Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that causes relentless fatigue, widespread body pain and a number of complex, frustrating symptoms. Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia seek alternative remedies to alleviate the symptoms, especially if traditional medications don't bring relief. Yucca is a traditional Native American remedy that may help with certain symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, as of 2011, there's not much evidence to support its benefits. Consult your doctor before using yucca.
About Yucca
Yucca, also known by a variety of names, including soapweed and dagger plant, is a family of plants whose roots are used in medicinal preparations. Other parts of the yucca plant are used as a food source and to make rope and soap. Native Americans used the yucca for treating joint inflammation, skin disorders and hair loss, among others. Today, yucca is used by herbalists and alternative medical practitioners to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, circulatory disorders and as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. It is believed to contain compounds that fight inflammation and pain. However, there's not much clinical evidence to support these benefits. As a dietary supplement, yucca is usually taken as two to four tablets of concentrated yucca saponins daily, according to the Medical Center of Arlington.
Fibromyalgia Facts
As the name suggests, the defining feature of fibromyalgia is myalgia, a term that means muscle pain. People who suffer from fibromyalgia experience widespread bodily aches and "tender points, areas of pain in the soft tissue located back of the neck, shoulders, chest, lower back, hips, shins, elbows and knees," according to National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus. Other symptoms include fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches and anxiety. As of 2011, the exact causes are not known, although inflammation may be a culprit.
Clinical Evidence
There's not much clinical evidence to support the specific benefits of yucca for symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, a clinical review published in 2006 in the "Journal of Inflammation" states that yucca contains compounds known as polyphenolics, which are thought to be beneficial for suppressing inflammation. This may have some benefit if fibromyalgia does, in fact, occur due to inflammation. The authors of the review also report that only one clinical study on patients suffering from arthritis has shown beneficial effects on yucca on pain. More clinical studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of yucca on symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Considerations
While yucca may help symptoms of fibromyalgia, there's not enough evidence, as of 2011, to support its benefits. Consult your doctor before using yucca, especially if you take any medications or use herbal remedies. Yucca appears to be a safe supplement, but it can cause diarrhea when taken in excessive amounts. The Medical Center of Arlington reports that since yucca might have estrogen-like effects, it should not be used by women who have had breast cancer. Its safety in children, nursing and pregnant women has not yet been established.
References
- Medical Center of Arlington: Yucca
- Drugs.com: Yucca
- Medline Plus: Fibromyalgia
- ProHealth.com; Cytokine Inflammation and Management in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; John W. Addington; July 24, 2002
- "Journal of Inflammation"; Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic Effects of Yucca Schidigera: A Review; P. Cheeke, et al.; 2006
