Good day, friends!
Today, I’d like to tell you about a 2017 article titled "Sulforaphane from Broccoli Reduces Symptoms of Autism" (Sulforaphane from broccoli reduces symptoms of Autism: a follow-up case series from a randomized double-blind study).
This article was prepared by a team of scientists from the United States based on practical research conducted between 2011 and 2013.
Why was this study necessary?
Currently, there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite advancements in therapy, no pharmacological treatment exists either. In the U.S., two medications—Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole—are approved to treat aggressive behavior and increased irritability. However, these drugs have side effects, such as drowsiness, increased appetite, and hand tremors.
What is sulforaphane, and why might it be beneficial for autism?
Sulforaphane (SF) was identified by Paul Talalay and Yuesheng Zhang in 1992 at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. It has chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, is derived from broccoli, and has been successfully used in several small clinical studies. These studies have explored its role in cancer prevention, asthma treatment, lung function support, alcohol detoxification, and other areas.
But why was SF considered a potential treatment for ASD symptoms?
Researchers observed that around 35% of individuals with autism experience temporary symptom relief during fever. Since SF triggers a cellular heat shock response (similar to a fever), scientists hypothesized that it might have a potential effect on autism symptoms.
How was the study conducted?
The study included 44 young individuals diagnosed with ASD (ages 13 to 27), though only 40 completed it.
26 participants took SF in weight-appropriate doses for 18 weeks.
14 participants took a placebo.
Participants' behavior was observed and recorded using four different assessment scales and questionnaires before the study, at weeks 4, 10, and 18, and again four weeks after stopping SF.
What were the results?
Among the 26 participants who took the broccoli extract for the entire study:
- 17 individuals (65%) noticed a significant improvement in symptoms. However, four weeks after stopping SF, their behavioral measures returned to baseline.
- Among the 14 participants who took the placebo, no improvements were recorded.
What specific improvements were observed in the SF group? - Reduction in aberrant (atypical) behavior; improved social interaction; decreased irritability, hyperactivity, and stereotypies; significant improvement in communication skills over 18 weeks.
However, 9 participants who took SF did not notice any improvements.
The article includes feedback from parents and caregivers whose children participated in this study. It was interesting to read which areas of improvement were most frequently noted.
At the end of the article, a new study from the University of Massachusetts Medical School is also mentioned. This study plans to examine the effects of SF on children aged 3 to 12, analyzing not only behavioral changes but also biochemical blood markers.
I hope I can find information on this study and its results.
What do you think of the article? I found it very interesting, so I'm off to look for more research on this topic! :)
Read the full text of the article.
