Herbal Treatments for MS

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a condition that deteriorates the ability of nerve cells to communicate with each other. Symptoms of MS include fatigue, muscle stiffness and weakness, numbness or pain, poor balance and vision abnormalities. Clinical research suggests that herbs such as turmeric, ginkgo and green tea may help individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis. Herbs do not replace conventional treatment. Consult a medical professional for possible drug interactions and herbal side effects.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is a polyphenolic compound called curcumin. A study conducted published in the 2007 issue of Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology links the benefits of curcumin supplementation with autoimmune diseases such as MS, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and type 1 diabetes. Although the research suggests that more studies should further evaluate the importance, proper dosage and mechanism of action of turmeric in autoimmune diseases, it found that curcumin blocks these autoimmune conditions by adjusting certain inflammatory substances called cytokines, therefore communicating pathways in immune cells. In addition, stress is considered a trigger factor in MS progression, and curcumin may help in reducing the effects of chronic stress.

Ginkgo

According to Drugs.com, ginkgo extract has been well-researched for its antioxidant and its protective effects on nerve cells as well as for its benefits for a variety of diseases, including cerebral insufficiency, dementia, peripheral vascular disease and schizophrenia. Some small studies also describe its use for asthma and different types of cancer, high cholesterol and radiation exposure. In relation with multiple sclerosis, a four-week pilot double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in the 2006 issue of Explore that ginkgo-treated subjects proved significant improvement in fatigue, severity of symptoms and functionality, while no adverse reactions were documented.

Green Tea Extracts

A study published in 2004 issue of the Journal of Immunology tested the effects of green tea in multiple sclerosis and its animal model, which is experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE. The researchers found that epigallocatechin 3 gallate, the key ingredient in green tea, significantly reduced symptoms of EAE by decreasing brain inflammation and also limiting nerve cell damage. The scientists suggested the possibility of seeing in the future a new form of treatment for MS and other inflammatory brain conditions based on natural green tea, which has both anti-inflammatory and protective effects on nerve cells.