How Physicians and Nursing Staff Perceive Effectiveness and Tolerability of Bryophyllum Preparations: An Online Survey in an Anthroposophic Hospital

Abstract

Background: Bryophyllum preparations are widely used in anthroposophic medicine, most often for mental and behavioural disorders. Three prospective studies have revealed positive effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum on sleep quality, and various trials have shown very good tolerability. Results from animal models have indicated CNS depressant and anxiolytic effects. This survey was conducted at the hospital “Klinik Arlesheim” in Switzerland to find out how the physicians and the nursing staff perceive the effectiveness and the tolerability of the Bryophyllum preparations they most frequently use. Design: Internal, anonymous online survey of healthcare professionals (April 8–May 31, 2022). The questionnaire comprised 105 multiple-choice questions. Answering the questions was taken as consent to participate in the survey. Participants and Methods: All physicians and nursing staff with a valid email address at the hospital “Klinik Arlesheim AG” were invited via email to participate in this REDCap survey. The data were analysed descriptively. Results: Out of 266 invited participants, 48 answered some and 36 answered all questions (response rate between 18.0% and 13.5%). The participants had long experience with Bryophyllum preparations and were comprised approximately equal numbers of physicians and nursing staff. Various Bryophyllum preparations from the hospital’s own production and Wala Heilmittel GmbH (in both cases produced from the species B. daigremontianum) and from Weleda AG (species B. pinnatum) were used. The indications for which most participants had prescribed or administered Bryophyllum preparations “very frequently” were anxiety, sleep disorders, crisis situations in oncology, posttraumatic stress disorder, benzodiazepine dependence/withdrawal, and depression. Improvements such as relief from restlessness, decreased anxiety, balance, easier falling asleep, better sleeping through, increased resilience, mood elevation, and less urge to move one’s legs were reported “frequently” or “very frequently.” Almost all participants agreed that Bryophyllum can be used to reduce the intake of synthetic sedatives or psychotropic drugs, but only approximately half believed that it could replace them. The majority of participants mentioned good tolerability of the various products, but a few reported occasional stomach or intestinal irritation, daytime fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhoea, and nausea. Conclusion: Bryophyllum preparations are perceived as helpful in the treatment of various mental disorders, particularly anxiety, and are generally well tolerated. Most of these preparations are used for indications that have not yet been clinically investigated.