Nasser M Aldekhail, Hanan Khojah, Nouf Humoud Alsaadoun, Mohammad M Al-Sanea, Saleh B Alshammari, Abdulaziz H Alhazeemi, Abdullah M Aldekhail, Khaled M Aldekhail, Bandar H Alazmi, Raneem Abed Alrayes, Alhanouf Mishael Aljaber, Lama Alanazi, Abdul Aziz A Agili, Mohammed Gamal
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: 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.
背景：背景•自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）以社会沟通缺陷和重复行为为特征，显著影响儿童及其照顾者的生活质量。草药有助于控制症状，但没有全面的综述集体总结最近的证据（2018年至2025年中期）。•本叙述性综述利用PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和b谷歌Scholar的搜索来确定已发表的关于草药治疗ASD的研究。纳入标准优先考虑临床试验和临床前研究，详细说明植物生物活性化合物、剂量和机制。•著名的草药包括假马齿苋，它可以通过假马齿苋苷增强认知灵活性；姜黄（姜黄素），可以减少氧化应激和重复行为；绿茶提取物（木犀草素），可以调节神经炎症。大麻素能适度改善睡眠和社交活动，而银杏叶能改善脑血流。西番莲和缬草根通过gaba能途径缓解焦虑和多动症，益生菌发酵草药组合针对肠-脑轴功能障碍。Ashwagandha在临床前试验中显示神经保护作用。•草药疗法可以解决核心ASD症状（焦虑和多动）和合并症（睡眠障碍和胃肠道问题）。然而，需要草药配方的标准化和严格的剂量方案。结合草药和行为疗法的综合方法显示出公认的协同作用潜力，但需要进一步验证。虽然草药可能提供支持性益处，但它绝不应该取代其他循证疗法（例如，应用行为分析和语言治疗）。•大规模随机临床试验对于确认疗效、安全性和最佳剂量至关重要。研究必须解决草药与药物的相互作用、长期影响和个性化治疗的生物标志物。关键词：自闭症谱系障碍，草药，叙事回顾，剂量推荐，疗效，副作用。
期刊介绍：
Launched in 1995, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine has a mission to promote the art and science of integrative medicine and a responsibility to improve public health. We strive to maintain the highest standards of ethical medical journalism independent of special interests that is timely, accurate, and a pleasure to read. We publish original, peer-reviewed scientific articles that provide health care providers with continuing education to promote health, prevent illness, and treat disease. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine was the first journal in this field to be indexed in the National Library of Medicine. In 2006, 2007, and 2008, ATHM had the highest impact factor ranking of any independently published peer-reviewed CAM journal in the United States—meaning that its research articles were cited more frequently than any other journal’s in the field.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine does not endorse any particular system or method but promotes the evaluation and appropriate use of all effective therapeutic approaches. Each issue contains a variety of disciplined inquiry methods, from case reports to original scientific research to systematic reviews. The editors encourage the integration of evidence-based emerging therapies with conventional medical practices by licensed health care providers in a way that promotes a comprehensive approach to health care that is focused on wellness, prevention, and healing. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine hopes to inform all licensed health care practitioners about developments in fields other than their own and to foster an ongoing debate about the scientific, clinical, historical, legal, political, and cultural issues that affect all of health care.
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