Autism is a severe neurological disorder with significant psychological components that is first diagnosed in childhood. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, autism is a specific type of pervasive developmental disorder. It is characterized by, a "substantial delay in communication and social interaction." Additionally, autistic children engage in stereotypical movements, such as head banging as well as restrictive and repeated emotional and behavioral patterns. Much research has examined the role of various compounds in the treatment of autism, including natural substances such as turmeric.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant that is part of the ginger family. The plant is native to South Asia and its parts are gathered and ground into spices used in various curries. Historically, tumeric has been used medicinally to treat a variety of illnesses from cancer to depression. It also has antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties which make it useful for cleaning and treating wounds. Given the historical use of the substance, scientists have been interested in how turmeric works chemically and what exactly it may help treat.
Turmeric Dosage
In order to understand how turmeric may help individuals with autism, it is important to understand some of the underlying pathways of the disorder. Much work as looked at the role of inflammation in the development of autism. A paper written in 2007 and published in the journal "Medical Hypotheses," revealed that autism and inflammatory illnesses such as asthma share many characteristics including changes in immune system, problematic head circumference at birth, gender bias and increase in rate over the past century. As such, the author suggests that there may be an underlying inflammatory process in autism, which has significant treatment implications.
Turmeric and Inflammation
In 2009 scientists in England looked at plants containing anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols such turmeric. The study explored the chemistry of polyphenols and another medicinal aspects of turmeric called curcuminoids. Their analysis, which was published in the Spanish medical journal "Hospital Nutrition," revealed that these turmeric compounds possess significant anti inflammatory properties, as well as help protect against disease. They further state that turmeric curcuminoids may be a viable complement to patients being treated with other pharmaceuticals for chronic illness.
Putting it All Together
At the time of the current publication, the FDA has not approved turmeric or curcuminoid compounds for the treatment of any disorder, including autism. As such, there are no recommended doses for individuals wishing to add turmeric as a natural supplement. Research has suggested that turmeric holds properties that may fight disease and general inflammation, however. Since autism is thought to have similar properties to chronic inflammatory and auto immune diseases, perhaps someday research will show turmeric as a valid complement to traditional treatment.
References
- "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition"; The American Psychiatric Association; 1994
- "Medical Hypotheses"; Autism, Asthma, Inflammation, and the Hygiene Hypothesis; Kevin G. Becker; 2007
- "Hospital Nutrition"; Plant-erived Health: The Effects of Turmeric and Curcuminoids; S. Bengmark, et al; 2009
