Beneficial Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide on Expressive Language, Cognition, and Behaviors in Autism: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorders are defined by behavioral and language atypias. Growing body of evidence indicates inflammatory mediators may contribute to the condition. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is naturally occurring and has been available as a nonprescription medical food supplement in Europe since 2008. PEA has been tested in thousands of human subjects without any noted significant side effects. Here we report the first cases of the administration of PEA to two children with autism. Case Presentations. The first 13-year-old male child (Subject 1) presented with a total IgE of 572 IU/mL (nl < 200) and with low mature CD57+ natural killer cell counts (32 cells/µL; nl = 60–300 cells/µL) and with significant eczema and allergic stigmata. Expressive language, as measured by mean length of utterance, and overall autism severity as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition, improved significantly. Atopic symptoms diminished. No side effects were reported. The second male child, age 15 (Subject 2), also displayed noticeable and rapid improvements in cognitive, behaviors, and sociability. Conclusion. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for autism condition. Palmitoylethanolamide could be an effective treatment for autism syndrome. We propose appropriate double-blind clinical trials to further explore palmitoylethanolamide efficacy and safety.

Beneficial Effects of Co‐Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide/Luteolin in a Mouse Model of Autism and in a Case Report of Autism

“…In the described case report, chronic co-ultraPEA-LUTâ reduced behavioral alterations of a child with ASD. Our observations are consistent with the results obtained after treatment with ultramicronized PEA, administered alone, in two children suffering from autism spectrum disorder [59]. It is important to point out that children with autism experience a higher incidence of anxiety, particularly social anxiety, than children with other developmental disorders or with a normal development [60].…”

Clinical Case Report of a Novel Immunotherapeutic Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders based on an emulsion of Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin D₃ and Oleic Acid

“…At the Biomedical Centre for Autism Research and Treatment, several therapeutic strategies targeting the immune system and neuro-inflammation have been implemented over the course of the years (Antonucci et al, 2015). In the recent past, we focused our attention on the role of modulators of the immune system as potential candidates for ASD treatment based on the seminal work by Bradstreet et al (2012) on the Gc protein-derived Macrophage Activating Factor (GcMAF).…”

The Alternations of Endocannabinoid System and its Therapeutic Potential in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Interestingly, Kelly [27] demonstrated that plasma eCBs levels were dysregulated at age one in children with poor communication scores at age three, which implicating eCBs may be potential biomarker for early diagnosis of ASD. Anecdotally, case reports from Italy rstly have corroborated that PEA, alone or combination with other natural supplements, can re ne ASD core impairments [28]. Subsequently, an Iranian randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial revealed that PEA (600 mg twice daily) may augment therapeutic effects of risperidone on ASD-related irritability and hyperactivity without serious side effects [29].…”