Natural treatments for scleroderma
Natural treatments for scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that impacts connective tissues, are a topic of interest for those seeking alternative approaches to manage symptoms. While there are no definitive natural therapies proven to cure the condition, several supplements and lifestyle changes have been explored. Potential treatments include acupuncture, various herbs like gotu kola and boswellia, and vitamins such as C and E, although supporting evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Some studies suggest that vitamin D may play a role in the severity of scleroderma, highlighting its importance.
On the other hand, certain supplements, like 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-tryptophan, should be avoided due to their potential to cause adverse effects that resemble the disease. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and stress-reduction practices like yoga, are also considered beneficial by some individuals. Overall, while there are multiple natural remedies proposed for scleroderma, the lack of rigorous scientific validation calls for caution and underscores the importance of consulting healthcare professionals when exploring these options.
Natural treatments for scleroderma
DEFINITION: Treatment of a disease that affects the connective tissues of the skin and various organs.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acupuncture, beta-carotene, boswellia, danshen root, gotu kola, methyl sulfonyl methane, para-aminobenzoic acid, selenium, thymus extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, treatments for Raynaud’s phenomenon, rheumatoid arthritis, esophageal reflux, Vitamin D
HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID: Combination therapy with 5-hydroxytryptophan and the drug carbidopa, L-tryptophan
Introduction
Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, is an autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissues of the skin and various organs. Genetic or environmental triggers may bring on scleroderma, including exposure to some drugs, chemicals, or silica dust, as well as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and parvovirus B19 infections. There are two types of sclerodermasystemic sclerosis (formerly CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysfunction, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) syndrome) and diffuse systemic sclerosis.
Common symptoms include thickening and tightening of the skin (beginning with the extremities), Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition characterized by an exaggerated reaction in the fingertips to cold exposure), joint pain (especially in the fingers and knees), esophageal reflux (heartburn), calcium deposits under the skin, and telangiectasias (mats of enlarged small blood vessels). Scleroderma can lead to serious complications, such as fibrosis of the lungs, heart, and kidneys; for this reason, medical supervision is essential. There is no cure for scleroderma, although drugs may be used to alleviate various symptoms of the disease, particularly inflammation and acid control.
Proposed Natural Treatments
The supplement para-aminobenzoic acid has been suggested as a treatment for scleroderma. A four-month double-blind study of 146 people with longstanding, stable scleroderma failed to find any evidence of benefit. However, one-half of the participants in this trial dropped out before the end, making the results unreliable.
The herb gotu kola has a long history of use for various skin conditions; for this reason, it has been tried as a treatment for scleroderma. However, there is no meaningful evidence that it is effective. Other herbs and supplements that have been proposed for treatment of scleroderma (but do not have any significant supporting evidence) include boswellia, thymus extract, methyl sulfonyl methane, danshen root, and antioxidants (for example, the antioxidant vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene and the mineral selenium, which supports the body’s own antioxidant defense system). One study, however, failed to find vitamin C helpful for the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon associated with scleroderma. A 2016 study found that insufficient levels of Vitamin D in a patient were connected to the more aggressive forms of scleroderma. Finally, limited evidence exists for supplementation of the extracts gotu kola for improving blood flow and circulation.
There are several natural remedies that are suggested for scleroderma but have no scientific merit without clinical study. These include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and bromelain. Lifestyle changes, such as eliminating gluten and dairy and practicing yoga, are believed to be beneficial in treating scleroderma as well. One preliminary study suggests that acupuncture might have value for this condition.
In a meta-analysis of twenty-eight studies investigating natural treatments for scleroderma, researchers investigated the most commonly used herbal remedies for scleroderma. Numerous herbal formulations emerged as potentially helpful and were categorized based on their involvement in treatment—anti-oxidant properties (Withaferin A, activin, nimbolide, Capparis spinosa, dipropyl disulfide), anti-inflammatory properties (Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan, Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, activin), collagen synthesis inhibitor properties (Keishi-Bukuryo-Gan, abscisic acid, polysaccharide), or anti-fibrosis properties (HSc025, geniposide). While each natural remedy was evaluated, the lack of standardization across studies and the condition's rarity made it difficult to properly determine the most effective substances.
Other natural treatments that have been explored but lack a scientific basis include Astragalus polysaccharide, bee venom, curcumin, HSc025, Magnesium lithospermate, Tanshinone IIA, evening primrose oil, estriol, S-adenosylmethionine, avocado extract, soybean extract, n-acetylcysteine, zinc, and copper.
Herbs and Supplements to Avoid
Combination therapy with the supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and the drug carbidopa has reportedly caused skin changes similar to those that occur in scleroderma. Furthermore, L-tryptophan, a supplement closely related to 5-HTP, has been taken off the market because it caused numerous cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, which is sometimes regarded as a close relative of scleroderma. It is thought that this outbreak was caused by a contaminant in a certain batch of the supplement, but some controversy about this explanation remains. Finally, various herbs and supplements may interact adversely with drugs used to prevent or treat scleroderma.
Bibliography
Assar, Shirin, et al. “Natural Formulations: Novel Viewpoint for Scleroderma Adjunct Treatment.” Journal of Immunology Research, June 2021, doi:10.1155/2021/9920416.
Auffranc, J. C., et al. “Sclerodermiform and Poikilodermal Syndrome Observed during Treatment with Carbidopa and 5-Hydroxytryptophan.” Annals of Dermatology and Venereology, vol. 112, 1985, pp. 691-92.
Gaby, Alan R. “Natural Remedies for Scleroderma.” Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, vol. 11, no. 3, 2006, pp. 188-95, altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v11-3-188.pdf.
Maeda, M., et al. “The Effect of Electrical Acupuncture-Stimulation Therapy Using Thermography and Plasma Endothelin (ET-1) Levels in Patients with Progressive System Sclerosis (PSS).” Journal of Dermatologic Science, vol. 17, 1998, pp. 151-55.
Mavrikakis, M. E., et al. “Ascorbic Acid Does Not Improve Endothelium-Dependent Flow-Mediated Dilatation of the Brachial Artery in Patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon Secondary to Systemic Sclerosis.” International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, vol. 73, 2003, pp. 3-7.
“Natural Treatment of Scleroderma - Functional Medicine Australia.” Advanced Functional Medicine, 17 Oct. 2021, advancedfunctionalmedicine.com.au/scleroderma. Accessed 21 Aug. 2023.
Wong, Cathy. “Natural Remedies for Scleroderma.” Verywell Health, 13 July 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-scleroderma-89309. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.