A chemical found in broccoli sprouts may help improve some symptoms of autism and could be the key for further research, according to a new clinical study.

The study published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences involved 40 young men aged 13-27 who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

The participants that were given the chemical sulforaphane showed improvements in both behavior and communication skills within just four weeks.

The study, a joint effort by scientists at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, randomly assigned a daily dose of either sulforaphane - extracted from broccoli sprouts - or a placebo to the young men.

Although it was a blind study, the researchers said it was obvious which of the participants had taken the sulforaphane due to the behavioral improvements, and they were not surprised by the results.

"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," molecular sciences professor Dr. Paul Talalay said.

Study co-author Dr. Andrew Zimmerman emphasized the researchers were far from being able to declare victory over autism, but this gave important insights into what might help.

ASD experts estimate that the group of disorders affects 1-2% percent of the world's population, with a much higher incidence in boys than girls. Its behavioral symptoms include poor social interaction and verbal communication.

Talalay said that unfortunately, despite progress having been made over recent decades, the disorder's root causes remained elusive.

In 1992 it was found sulforaphane could help in bolstering the body's natural defenses against oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA damage.

In addition, the chemical later turned out to improve the body's heat-shock response when suddenly introduced to high temperatures, including those experienced when people had a fever.

Intriguingly, about half the parents reported that their children's autistic behavior noticeably improved when they had a fever, and then reverted back once it had gone.

UK-based Research Autism research director Richard Mills welcomed the findings, but cautioned that it since it was a small study group the results were not conclusive.

"Sulforaphane is a safe intervention and certainly worth a larger controlled trial. We can see many applications and advantages, although the researchers own statement must head the list of cautions and caveats," Mills said.

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