Therapeutic Role of Nutraceuticals in Ameliorating Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – State of Art Review

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are beneficial compounds present in foods that act as therapeutic and preventive agents against diseases. By following a diet designed for the diseased condition, the nutraceuticals provide an ameliorating effect. Nutritional foods comprise active components like polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids with unquestionable antioxidant activity. For many disorders, oxidative stress and free radicals are the foremost causes. So, the antioxidant activity of functional foods has the capability to fight against countless physiological defects. The most intricate disorder with an unpredictable, definite cause with a high range of aetiology in infants these days is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Treatment for ASD is a highly challenging research field for upcoming researchers on the same side. ASD patients also needed an effective treatment without side effects. Then diet-based approaches are the main aim, due to their beneficial effects with less toxicity, to maintain the homeostatic condition of the ASD patients. Foodiceuticals ameliorate the adverse effects of neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative disorders, and other metabolic disorders. The upgrading effects of superfoods like resveratrol, curcumin, crocin, catechin, lycopene, probiotics, melatonin, withaferin, and carotene, etc., are examined in the ASD animal models with varied dosages. However, it showed a better effect in improving ASD behaviour via mediating the genetic alterations. In this review, the detailed mechanisms of pharmaceutical foods are reviewed. The potential therapeutic value of nutraceuticals and functional foods in ASD lies in their antioxidant capability and ability to modulate.