ADHD Treatments Under the Spotlight: Weighing Benefits and Harms
November 28, 2025
Brand Name :
camellia sinensis, camellia thea, Dexatrim (reformulated), Japanese tea, Theanine, Matsu-cha tea, Chinese tea
Synonyms :
green tea
Class :
Cardiovascular Herbals Neurology & psychiatry herbals
Suggested Dosing:Â
Brew one to ten cups of tea per day using one teaspoon of tea leaves per eight ounces of boiling waterÂ
2 cups to 4 cups or more than that per day is used to decrease the depression symptoms
It's advised not to drink more than 10 cups of tea per day
Actions and Spectrum:Â Â
Antioxidant action: The drug is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly a group of polyphenols known as catechins.Â
Anti-inflammatory action: Drug possesses anti-inflammatory characteristics that can assist in reducing inflammation within the body. Â
Cardiovascular action: Studies have suggested that this drug improves the cardiovascular action by improving blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Â
Metabolic action: This drug has been found to increase metabolism and promote fat oxidation, which reduce obesity.Â
Neuroprotective action: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in this drug may have neuroprotective effects, helping to protect the brain from damage and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.Â
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Frequency not defined.Â
Increased respirationÂ
DependenceÂ
HeartburnÂ
ConstipationÂ
AnxietyÂ
ConvulsionsÂ
DizzinessÂ
DiarrheaÂ
AgitationÂ
ArrhythmiasÂ
DeliriumÂ
DiuresisÂ
GI upsetÂ
HeadacheÂ
HypertensionÂ
Increased cholesterolÂ
HepatotoxicityÂ
Contraindication/Caution:Â Â
Stomach Problems: People with a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers, should avoid this drug or consume it in moderation.Â
Iron Deficiency Anemia: People with this condition should avoid drinking green tea with meals or take an iron supplement with their tea.Â
Blood Thinners: Drug contains vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. Â
Liver Disease: Excessive consumption of this drug can damage the liver and exacerbate liver disease, especially when consumed in large amounts or in combination with alcohol.Â
Anxiety Disorders: The caffeine and other stimulating compounds in drug can exacerbate anxiety disorders in some people.Â
Pregnancy warnings:    Â
Pregnancy category: N/AÂ
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknownÂ
Pregnancy Categories:        Â
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.Â
Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.  Â
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.   Â
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.   Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology:Â
green tea, also known as Camellia sinensis,It contains several bioactive compounds, including catechins, caffeine, and theanine, which are responsible for its pharmacological effects Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
green tea polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), possess strong antioxidant properties that can safeguard the body from free radical damage and oxidative stress. Furthermore, these polyphenols have been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may lower the risk of chronic inflammatory illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis, by inhibiting the body’s production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
 The drug components are absorbed in the small intestine. The absorption rate of these compounds can be influenced by factors such as the formulation of the tea, the temperature of the water, and the presence of food in the stomach. Â
DistributionÂ
 The bioactive compounds in drug are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream.  Â
MetabolismÂ
The bioactive compounds in drug are metabolized mainly in the liver, where they undergo phase I and II reactions.  Â
Excretion and eliminationÂ
The metabolites of the bioactive compounds in the drug are excreted mainly in the urine and feces. The excretion rate can be influenced by factors such as the dose, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s renal and hepatic function.Â
Administration:  Â
Drinking green tea: The most common way to consume green tea is by brewing the leaves in hot water and drinking it. Â
Green tea supplements: The drug supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, or powders. These supplements are often standardized to contain a specific amount of catechins.Â
Patient information leafletÂ
Generic Name: green teaÂ
Why do we use green tea? Â
Promoting overall health: The drug contains antioxidants which promote overall health.  Â
Weight loss: The drug contains catechins, which are believed to help increase metabolism and burn fat.  Â
Skincare: The drug is useful in skincare.Â
Oral health: The catechins found in green tea is preventing gum disease and cavities.  Â
Aromatherapy: The drug can be used in aromatherapy to help promote relaxation and reduce stress.