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

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 genetic alterations. Promising such results are reported from foods, such as resveratrol, curcumin, and probiotics in preclinical studies related to ASD behaviours. The results further warrant clinical trials to establish their efficacy and safety. The article highlights their antioxidant activity, ability to modulate genetic alterations, and promising effects in preclinical studies, emphasizing the need for clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety. Based on the review of nutraceuticals given a clear-cut point in the treatment of ASD, there is a positive result in prevention and treatment not only in ASD but in other diseases too.