A Review of Herbal Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disorder which characterized by demyelination and axonal loss in the central nervous system (CNS). Several evidences indicate that some new drugs and stem cell therapy have opened a new horizon for multiple sclerosis treatment, but current therapies are partially effective or not safe in the long term. Recently, herbal therapies represent a promising therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis disease. Here, we consider the potential benefits of some herbal compounds on different aspects of multiple sclerosis disease. The medicinal plants and their derivatives; Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Nigella sativa,Piper methysticum, Crocus sativus, Panax ginseng, Boswellia papyrifera, Vitis vinifera, Gastrodia elata, Camellia sinensis, Oenothera biennis, MS14 and Cannabis sativa have been informed to have several therapeutic effects in MS patients.

Plant polyprenols reduce demyelination and recover impaired oligodendrogenesis and neurogenesis in the cuprizone murine model of multiple sclerosis

“…We hypothesize that the spectrum of biological activity of polyprenols may be of significant interest in treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorder. In addition to traditional anti‐inflammatory MS therapies, the use of complementary and alternative herbal medicine gained substantial attention over the past years as a way to alleviate neurological deficit and augment neuroprotection (Mojaverrostami, Bojnordi, Ghasemi‐Kasman, Ebrahimzadeh, & Hamidabadi, ; Zarshenas, Ansari, Dadbakhsh, & Mohammadi, ). The search for new agents that could enable the restoration of damaged myelin and prevent neurodegeneration is of crucial importance for further progress in the treatment of this condition.…”

Therapeutic effects of Crocin in autoimmune diseases: A review

“…In MS, T‐cells and macrophage infiltrations destroy myelin sheath in the CNS, which weakens the transmission of nerve impulses. Two key properties of this disease are acute inflammation and demyelination that is accompanied by neuronal degeneration and secondary axonal damage . Syncytin‐1 is a protein activating the proinflammatory pathways and autoimmune cascades.…”

“…MS disease is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) and can occur in young adulthood. 58 The exact etiology of MS remains unclear; however, it could be multifactorial including both genetic and environmental factors. 59 In MS, T-cells and macrophage infiltrations destroy myelin sheath in the CNS, which weakens the transmission of nerve impulses.…”

“…Two key properties of this disease are acute inflammation and demyelination that is accompanied by neuronal degeneration and secondary axonal damage. 58 Syncytin-1 is a protein activating the proinflammatory pathways and autoimmune cascades. Syncytin-1 is related to the neuroinflammation as well as oligodendrocyte death and is highly expressed in astrocytes, glial cell, and microglia of MS lesions.…”

Neuroprotective Potential of Ginkgo biloba in Retinal Diseases

“…In fact, due to low concentrations of this type of compounds in EGb 761, toxic effects in humans are not expected. EGb 761 and other ginkgo leaf extracts have been widely used to treat and prevent several disorders like Alzheimerʼs disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, asthma, vertigo, fatigue, tinnitus, and circulatory problems [21][22][23]. The neuroprotective effect of this plant has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.…”