Use of herbal remedies by multiple sclerosis patients: a nation-wide survey in Italy

Abstract

Though recent progress in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is remarkable, numerous unmet needs remain to be addressed often inducing patients to look for complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), especially herbal remedies (HR). HR use, scarcely investigated in MS, may cause adverse reactions (AR) and interfere with conventional treatment. We performed a survey aimed at evaluating use and attitudes towards HR and factor associated to HR use. Other CAM use and attitudes have been investigated as well. Multiple-choice questionnaires were distributed to MS out patients attending 14 Italian referral Centers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify HR use determinants. Present/past HR use for either MS or other diseases was reported in 35.6 % of 2419 cases (95 % CI 36.0-40.0 %). CAM use was reported in 42.5 % of cases. Independent predictors of HR use were represented by higher education, geographic area, dissatisfaction with conventional treatment of diseases other than MS and benefit perception from CAM use. Both HR and CAM use were not always disclosed to the healthcare professional. In conclusion, HR and other CAM appear to be popular among MS patients. The involvement of the healthcare professionals appears to be scarce with potential risk of AR or interference with conventional treatments.

Potential factors that influence usage of complementary and alternative medicine worldwide: a systematic review

“…Only 8.7% of publications found that condition-specific populations viewed CAM as natural, and thus safe [ 21 , 29 , 49 , 65 , 67 , 76 , 92 , 100 , 106 , 107 , 112 , 114 , 121 – 129 ]. Six studies from Europe, Asia and Africa also reported ‘being curious’ as the reason for using CAM [ 92 , 97 , 130 – 133 ].…”

Immunomodulatory Potential of Cannabidiol in Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review

“…The use of cannabis and cannabinoids is widespread and well accepted among patients with MS. Epidemiological studies show that MS patients increasingly use cannabis preparations for a range of symptoms, including sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety, spasticity and even depression. Across the surveys, current use of cannabis is reported by 20-60% of people with MS, and 50-90% are in favour of legalization, would consider usage if it were legal, and ask for more scientific evidence (Schabas et al 2019;Brenton et al 2018;Loraschi et al 2016;Banwell et al 2016).…”

“I need personal experiences or some sort of documentation”: a qualitative study on where people with multiple sclerosis seek information on dietary and herbal supplements

“…Thus far, MS is incurable, and medical treatment only aims to modify the progression of the disease or to manage MS-related symptoms [ 4 , 5 ]. It has been argued that due to dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, and a desire to feel more involved in one’s own treatment, many PwMS use products such as dietary and herbal supplements (DIHES) [ 6 – 8 ]. DIHES can be defined as products that are taken orally and contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs, animal ingredients, or amino acids [ 9 ].…”

“…A recent Danish study found that over 80% of PwMS in Denmark had used DIHES within the previous year; a tendency also seen in countries such as Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom [ 8 , 12 – 14 ]. PwMS often used DIHES concomitant with conventional treatments, which has led to concerns about potential drug interactions [ 6 , 8 , 13 , 15 ]. Several types of DIHES that are used frequently by PwMS, such as echinacea and cannabis, have the potential to cause undesirable interactions if they are used concomitant with medicine often prescribed to PwMS by healthcare professionals (HCPs) [ 13 , 16 ].…”