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Published on: July 31, 2017
Potential natural products for the management of autism spectrum disorder
Punya Sachdeva1, Intizaar Mehdi2, Rohit Kaith2
1Amity Institute of Neuropsychology and Neurosciences Amity University Noida Uttar Pradesh India.
Insights
Researchers are exploring natural compounds from plants and animals as potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review examines promising herbal medicines for safe and effective autism therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social interaction difficulties and repetitive behaviors.
- Atypical brain development, including neurogenesis and neuronal migration, is observed in individuals with ASD.
- Current treatments for ASD, including behavioral therapies and medications, do not fully address core symptoms and can have adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review natural compounds derived from animal and plant sources for their potential in treating autism spectrum disorder.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these natural substances as alternative therapeutic strategies for ASD.
- To identify promising natural treatments for autism that may offer a safer and more effective approach.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on natural compounds and their effects on autism spectrum disorder.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical data on the efficacy of animal- and plant-derived substances.
- Identification of key natural compounds with demonstrated therapeutic potential for ASD symptoms.
Main Results:
- Several natural compounds from animal and plant origins have shown promise in preclinical and some clinical studies for managing ASD symptoms.
- These natural agents may offer a safer alternative to conventional ASD medications, with fewer adverse effects.
- Further clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and optimal use of these natural compounds in autism treatment.
Conclusions:
- Natural compounds represent a promising avenue for developing novel and safer treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
- Herbal medicines and animal-derived substances warrant further investigation for their therapeutic potential in ASD.
- Integrating evidence-based natural therapies could complement existing interventions for individuals with autism.
Abstract:
Autism in a broader sense is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which frequently occurs during early childhood and can last for a lifetime. This condition is primarily defined by difficulties with social engagement, with individuals displaying repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Numerous neuroanatomical investigations on autistic children have revealed that their brains grow atypically, resulting in atypical neurogenesis, neuronal migration, maturation, differentiation, and degeneration. Special education programs, speech therapy, and occupational therapy have all been used to address autism-related behavioral problems. While widely prescribed antidepressant drugs, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and stimulants have demonstrated response in autistic individuals. However, these medications do not fully reverse the core symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The adverse reactions of ASD medicines and an increased risk of developing various other problems, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders, prompted the researchers to investigate herbal medicines for the treatment of autistic individuals. Clinical trials are now being done to establish the efficacy of alternative techniques based on natural substances and to understand better the context in which they may be used to treat autism. This review of literature will look at crucial natural compounds derived from animals and plants that have shown promise as safe and effective autism treatment strategies.
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