Effects of the Anti-inflammatory Flavonoid Luteolin on Behavior in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Abstract
Background. Increasing evidence indicates that brain inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, including at least a significant proportion of subjects with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Natural flavonoids, such as luteolin and quercetin, exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators from human mast cells, and reduce maternal interleukin 6-induced autism-like behavioral deficits related to social interactions in mice. In a case series of 37 children with ASD who took a dietary supplement containing luteolin and quercetin for 4 months reported gains in eye contact, attention and social interaction according to parental reports.
Aim. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability in white children with ASD of a dietary supplement containing 2 flavonoids, luteolin and quercetin, and the quercetin glycoside rutin.
Methods. Fifty children (42 boys and 8 girls) divided into 2 equal age groups (4-6 years old, and 7-10 years) with ASD were enrolled in a 26-week, prospective, open-label trial at the 2nd University Department of Psychiatry at "Attikon" General Hospital, Athens, Greece, the Ethics Committee of which approved the study. The parents of all subjects were informed of the study's aims, including risks versus benefits of participating and not participating as well as the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and they written consent for participation in…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 50 participants or records.
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