehmanniae Radix Preparata works by providing neuroprotection by protecting brain cells from damage, antioxidation by reducing harmful oxidative stress in the brain, anti-inflammation by reducing inflammation which can contribute to brain dysfunction and supporting energy metabolism ensuring brain cells have the energy they need to function properly. By targeting these areas, it may help address structural abnormalities in the brain associated with ADHD.