Assessment of the Efficacy of Quercetin in Adult Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Publisher Pubmed



Rezaeifar A ; Motamed M ; Mohebbi N
Source: Human Psychopharmacology Published:2026

Abstract

Objectives: This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of quercetin in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: Fifty-two adults with ASD were randomly assigned to receive either quercetin or placebo for 60 days. Outcomes included the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL) domains, and other clinical measures assessed at baseline, 30 days, and 60 days. Results: Baseline demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions were comparable between groups. The quercetin group showed a significant within-group reduction in SRS scores over time (p = 0.010), whereas the placebo group showed no significant change (p = 0.655). However, between-group differences in SRS change were not statistically significant. At week 8, the physical health domain of WHOQOL improved more in the quercetin group at the unadjusted level (p = 0.044), but this was not significant after adjustment (p = 0.082). The environmental health domain showed a borderline difference favoring quercetin (adjusted p = 0.053). Conclusion: Quercetin supplementation showed potential benefits in select social quality of life and social domain responsiveness in participants with ASD. Larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm its clinical effectiveness. Trial Registration: IRCT20241214064050N1. © 2026 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.