Authors: Aran, A., Eylon, M., Harel, M., et al.
Year: 2019
Summary: This study found significantly lower serum levels of anandamide (AEA), oleoylethanolamine (OEA), and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in children with ASD compared to neurotypical controls. These findings suggest that circulating endocannabinoid levels could serve as potential stratification biomarkers for ASD.
Authors: Karhson, D. S., Krasinska, K. M., Dallaire, J. A., et al.
Year: 2018
Summary: This research demonstrated lower concentrations of anandamide (AEA) in plasma samples from young children with ASD compared to typically developing children, corroborating findings of reduced endocannabinoid tone in ASD.
Authors: Silva Junior, E. A., Medeiros, W. M. B., Santos, J. P. M., et al.
Year: 2024
Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating a CBD-rich cannabis extract in children with ASD. The study reported significant improvements in social interaction, anxiety, psychomotor agitation, number of meals, and concentration (specifically in mild ASD cases), with minimal and mild adverse effects.
Authors: Barchel, D., Stolar, O., De-Haan, T., et al.
Year: 2018
Summary: This clinical study indicated that cannabidiol (CBD) treatment led to reductions in various co-occurring conditions in children with ASD, including self-harm behavior, anger attacks, hyperactivity, sleep problems, and anxiety.
Authors: Bar-Lev Schleider, L., Mechoulam, R., Saban, N., et al.
Year: 2019
Summary: This study analyzed real-life experience with medical cannabis treatment in autism, reporting considerable amelioration in behavioral problems in a significant percentage of children with ASD and severe behavioral issues, along with improvements in anxiety and communication.
Authors: Aran, A., Cassuto, H., Lubotzky, A., et al.
Year: 2019
Summary: A retrospective feasibility study that investigated the effectiveness of CBD-rich cannabis drugs against behavioral problems in children with ASD. It found considerable improvements in behavior, anxiety, and communication problems.
Label: Overview of ECS and ASD Pathophysiology
Authors: Schultz, S., & Siniscalco, D.
Year: 2019
Summary: This review highlights the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid (EC) system in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, including ASD, particularly its role in regulating the immune system. It also discusses the potential of cannabidiol (CBD) to increase endocannabinoid tone and alleviate common co-occurring conditions in ASD like seizures, gastro-intestinal problems, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, and sleep problems.
Label: ECS and Microglia in ASD Treatment
Authors: Su, T., Yan, Y., Li, Q., et al.
Year: 2021
Summary: This review article focuses on the expression of a complete ECS signaling system in microglia and how modulating ECS signaling can regulate microglia functions. It provides insights into how targeting ECS on microglia can contribute to maintaining CNS positivity and thus improve autism symptoms.
Label: Microglial-Endocannabinoid Signaling and ASD
Authors: Araujo, D. J., Tjoa, K., & Saijo, K.
Year: 2019
Summary: This mini-review discusses microglial dysfunction in ASD and highlights the endocannabinoid system as a promising tool to modulate microglial involvement due to its anti-inflammatory effects. It emphasizes that increased eCB signaling is associated with an anti-inflammatory, protective phenotype in microglia, with CB2 receptors primarily restricted to these cells.
Label: Comprehensive Review of ECS Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Jana, A., Nath, A., Sen, P., et al.
Year: 2024
Summary: This review provides an in-depth exploration of the endocannabinoid system's significant involvement in the pathogenesis of ASD, influencing metabolic, cellular, and immune pathways. It discusses evidence from preclinical genetic (FXS, NLGN3) and environmental (VPA) models of ASD, proposing the ECS as a promising target for therapeutic interventions.