Animal model-based adjunctive herbal therapy in autism spectrum disorder: Therapeutic advances and prospects

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that poses major challenges to caregivers in contemporary societies. Since there is no established cure for this disorder so far, autistic patients of all ages are currently taken in charge of psychological and educational therapies that address their primary complaints while enhancing their quality of life. With the growing interest in herbal therapy globally, especially for illnesses with well-known underlying mechanisms, there have been clinical attempts to treat autism symptomatology using herbs or natural plant molecules in parallel with traditional follow-up. Nevertheless, basic research has only recently focused on studying the effects of herbal extracts in animal models of autism. This review emphasizes the animal studies that may provide credence to the adjunction of herbal therapy to conventional care strategies. Therefore, the study deduced a timeline chart combining promising herbal extracts such as Camellia sinensis, Bacopa monniera, and Korean red ginseng. This allows clinicians and caregivers to further evaluate the positive outcomes reported in autistic-like rodents. In conclusion, the study suggests employing herbal therapy as a clinical adjunct in the context of phytosupportive care.