MEDICINAL PLANTS AND SENSORY MODULATION IN AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER: SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological development condition, characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors. It can occur together with other disorders and lacks specific treatments for its core symptoms, posing a clinical challenge. Revealing new therapies, such as the potential of medicinal plants, emerges as a promising avenue of research.

Objective: Explore the impact of medicinal plants in modulating sensory alterations in individuals diagnosed with ASD.

Methodology: The review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual, and the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping reviews. A search was conducted in Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed using standardized DeCS/MeSH terms with Boolean operators. The quality of the studies was assessed with Risk of Bias and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: Of 1296 records reviewed, 20 duplicates were removed, leaving 1276 for analysis. After careful screening, 1232 records were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Finally, 8 studies were considered eligible. The results revealed several interventions, such as herbs in nasal drops, sulforaphane, polyherbal compounds, cannabinoids and decoctions, with variable doses and forms of administration according to the patient’s needs, showing significant improvements in symptoms associated with ASD.

Conclusion: Medicinal plants show potential to improve symptoms such as irritability and repetitive behaviors in people with ASD, but more research is needed in clinical trials to better understand their effectiveness.