A chemical derived from broccoli sprouts can assist in treating symptoms among those with autism spectrum disorders. Results from a small clinical trial indicate that the chemical from broccoli sprouts, best known for claims that it can help prevent certain types of cancers, can be beneficial for treatment of classic autism-related behavioral symptoms.

The study, a combined effort among scientists at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, included 40 teenage boys and young men, ages 13 to 27, with moderate to severe autism.

In the report, published online in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the week of October 13, the researchers indicate that many participants who received a daily dose of the chemical sulforaphane exhibited notable improvements in their social interaction and verbal communication as well as decreases in repetitive, ritualistic behaviors in comparison with participants who received a placebo.

Paul Talalay, MD, professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences, who has researched these vegetable compounds for the past 25 years, said in a statement, “We believe that this may be preliminary evidence for the first treatment for autism that improves symptoms by apparently correcting some of the underlying cellular problems.”

The study’s co-investigator, Andrew Zimmerman, MD, a professor of pediatric neurology at UMass Memorial Medical Center, added, “We are far from being able to declare a victory over autism, but this gives us important insights into what might help.”

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, autism spectrum disorder is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive, stereotyped behavioral patterns.