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Herbal Medicines in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Therapeutic Potential, Plant Components, and Dosage Guidelines
Nasser M Aldekhail1, Hanan Khojah1, Nouf Humoud Alsaadoun2
1Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), marked by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors, significantly impacts the quality of life for kids and caregivers. Herbal medicines help manage symptoms, yet no comprehensive review has collectively summarized recent evidence (2018-mid-2025).
Methods:
This narrative review utilized searches across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies published on herbal medicines for ASD. Inclusion criteria prioritized clinical trials and preclinical studies detailing plant bioactive compounds, dosing, and mechanisms.
Key Findings:
Prominent herbs include Bacopa monnieri, which can enhance cognitive flexibility via bacosides; Curcuma longa (curcumin), which can reduce oxidative stress and repetitive behaviors; and Green Tea Extract (luteolin), which can modulate neuroinflammation. Cannabinoids show modest improvements in sleep and social engagement, while Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral blood flow. Passionflower and Valerian Root alleviate anxiety and hyperactivity through GABAergic pathways, and probiotic-fermented herbal combinations target gut-brain axis dysfunction. Ashwagandha demonstrates neuroprotective effects in preclinical trials.
Clinical Implications:
Herbal therapies may address core ASD symptoms (anxiety and hyperactivity) and comorbidities (sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal issues). However, standardization of herbal formulations and rigorous dosing protocols are needed. Integrative approaches combining herbs with behavioral therapies show accepted synergistic potential but require further validation. While herbal medicine may offer supportive benefits, it should never be intended to replace other evidence-based therapies (e.g., applied behavior analysis and speech therapy).
Future Directions:
Large-scale randomized clinical trials are crucial to confirming efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing. Research must address herb-drug interactions, long-term effects, and biomarkers for personalized treatment.
Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder, herbal medicines, narrative review, doses recommendation, therapeutic effects, side effects.
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