Attenuation of Autism-like Behaviors by an Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Portuguese Blueberries via Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Modulation in a Valproic Acid Mouse Model.

Researchers tested whether blueberry extract could help reduce autism-like behaviors in mice. They used a special type of mouse that shows behaviors similar to autism. After giving the mice blueberry extract for three weeks, they found improvements in behavior, less inflammation in the brain and gut, better gut bacteria, and increased serotonin (a brain chemical important for mood). While this is only an animal study, it suggests blueberries might help with autism symptoms through improving the gut-brain connection.

This preclinical study investigated whether an anthocyanin-rich extract from Portuguese blueberries could reduce autism-like behaviors in a valproic acid (VPA) mouse model of autism. Pregnant mice were given VPA to induce autism-like features in offspring, who were then treated with blueberry extract for three weeks. Results showed the extract reduced autism-like behaviors and decreased neuroinflammation in both brain and gut tissues. The treatment also modified gut microbiota composition, increased serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex and gut, and improved synaptic function.

The researchers suggest these benefits occur through modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing preliminary evidence for anthocyanins as a potential therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorders.

While promising for understanding gut-brain connections in autism, human trials needed before considering clinical applications. Current evidence insufficient to recommend blueberry supplementation for autism. May inform future research into dietary interventions and microbiome-targeted therapies.

Animal study using artificial autism model that may not represent human autism complexity. Sample size not reported. No long-term follow-up. Mechanisms of action not fully elucidated. Human safety and efficacy unknown.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental pathologies whose current treatment is neither curative nor effective. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring compounds abundant in blueberries and in other red fruits which have been shown to be successful in the treatment of several neurological diseases, at least in in vitro and in vivo disease models. The aim of the present work was to study the ability of an anthocyanin-rich extract (ARE) obtained from Portuguese blueberries to alleviate autism-like symptoms in a valproic acid (VPA) mouse model of ASD and to get insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of such benefits. Therefore, pregnant BALB/c females were treated subcutaneously with a single dose of VPA (500 mg/kg) or saline on gestational day 12.5.

Male offspring mice were orally treated with the ARE from Portuguese blueberries (30 mg/kg/day) or the vehicle for three weeks, and further subjected to behavioral tests and biochemical analysis. Our data suggested that the ARE treatment alleviated autism-like behaviors in in utero VPA-exposed mice and, at the same time, decreased both neuroinflammation and gut inflammation, modulated the gut microbiota composition, increased serotonin levels in cerebral prefrontal cortex and gut, and reduced the synaptic dysfunction verified in autistic mice. Overall, our work suggests that anthocyanins extracted from Portuguese blueberries could constitute an effective strategy to ameliorate typical autistic behaviors through modulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.