Current complementary and alternative therapies for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) appears to be high in the general population and in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There are no diets or dietary supplements that are definitely effective in altering the disease course in MS. However, diets and dietary supplements that increase the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may produce mildly beneficial effects. Because these approaches are not definitely effective, they may be of limited interest to physicians and other conventional health providers. In contrast, for patients with MS, these interventions may be of considerable interest, because they may be mildly effective and are inexpensive and relatively safe. Vitamin D, ginkgo biloba, cannabinoids, and Padma 28 produce immunomodulatory actions and therapeutic effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. However, for these compounds, there are not enough clinical trial data or safety information to support their use as disease-modifying therapies. The role of antioxidant compounds in MS is unclear. There is no evidence that vitamin B(12) supplementation or gluten-free diets are effective MS therapies. Conventional health providers can play an important role in the care of MS patients by being open to discuss CAM therapies and by providing objective MS-relevant CAM information.

Frequency of current utilisation of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with multiple sclerosis

“…Generally, patients decide on using CAM in the absence of clinical research. It should, however, be stated that not all CAMs are harmless, because there are findings in the literature that indicate potential risks and side effects, for example caused by phytotherapy (herbal medicine) [10] and dietary supplements [6,7].…”

Complementary and alternative medicine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

“…Information on concomitant use of CAM is essential as some of these treatments are associated with side effects and might interact with conventional chemotherapy [29,30]. Several authors have reported potential risks and side effects, for example, caused by phytotherapy, herbal medicine [14], and dietary supplements [5]. A stimulating effect of mistletoe extracts on leukemic cells from patients with CLL has been discussed [38].…”

Mind the Gap! Lay and Medical Perceptions of Risks Associated with the Use of Alternative Treatment and Conventional Medicine

“…Despite the widespread use, studies on risks associated with the use of CAM still remain sparse, and a need for more research that enables patients to make informed treatment decisions has been emphasized by several authors [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. The existing literature shows that benefits and low risk are associated with some specific CAM treatments used by MS and cancer patients when implemented properly [e.g., 14-16, 19, 25-27], while other treatments are considered unsafe or ineffective [e.g., [14][15][16]18]. In general, increased CAM use has been interpreted as a result of both a positive attitude toward CAM and a somewhat negative attitude toward conventional health care.…”