Evidence supporting the use of: Sulphoraphane
For the health condition: Autism

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, has been investigated for its potential effects on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The interest in sulforaphane for ASD is primarily based on preliminary scientific studies rather than traditional use. The most notable evidence comes from a 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Singh et al., 2014). In this study, young men with moderate to severe ASD who received sulforaphane supplements showed statistically significant improvements in social interaction, verbal communication, and reductions in abnormal behavior compared to placebo over an 18-week period. These findings suggest that sulforaphane may modulate some underlying biological pathways implicated in autism, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the sample size was small (n=40), and more extensive replication studies are needed. Subsequent research, including a 2020 systematic review, has noted that while results are promising, the current evidence base is limited and insufficient to support routine clinical use. Thus, sulforaphane’s use for ASD is justified by preliminary scientific evidence, but larger and longer-term studies are required to establish efficacy and safety.

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