Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Polyphenols: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Nutrition
• Investigates the role of dietary polyphenols in neurological health and disease management.

Background:

• Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders like ADHD.
• Impairment of neurotransmitter pathways, particularly dopaminergic, is strongly linked to ADHD.
• Polyphenols, found in common foods, show promise in managing these pathological processes.

Approach:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 2023.
• Included 10 English-language clinical, placebo-controlled, and case-control trials involving 556 patients.
• Excluded reviews, meta-analyses, and non-English papers; used Rayyan software for bias management.

Key Points:

• Polyphenols rebalance oxidative stress pathways via multiple mechanisms.
• Clinical data indicates polyphenols are effective in treating ADHD, both as monotherapy and adjunct therapy.
• Polyphenols significantly reduce ADHD symptoms and mitigate side effects associated with traditional ADHD medications.

Conclusions:

• Polyphenols demonstrate efficacy in managing ADHD symptoms and improving clinical outcomes.
• Combining polyphenols with conventional ADHD treatments enhances therapeutic effects and reduces adverse events.
• Further research may support the role of polyphenols in ADHD prevention strategies.