Bioactive Compounds for Fibromyalgia-like Symptoms: A Narrative Review and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent, chronic condition without a cure or reliable therapy. The etiopathogenesis of this syndrome is ambiguous, which has heightened the challenge of discovering treatments to minimize patients’ painful symptoms. FM is characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain usually accompanied by functional pain syndromes, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and mood issues. Currently available treatment options for FM are limited. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for dietary bioactive compounds in FM management. We performed a narrative review to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the dietary bioactive compounds for FM, and we proposed molecular mechanisms on this topic. The inclusion criteria were (i) human, in vivo, or in vitro studies, (ii) studies related to the effect of bioactive compounds on FM-like symptoms, (iii) peer-reviewed literature, and (iv) publications until February 2022 in PubMed and Google Scholar. Exclusion criteria were (i) study designs using CCI, SNI, or SNL models because they are more NP models rather than FM models, and (ii) studies published in a language other than English. Keywords were dietary bioactive compounds, fibromyalgia, cell, animals, humans. Here, we report the effects of commonly consumed bioactive compounds (capsaicin, ginger, curcumin, n-3 PUFA, grape seed extract, naringin, and genistein) on FM-like symptoms in cellular, animal, and human studies. Cellular studies demonstrated that these bioactive compounds reduce pro-inflammatory production and increase antioxidant capacity of neurons or myoblasts that regulate apoptosis/cell survival. Animal studies showed that these regularly consumed bioactive compounds have an effect on FM-like symptoms, as evidenced by decreased pain hypersensitivity and fatigue as well as improved social behaviors. Further studies are warranted to allow meaningful comparison and quantification of the efficacy of these bioactive compounds on FM-like symptoms across studies, in terms of actual changes in antioxidant capacity, pain hypersensitivity, fatigue, and social behaviors. To date, human studies regarding the efficacy of these bioactive compounds on FM-like symptoms are limited and inconclusive. Our review identifies this important knowledge gap and proposes that the development and use of improved preclinical FM models are needed, particularly concerning the usage of female animals to better mimic FM pathophysiology and symptomatology.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications for Fibromyalgia

“…These include capsaicin, ginger, and turmeric, among other bioactive compounds. However, human studies examining supplementation with these compounds are limited [ 63 ]. Due to muscle weakness associated with FM, some studies have also examined the therapeutic potential of creatine supplementation.…”

Beyond Seasoning—The Role of Herbs and Spices in Rheumatic Diseases

“…The effect of ginger rhizome has been studied in an experimental mouse model of FM, and this trial provides evidence that the daily consumption of GR complements the anti-nociceptive effect of paracetamol in mice, improves other cognitive disturbances associated with pain, and lowers the inflammatory state generated in an experimental FM model [ 140 ]. Likewise, animal studies have demonstrated that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential in FM-like symptoms by suppressing numerous cell-signaling pathways involved in inflammation [ 141 ]. A very limited number of human studies have been conducted to evaluate curcumin’s therapeutic potential in FM patients.…”

Complex Perspectives on CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia: An Interview with Dr. Geir Bjørklund

“…Coenzyme Q10, for example, has shown potential in reducing fatigue, a common symptom in CFS/ME and fibromyalgia. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may also contribute to managing pain in individuals with fibromyalgia (20).…”