Yarrow (A. millefolium): This new randomized controlled study shows that taking A. millefolium (in two different doses, used for one year) decreased the annual relapse rate in MS patients. This supplement also show significant benefits in decreasing MS (volume) lesions on MRI, disability score and performance in learning. Quick note: yarrow is a herb with long history of use as a medicinal plant. Interestingly, is mostly known for its benefits to improve liver function and digestion. One more reason to see how working on gut health leads to brain health (gut brain axis).
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra ) is effective against bacteria that are considered to trigger autoimmunity , especially against K. pneumoniae and A. baylyi- which are linked with the development of MS and ankylosing spondylitis. Licorice_for _AI . This was a study in test tubes ( however, there are thousands of studies of licorice in human studies supporting its many benefits). Note: DGL form of licorice is safer.
Stem Cells as Potential Targets of Polyphenols in Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease: Using herbs -plant polyphenols promote the new brain cells and repair the brain in MS and Alzheimer’s . Great candidates (including mechanism of action): polyphenols from cacao, green tea, curcumin, resveratrol, Ginkgo biloba, quercetin and more in this research paper. herbs promoting neurogenesis
ALA: Higher levels of ALA (plant-based ?-3 fatty acid a-linolenic acid) were associated with lower disease activity in MS-patients, in this new study. This makes sense. ALA is available in supplement form, but you can simply increase the dietary intake of ALA . Healthy choices of ALA rich foods: Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, perilla seed oil, walnuts and walnut oil.
Moringa leaves help reverse neuron damage due to its antioxidant/neuroprotective effects (animal model of MS), according to this study.
Cannabis
Medical Cannabis: The benefits of cannabinoids and various drugs for bladder issue are also discussed in this study that evaluates new and old therapies for urinary symptoms associated with MS. Neuromodulation ( where an electrode is implanted over a nerve- for example tibial nerve) in order to stimulate and improve nerve function is also an emerging therapy for this condition.
Synthetic Marijuana (Nabilone): Nabilone should be in the drug section below, but I’ll leave it here, as as this drug had been created to mimic natural cannabis. An extensive review of Nabilone (the synthetic cannabis) for pain management (not just for MS but also for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, pain from chemo/radiation, headaches and more. Results: Nabilone for treating pain associated with MS: participants experiencing pain from MS receiving nabilone (plus gabapentin) had significantly-greater reduction in pain, compared to those receiving gabapentin alone (systematic review of randomized controlled trials).Risk of drug dependency: Reduced level of dependence with nabilone vs the common analgesic ibuprofen. Side effects: the most frequently reported : drowsiness and fatigue, but transient. Overall well tolerated. Other benefits of nabilone seen for treating sleep, anxiety, helps reduce the dosage of regular analgesics. Note: Great study. Nabilone certainly has significant therapeutic effects. I suggest medical marijuana (prescribed by a medical clinic) for better results.
More on Cannabis: this new study explores the function of the various phytochemicals in cannabis and their therapeutic potential. This is great, as most scientists focus on CBD and THC, while cannabis has many other plant chemicals (which are not found in the synthetic cannabis like nabilone).
The Benefits of Sun/ Vitamin D
Another study supporting the benefits of sun specifically UVB rays to reduce the risk of MS.
Why is important to treat vitamin D deficiency, and the many benefits of sunshine vitamin including MS- and in this study Vitamin D.
Exercise
Exercise leads to considerable improvements in muscles strength and balance in patients with MS, is the result of this new study.
HIIT (high intensity interval training) appears to be safe and effective in increasing fitness in individuals with MS and low levels of disability, according to this new research paper.
Tai chi improves balance and functional independence, says this study.
“Sexual function recovery is no less important than any other aspects of functional rehabilitation from a disabling disease or injury”, say Italian researchers in this study that explores sexual dysfunctions associated with MS. There are three types of sexual dysfunctions: 1. Directly due to MS/neurological deficits 2. Secondary (to physical impairments, fatigue, spasticity, other symptoms) and 3. Caused by psychological and social factors (ie having a chronic disability).
It is great to see this study that brings awareness to sexual dysfunction and the need of treating it. Improving sexual health should be part of reversing MS, as it is linked with so many benefits including emotional well-being, improving immune system, heart, lymphatic system, the muscles and so much more. Sexual dysfunction study
Psychological profile
People with MS appear to have higher levels of alexithymia (personality trait characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings), as well as depression and anxiety when compared with control group, according to this study. Note: I think any form of mind- body therapy (meditation, yoga, tai chi, regular exercise) can significantly help with all these psychological changes.
New and Old Theories
New theory about MS development
Scientists are linking MS with retroviruses, HERV-Fc1 and HERV-K13 . More details in this study.
H pylori infections protective for MS? A study exploring the possible protective effects of H pylori infections for MS. Older theory, just a new study. I wrote about H pylori here.
Salt drives autoimmunity. Common salt triggers autoimmunity, related to MS and how high salt consumption may be a potential risk for MS. Technical: salt enhances the differentiation of Th17 cells inducing a highly pathogenic phenotype.Plus aggravates experimental neuroinflammation and affects the intestinal microbiota and increased Th17 cells in the gut .This study supports previous (similar) findings.If you are on a healthy diet, is quite easy to maintain healthy levels of salt intake.
The importance of neurotransmitters for treating MS: Understanding cholinergic and purinergic systems (which not involved just in neurotransmission, but also play a key role immune and inflammatory responses) may help find a real solution for MS. Note: I wrote about the cholinergic system and acetylcholine here. I didn’t write yet about the purinergic system but it’s a signalling system, where ATP and ADP, and other chemicals act as neurotransmitters.
Heavy metal toxicity. Mercury: Another study exploring mercury toxicity. The conclusion: Mercury can induce oxidative stress, stimulate autoimmunity and damage DNA, mitochondria and lipid membranes. It could play a role in the development of MS, according to the researchers.This study showing the connection between aluminum and neurodegeneration. How do we get exposed to aluminum? Through foods, food additives, water, and contamination of aluminum equipment/utensils.
New Therapies
This study explores Past, Present and Future of Cell-Based Therapy in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. The authors say that Although substantial progress has been made in the development of effective drugs for RRMS, no convincingly treatment exists to slow and/or reverse progressive forms of the disease”. What will likely see more in the future: drugs targeting 1. oligodendrocyte progenitor cells for directly replacing the damaged myelin (oligodendrocytes are the myelin producing cells in the brain) and 2. non-haematopoietic stem cells.
Targeting PPARs to treat MS is what this new study suggests. Note: Finally, in the news. I do believe is a very smart idea. But I wouldn’t choose prescription drugs (some had to be removed from the market due to serious side effects) I wrote about natural ways to activate PPARs here .
Drugs/Procedures
The good:
Fingolimod was well tolerated with low rates of discontinuation and adverse events, based on a study that evaluated safety and effectiveness of this drug.
Ublituximab completely reduced brain lesions in patients with RRMS, according to this phase 2 clinical trial. While the results look very exciting, do keep in mind that it targets B cells of the immune system . This means high risks/ serious side effects.
The bad:
Do MS drugs really help with MS progression? Not really ….”Onset of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is not influenced by current relapsing multiple sclerosis therapies”, according to this study with patients with MS that were treated with MS drugs (Disease-modifying therapies) for 13 years.While these disease modifying drugs can have a positive impact on long-term disability, they do not show any benefits to prevent the progression of the disease or the time to progression onset (when compared with controlled group). In plain words, this means no benefits to use this drugs once someone enters the progressive phase of MS. On the other hand, Dr Terry Wahls has a solution for you. Check it out here.
This research study reminds physicians to be cautious when prescribing newer MS drugs, based on the failure of the drug daclizumab (Zinbryta) which had been withdrawn from all markets due to serious side effects. You should follow the same advice and be cautious with any new drug that is prescribed to you. I wrote about this issue the very same day the news came out here.
There is no benefits to use postpartum intravenous immunoglobulin for those with MS , according to this recent meta-analysis.
Adverse reactions from drugs:
Teriflunomide- significant, sudden tooth loss. This study includes 3 case studies in individuals with RRMS, linking the use of MS drug Teriflunomide with tooth loss ( 4 to 12 teeth lost suddenly after months of using this drug).
The drug 4-aminopyridine (used for improving walking ) linked with pulmonary hypertension – a case study with MS described in this study.
Do you have MS and need total hip surgery (arthroplasty). It appears that people with MS don’t do as well as healthy individuals when undergoing this surgery: MS patients had lower implant survivorship, lower functional outcome scores, and increased complication rates, according to this study.
