Sulforaphane Adjunct to Methylphenidate for Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-blind,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents significant treatment challenges.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to address the limitations of current ADHD treatments.
• Sulforaphane possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy and safety of sulforaphane as an adjunct therapy for ADHD in children.
• To evaluate the impact of sulforaphane on ADHD symptoms, including inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 70 children with ADHD aged 6-11.
• Participants received methylphenidate plus either sulforaphane (30 mg/d) or a placebo for 8 weeks.
• ADHD symptoms were assessed using the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) by teachers and parents at baseline, week 4, and week 8.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in ADHD-RS total, inattention, and hyperactivity-impulsivity scores were observed in the sulforaphane group compared to the placebo group.
• Higher rates of treatment response, robust improvement, and remission were achieved with sulforaphane adjunct therapy.
• The frequency of side effects was comparable between the sulforaphane and placebo groups, indicating good tolerability.

Conclusions:

• Adjunct sulforaphane to methylphenidate treatment demonstrated significant benefits for children with ADHD.
• The combination therapy effectively improved inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and overall ADHD symptoms.
• Sulforaphane was found to be a safe and well-tolerated addition to methylphenidate for pediatric ADHD treatment.