Cocoa polyphenols mitigate valproic acid-induced autism-like phenotypes in zebrafish via metabolic and proteomic mechanisms: a pilot study

This pilot study examined whether cocoa extract containing polyphenols could reverse autism-like behavioral and gastrointestinal abnormalities induced by valproic acid exposure in zebrafish. Cocoa co-treatment ameliorated hyperactivity and gut dysfunction while normalizing key metabolic and protein markers of cellular stress.