Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a neurological condition that occurs when the white matter of the central nervous system becomes inflamed. As a result, the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells becomes damaged and neurological transmission of messages is slowed or blocked, causing a number of debilitating effects, including loss of movement and coordination, fatigue, pain and memory problems. There is no cure for MS, but drug treatments may help to slow disease progression and alleviate side effects. Some herbs may help to reduce pain and inflammation, although there is no proof that they can treat MS. Talk to your doctor before incorporating herbs into your MS treatment plan.
Ginkgo Biloba
The results of a randomized control trial published in the January 2006 edition of "Explore" show that ginkgo biloba may help to alleviate fatigue in MS sufferers. Ginkgo biloba may cause a number of side effects, including nausea, diarrhea and allergic skin reactions, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes. This herb may interact with some medicines, including anticoagulants. Avoid taking ginkgo biloba is you are scheduled to undergo surgery or if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, as it may increase your risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking this herb.
Green Tea
The main constituent of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, may offer a potential therapeutic avenue for young adults with inflammatory neurological disease, according to an article published in the November 2004 issue of the "Journal of Immunology." The article's lead author, O. Aktas, adds that this herb may also have neuroprotective effects. MedlinePlus notes that green tea is likely safe for most adults but drinking more than 5 cups daily may cause side effects such as headache, dizziness and nausea. Green tea is contraindicated in a number of conditions, including osteoporosis and liver disease. Seek medical advice before taking green tea.
Bromelain
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, may benefit multiple sclerosis patients by reducing pain and inflammation. However, there is little clinical evidence to prove this. One study, the results of which were published in the April 2005 issue of "Multiple Sclerosis," found that bromelain is no more effective than placebo in alleviating the neurological symptoms of MS. Bromelain may cause an allergic reaction in some people and may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking anticoagulants. Get advice from your doctor before using bromelain.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Multiple Sclerosis
- PubMed: The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Functional Measures in Multiple Sclerosis: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginkgo
- PubMed: Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Mediates T Cellular NF-Kappa B Inhibition and Exerts Neuroprotection in Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- PubMed: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Hydrolytic Enzymes in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis
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