Neuroprotective Marine Bioactives in Paediatric ADHD: A Focused Review on Therapeutic Potential
Benu Chaudhary1, Preeti Arya2, Praveen Kumar3
1Department of Pharmacy, Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panipat, Haryana, India.
Insights
Marine bioactives show promise for managing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. These natural compounds offer potential neuroprotective benefits, supporting cognitive function and neurodevelopment as alternatives to conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Marine Biology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition in children.
- Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, impacting cognitive function and development.
- Marine-derived bioactive compounds are being explored for their potential in supporting neurodevelopment and managing ADHD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of marine-derived bioactive compounds for managing ADHD in children.
- To analyze compounds with therapeutic value for ADHD management.
- To highlight natural alternatives to conventional ADHD treatments.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov.
- Inclusion of human clinical trials and preclinical research up to July 2025.
- Focus on studies related to marine bioactives and ADHD in children or neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Results:
- Marine sources contain neuroprotective agents like Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), vital for brain development.
- Compounds such as Klamin® (from Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) show potential for attention regulation via monoamine oxidase B inhibition.
- Marine peptides and polysaccharides exhibit anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative properties relevant to ADHD.
Conclusions:
- Marine bioactives offer a novel, natural avenue for ADHD management through nutritional interventions.
- These compounds present potentially safer alternatives to traditional pharmacological treatments.
- Further clinical research is essential to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and long-term safety.
Introduction:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition in children, marked by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This review examines the potential of marine-derived bioactive compounds as promising alternatives to support neurodevelopment and aid in managing ADHD-related symptoms.
Methods:
Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using terms related to marine bioactives and ADHD. Studies published up to July 2025 were considered, focusing on human clinical trials and preclinical research involving children or outcomes related to neurodevelopment. Reviews focusing on marine-based sources have increasingly highlighted their potential in enhancing cognitive function, attention regulation, and overall neurodevelopment in children with ADHD. This review offers a targeted analysis of marine-derived compounds with potential therapeutic value in the management of ADHD in children.
Results:
Marine sources offer several neuroprotective agents, including Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), which are critical for brain development, especially in children. Compounds such as Klamin®, derived from Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, contain betaphenylethylamine and phycocyanins that exhibit monoamine oxidase B inhibition and may support attention regulation. Bioactive peptides and marine polysaccharides also demonstrate significant anti- inflammatory and neuroregenerative potential.
Discussion:
Marine bioactives represent a unique and largely untapped avenue for ADHD management through nutritional and functional interventions. Compared to conventional pharmacological treatments, these compounds offer natural, potentially safer options. However, clinical studies are limited, and further research is needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and long-term safety.
Conclusion:
Marine-derived compounds exhibit promising neuroprotective and cognitiveenhancing properties relevant to the management of ADHD. Future research and clinical validation may pave the way for integrating these natural agents into therapeutic and dietary strategies for children with ADHD.
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