Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia

The following are some of the more common herbs and supplements promoted for fibromyalgia. Consult a qualified health practitioner for a specific recommendations.

1) S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is compound that occurs naturally in the body. It is needed for proper immune function, it helps maintain cell membranes, it assists in the production and breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and it also plays a role in the formation of cartilage and our genetic material (DNA).

A couple of preliminary studies suggest that SAMe may help with fibromyalgia. A small double-blind study evaluated the effect of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) or placebo in 17 people with fibromyalgia, 11 of whom had depression. The number of tender points decreased after SAMe but not placebo. Depression, as assessed by two rating scales, improved after SAMe but not placebo.

In another double-blind study, 44 people with fibromyalgia took 800 mg of S-adenosylmethionine a day or placebo. After 6 weeks, there were statistically significant improvements in pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, mood, and clinical disease activity. Tender point score, muscle strength, and mood (evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory) was not significantly better with SAMe than placebo.

However, another double-blind study compared SAMe (600 mg a day) administered intravenously or placebo in 34 people with fibromyalgia. After 10 days, there was no significant difference in tender points.

SAMe may cause indigestion, dry mouth, and insomnia. Rarely, people experience severe diarrhea, heartburn, headache, and dizziness.

People with bipolar disorder should not take SAMe, as it may worsen manic episodes. People who are taking the drug levidopa (commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s disease) should avoid SAMe. People taking antidepressants should not use SAMe without first consulting their doctor. The safety of SAMe in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established.

2) Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.

Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. Magnesium, along with malic acid (a fruit acid found naturally in apples) are often suggested for people with fibromyalgia because they are both needed for the generation of energy in cells in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). However, one study of 97 people found no association between magnesium levels and fibromyalgia.

A double-blind study examined the effectiveness and safety of magnesium (50 mg three times a day) and malic acid (200 mg three times a day) in 24 people with fibromyalgia. After 4 weeks, the magnesium/malic acid combination was not more effective than placebo.

The participants later received 6 months of the combination in larger doses (up to 300 mg magnesium and 1200 mg malic acid per day) for 6 months. This time, the combination resulted in a significant improvement in pain and tenderness, however, this portion of the study was open label (both the researchers and participants know which treatment is being administered) and not blinded, so the results, while promising, cannot be used as evidence that the combination was effective. Further studies are needed.

High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.

3) Vitamin D

Fibromyalgia and generalized aches and pains not meeting the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia have been attributed by some researchers to vitamin D deficiency. For example, a large German study examined 994 people and found a strong correlation between low vitamin D levels and higher rates and longer duration of generalized bone and/or muscle aches and pains.

A study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings examined 150 people with persistent, non-specific musculoskeletal pain in Minnesota. The researchers found that 93% of them had deficient levels of vitamin D.

In another study, vitamin D levels were assessed in 75 people who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. Although there was no relationship between vitamin D levels and musculoskeletal symptoms, vitamin D deficiency was linked to anxiety and depression in people with fibromyalgia.

4) 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

The supplement 5-HTP is thought to work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. There is preliminary evidence that it may reduce the number of tender points in people with fibromyalgia, possibly by effecting pain-modulating systems in the brainstem.

A double-blind, placebo controlled study looked at 5-HTP or placebo in 50 people with fibromyalgia. After four weeks, people taking 5-HTP had a significant improvement in pain, the number of tender points, stiffness, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep. Side effects were mild and transient. For more information, read the 5-HTP Fact Sheet.

5) Vitamin B12

A Swedish study demonstrated low levels of vitamin B12 in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Twelve women who met the criteria for both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome were studied, along with a control group of 18 healthy women.

>Levels of homocysteine in cerebrospinal fluid were over three times higher in the women who had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome compared to the control group. Cerebrospinal fluid vitamin B12 levels were also low in 7 out of 12 people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

6) Capsaicin Cream

Capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) is the active ingredient in chili peppers. It is thought to temporarily relieve pain.

When applied to the skin, capsaicin cream has been found to deplete substance P, a neurochemical that transmits pain, which desensitizes a person to pain. People with fibromyalgia have been found to have higher levels of substance P.

One study examined the effectiveness of capsaicin in fibromyalgia. Participants in the study applied 0.025% capsaicin cream four times a day to tender points. After 4 weeks, they had a reduction in pain. For more information including side effects and safety concerns, read the Capsaicin Cream Fact Sheet.

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