Gastrodia elata is a saprophytic perennial herb in the family Orchidaceae. It is found in Nepal, Bhutan, India, Japan, North Korea, Siberia, Taiwan, and China.

The herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Sichuan cuisine. It is one of the three orchids listed in the earliest known Chinese Materia Medica (Shennon bencaojing) (c. 100 AD). Medicinally, it is used for 'calming the liver' and for treating headaches, dizziness, tetanus, and epilepsy. According to 'Nutrition Review,' 'Gastrodia ...

gastrodia elata

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Translation and adaptation: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The causes of multiple sclerosis have not yet been fully understood, but variations in dozens of genes are believed to play a role in increasing the risk of the disease. <a href="/p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> Changes in the HLA-DRB1 and IL7R <a href="../p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genes</a> are the strongest genetic factors that determine the increased risk.

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Studies have shown that herbal medicines can be effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and associated symptoms, reducing demyelination, improving remyelination and suppressing inflammation in the central nervous system.

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This article is based on a 2018 overview on the topic. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311642/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]. According to the authors, it can be concluded that the anti-inflammatory effect is the main cause of the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in the disease. Through them, medicinal plants reduce the severity of the disease and reduce neuropathological changes.

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Anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal plants are usually manifested by suppressing the entry of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines.

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Medicinal plants and their derivatives, which are known in the scientific literature to have a beneficial effect on the condition of MS patients, are:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ginkgo biloba,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ginger (Zingiber officinale),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Turmeric (Curcuma longa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Valerian (Valeriana officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Black cumin (Nigella sativa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Kava (Piper methysticum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Saffron (Crocus sativus),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Sudanese frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">European wine vine (Vitis vinifera),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Gastrodia elata,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Green tea (Camellia sinensis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20694784/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MS14</a> [ref. 2] - Iranian herbal-marine mixture consisting of 90% Penaeus latisculatus (shrimp), 5% <a href="/p/maghdanozt_tsielinata_i_drughi_bilki_koito_pomaghat_v_borbata_s_raka_431f42b9_91a1_4cb7_b9d4_e633b827af78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>celery (Apium graveolens) and 5% St. John'swort (Hypericum perforatum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis (Cannabis sativa).</li>
</ul>

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Here we will consider in more detail each of these plants and the mechanisms by which they can support treatment and alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

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New approaches to the treatment of multiple sclerosis in Europe

Ginkgo-biloba-has-neuroprotective-properties

1. Ginkgo biloba has neuroprotective properties

Ginkgo-biloba-has-neuroprotective-properties_0_0

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most ancient living tree species of the Ginkgoaceae family. It originated in Korea and China, but can now be found all over the world. Wood leaf extract has traditionally been used as a means of improving memory.

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Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory and platelet-activating factor (PAF) inhibitory properties of ginkgo extract (EGB761) have a beneficial effect in MS. The likely therapeutic role of this plant on multiple sclerosis appears to be due to the substances ginkolids that affect PAF. It in turn plays a role in the process of inflammation and ginkgo biloba extract may suppress it.

Ginkgo-biloba-has-neuroprotective-properties_0_3

In addition, the plant restores cognitive abilities, has neuroprotective properties and reduces fatigue in multiple sclerosis. The herb is safe, with no side or adverse effects, but in rare cases can cause dizziness, headaches and eye hemorrhages.

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-reduces-inflammation

2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces inflammation

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-reduces-inflammation_1_0

Zingiber officinale (ginger), is an aromatic plant of the Zingiberaceae family. It originates&nbsp;from India and is usually grown in Asia, tropical Africa and Latin America. The ginger root is often used as an aromatic spice and as a cold medicine. Recent studies have shown the anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger.

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Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-reduces-inflammation_1_2

Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, and this is the reason for its consumption by MS patients. Gingerols and their derivatives (shogaols) are the main components of ginger that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)-reduces-inflammation_1_3

Positive effects of ginger and its active compounds (6-shogaol and 10-gingerol) have been observed in animal models of multiple sclerosis. They have had anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in animals, but clinical studies on MS patients are still needed to confirm these results.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_0

Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a tropical plant originating in southern and southeast tropical Asia. It belongs to the ginger family - Zingiberaceae.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_1

The yellow substance in the roots of turmeric is called curcumin. It is widely used as a spice and pigment, as well as as a folk remedy for the treatment of problems with bile, anorexia, cough, sinusitis and sore throat. Studies show that curcumin has a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_2

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_3

Curcumin performs its anti-inflammatory role in two main ways:

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_4

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">inhibits Th17 differentiation and associated pathways.</li>
</ul>

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_5

Also, it inhibits the entry of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system. Curcumin modulates the inflammatory process, reducing the expression (production) of various pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_2_6

The side effects of curcumin are manifested when taking a high dose, which causes nausea and diarrhea. Although the therapeutic effects of curcumin have been demonstrated in various studies, studies in humans are certainly needed to confirm the recommendation for taking curcumin in patients with multiple sclerosis.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression

4. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) against depression

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression_3_0

Hypericum perforatum or better known as St. John's wort is a flowering plant of the Hypericaceae family. It is characteristic of Europe and Asia, but today it is distributed all over the world.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression_3_1

Since ancient times, St. John's wort has been a popular plant and has been used in diseases such as anxiety, depression and menstrual cycle disorders. Currently, H. perforatum is used to treat diseases associated with inflammation, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression_3_2

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression_3_3

The use of St. John's wort in MS is associated with its antidepressant effects. The main antidepressant component of H. perforatum is hypericin, which stimulates capillary blood flow in the brain. Many studies focus on another component, hyperforin, for the therapeutic antidepressant effects of this plant.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression_3_4

It should be taken into account that this plant may interact with certain drugs, and it is important that its use be discussed with a medical doctor.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)-against-depression_3_5

So, St. John's wort can be recommended to patients with multiple sclerosis due to its antidepressants, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety

5. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) against insomnia and anxiety

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety_4_0

Valeriana officinalis grows in Europe, North America and parts of Asia. Valerian is a plant of the Caprifoliaceae family, and the roots of this herb are used for various healing purposes.

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety_4_1

In Ancient Greece, valerian has found various medicinal applications - for <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/7_bilki_koito_obliekchavat_loshoto_khranosmilanie_i_dispiepsiiata_60bc6c30_0949_4ed7_933c_460f9104d318" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digestive problems</a>, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/iepiliepsiiata_koi_liechiebni_rastieniia_sa_izpolzvani_v_drievna_piersiia_d697132f_9082_456b_ac3a_9019ffa4be12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">epilepsy</a> and urinary tract infections. Today it is also used for <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/trievozhnost_i_biezsniie_kakvo_priedlagha_prirodata_eef882c6_b669_4aea_9d2d_1e11852fbcfe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">problems with sleep and anxiety</a>.

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety_4_2

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety_4_3

Sleep disorders are the main cause of fatigue in MS patients. Clinical trials have shown that the main component of V. officinalis root extract, valerenic acid, is effective in treating mild to moderate sleep disorders.

Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)-against-insomnia-and-anxiety_4_4

Limited adverse effects such as stomach pain and allergic reaction have been observed in patients treated with valerenic acid. The herb can be offered to patients with multiple sclerosis due to the relieving effects on insomnia and fatigue.

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections

6. American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) against urinary infections

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections_5_0

Vaccinium macrocarpon is also known as large cranberry and bearberry. It is a North American species of cranberry from the Ericaceae family. Cranberry juice is obtained from fruits. American cranberry is traditionally used for treatment of bladder and kidney diseases by Native Americans.

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections_5_1

Patients with multiple sclerosis are susceptible to bacterial colonization and urinary tract infections, as a result of dysfunction of the bladder due to the disease. Cranberry can suppress the adhesion of the bacterium Escherischia coli to the urethra.

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections_5_2

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections_5_3

It contains two important compounds - fructose and proantocyanidine, which are attached to the fimbria (cilia for adhering to the mucous membrane) of E. coli and effectively hinder the ability of bacteria to attach to the urethra.

American-cranberry-(Vaccinium-macrocarpon)-against-urinary-infections_5_4

There are several clinical studies that examine the preventive effects of American cranberry on urinary tract infections in MS patients. Various studies have found that it is effective against urinary tract infections, but in one clinical trial of patients with multiple sclerosis it did not show a good enough effect.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination

7. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) enhances remyelination

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination_6_0

Nigella sativa or black cumin is widely used as a medicinal plant. It belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Black cumin is a native species to southern Europe, southwestern Asia and northern Africa.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination_6_1

Seeds and oil from N. sativa have a long history in the treatment of various diseases such as headaches, back pain and gastrointestinal problems.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination_6_2

Several studies have shown that it exhibits a variety of therapeutic effects, including anticancer, analgesic (painkiller), antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, renal-protective and antioxidant properties. Timoquinone is the active substance in N. sativa seeds.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination_6_3

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination_6_4

There are studies that show the anti-inflammatory capabilities of black cumin oil. In vitro studies demonstrate its inhibitory (depressing) effects on the production of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a, IFN-c, and PGE2.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)-enhances-remyelination_6_5

Therapeutic effects of N. sativa in animal models of MS have been reported. Black cumin enhances remyelination in the central nervous system (CNS), reduces inflammatory processes and inhibits the expression of TGF β1 (transformative growth factor beta1) in some disease models.

Kava-(Piper-methysticum)-against-anxiety

8. Kava (Piper methysticum) against anxiety

Kava-(Piper-methysticum)-against-anxiety_7_0

Piper methysticum (kava kava) is a psychoactive herb from the Piperaceace family, which has been used in the Pacific Islands for hundreds of years. The root of this plant is well known for its sedative and anesthetic properties. Kava is traditionally used to make a soothing and relaxing drink.

Kava-(Piper-methysticum)-against-anxiety_7_1

The combination of kava and valerian seems more effective in treating insomnia caused by stress than any of the two herbs individually. The active compound of kava is kavalactone, which interacts with GABAA receptors and reduces anxiety and sleep problems.

Kava-(Piper-methysticum)-against-anxiety_7_2

Kava-(Piper-methysticum)-against-anxiety_7_3

It should be taken into account that kava may increase the sedative&nbsp;effects of drugs commonly used in multiple sclerosis disease, such as Lioresal (Baclofen). Excessive use of kava can lead to hepatotoxicity, hepatic necrosis and cholestasis hepatitis.

Kava-(Piper-methysticum)-against-anxiety_7_4

It can be concluded that kava alone or in combination with other herbal medicines is a promising candidate for the treatment of anxiety disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage

9. Saffron (Crocus sativus) reduces neurological damage

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_0

Crocus sativus (saffron) is a flowering plant of the Iridaceae family. Saffron stamens are widely used as a medicinal plant for various problems due to its sedative, stimulating and anti-catarral properties (helps to remove mucous secretions from the respiratory system).

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_1

Several studies have suggested that saffron may be effective in the treatment of hypertension and memory disorders. In addition, anti-inflammatory and antitussive effects (against dry cough) have been shown. Crocetin and crocin are the two main active compounds of saffron stamens, which have a wide range of therapeutic actions.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_2

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_3

Antidepressant and anti-neuroinflammatory actions of saffron appear to be effective in multiple sclerosis. Crocin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the induced by syncytin-1 and nitric oxide (NO) cytotoxicity on astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_4

Syncytin-1 is produced in highly elevated amounts in microglial cells, astrocytes, and glial cells in multiple sclerosis lesions. Crocin reduces neurological damage in experimental animal models of MS.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_5

Studies show that crocin has antidepressant effects in mild to moderate depression. And it is a common condition in people with multiple sclerosis and the antidepressant activity of saffron can be very useful for its treatment in patients with MS.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)-reduces-neurological-damage_8_6

Excessive consumption of saffron causes dizziness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases

10. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is used in various neuro-inflammatory diseases

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases_9_0

Panax ginseng or Korean ginseng is a traditional herb in Asia, where it has been used for thousands of years. Ginseng root is commonly used in the form of powder to regenerate the body and mind, to increase physical strength and prevent aging.&nbsp;

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases_9_1

Read more: <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/zhienshient_8_prichini_poradi_koito_kitaitsitie_gho_narichat_kralitsata_na_bilkitie?fbclid=IwAR2rlRGdYrDfHuC7LINsO-dp2TiZ0J-NyhRAMP86pXQBtvhduMvabL22lJk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ginseng: 8 reasons why the Chinese call it the "Queen of Herbs"</a>

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases_9_2

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases_9_3

&nbsp;The main active substance of P. ginseng are ginsenosides, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. In addition, ginseng is one of the most beneficial medicinal plants, which is used in various neuro-inflammatory diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases_9_4

Some research has shown that ginseng can reduce inflammation and fatigue, which is useful in MS patients.

Korean-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)-is-used-in-various-neuro-inflammatory-diseases_9_5

Excessive intake of ginseng can lead to several adverse effects, including hypertension, <a href="/p/kak_da_sie_spravim_s_biezsniieto_4a5e9367_3f8a_4aa7_bcf3_ecedac42f10c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">insomnia</a>, rashes and diarrhea.

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We can conclude that ginseng is an effective means of lowering fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and improving quality of life in these patients.

Sudanese-frankincense-(Boswellia-papyrifera)

11. Sudanese frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera)

Sudanese-frankincense-(Boswellia-papyrifera)_10_0

Boswellia papyrifera belongs to the Burseraceae family. Boswellia resin is traditionally used to treat ulcers, chronic inflammation and to maintain memory.

Sudanese-frankincense-(Boswellia-papyrifera)_10_1

The main active substance in the resin of B. papyrifera is boswellic acid. Several studies show the various therapeutic effects of boswellic acid - anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant.

Sudanese-frankincense-(Boswellia-papyrifera)_10_2

Sudanese-frankincense-(Boswellia-papyrifera)_10_3

Cognitive impairment is a common clinical symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis, with the frequency of its manifestation reaching up to 70%. Cognitive deficiency in MS patients affects various aspects, including attention, information processing efficiency, processing speed, long-term memory and visual learning.

Sudanese-frankincense-(Boswellia-papyrifera)_10_4

In one clinical trial, MS patients who were treated with Sudanese frankincense experienced a significant improvement in visual-spatial memory compared to the control group. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Effect_of_Boswellia_papyrifera_on_cognitive_impairment_in_multiple_sclerosis_25422734" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>] The administration of B. papyrifera appears to improve cognitive abilities in patients with multiple sclerosis, but larger trials are still needed to fully clarify the therapeutic effects of boswellia in MS sufferers.

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects

12. Common grape vine (Vitis vinifera) has neuroprotective effects

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects_11_0

Vitis vinifera (common vine) is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. The vine is cultivated in most countries of Europe, North Africa and West Asia.

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects_11_1

The leaves and seeds of this plant have different healing properties. Resveratrol (trans-3,4,5-trihydroxystilben) is a phenolic compound that occurs in grapes in response to an attack of fungi. Resveratrol has pharmaceutical effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant and antiviral.

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects_11_2

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects_11_3

Several studies have reported neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol. It exhibits neuroprotective effects by suppressing the activation of microglia and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory factors.

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects_11_4

Resveratrol can cross the blood-brain barrier and this makes it an ideal candidate for the treatment of neuro-inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Common-grape-vine-(Vitis-vinifera)-has-neuroprotective-effects_11_5

Excessive intake of grapes can cause gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence and diarrhea.

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The neuroprotective effects of V. vinifera have been demonstrated in various neurodegenerative diseases, but more specific studies are needed specifically on the effects on multiple sclerosis, in order to determine its therapeutic role in this disease.

Gastrodia-elata-(Tianma)-improves-memory

13. Gastrodia elata (Tianma) improves memory

Gastrodia-elata-(Tianma)-improves-memory_12_0

Gastrodia elata is a saprophytic herb from the Orchidaceae family. G. elata is a traditional Chinese plant. Tianma is the dried rhizome of G. elata, which is used as a folk remedy for various conditions such as headache, dizziness and hypertension. Tianma is usually used to treat neurodegenerative disorders and improve memory.

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Gastrodia-elata-(Tianma)-improves-memory_12_2

Due to the neuroprotective and antineuro-inflammatory effects of G. elata, the herb can be seen as a promising candidate for the therapy of multiple sclerosis. G. elata reduces free radicals and protects against damage to neurons.

Gastrodia-elata-(Tianma)-improves-memory_12_3

The plant shows anxiolytic properties - reduces anxiety, and has protective effects against global cerebral ischemia, nitric oxide synthase enzyme activity and apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Gastrodia-elata-(Tianma)-improves-memory_12_4

Gastrodin is the main active component of the herb tianma, which gives it its neuroprotective effects. Vanillin and benzyl alcohol are the other active substances of G. elata, which have anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing the generation of free radicals.

Gastrodia-elata-(Tianma)-improves-memory_12_5

Tianma plays an important protective role in the processes of restoring neurons, therefore it can be a useful drug for MS patients. But in this case clinical studies on the effect specifically on patients with multiple sclerosis are needed to clarify the possible therapeutic effects of this plant in them.

Green-tea-(Camellia-sinensis)-has-anti-inflammatory-and-neuroprotective-properties

14. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties

Green-tea-(Camellia-sinensis)-has-anti-inflammatory-and-neuroprotective-properties_13_0

Camellia sinensis, well known as green tea, is one of the first drinks in the world by the Theaceae family. Dried leaves of C. sinensis are used in the production of green tea. Green tea is used for several different purposes, including weight loss, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and neuroprotection.

Multiple sclerosis: 17 affordable herbs backed by science

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/defd4c7c-3ee7-445d-9457-6a4bcd3b8295_middle.jpg

 Multiple sclerosis: 17 affordable herbs backed by science

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system - the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks and destroys the protective myelin sheath of the nerves, and this in turn disrupts the communication between the brain and the other parts of the body.

Unfortunately, treatment of the disease has not yet been found, but better preparations are being developed to control it or, in other words, therapies modifying the disease. Their action consists in reducing the severity and duration of attacks, thereby also limiting the harmful neurological effects of these attacks.

These medicines are used in patients who are in the so-called remitting stage of the disease [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=DISEASE%3AMESH%3AD020529&amp;t=2&amp;o=0&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;s=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] in which attacks alternate with remissions. Patients are usually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in this phase and may remain in it for decades. If the condition is negligible and no treatment is applied, the patient may enter the next severe phase - that of secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis, in which there are no periods of improvement, but only worsening. In this case, disease-modifying therapies become ineffective.

Therefore, it is important to take measures from the very beginning and attack the disease at the recurrent-remitting stage. About 10% of patients are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the primary-progressive stage of the disease.

The search for treatment or better preparations to provide a good quality of life to patients with multiple sclerosis does not stop. Therefore, here we will provide you with information about developments in the field, focusing on the possibilities in Europe.

Ofatumumab-is-considered-a-safe-and-effective-treatment-for-recurrent-remitting-MS

Ofatumumab is considered a safe and effective treatment for recurrent remitting MS

Ofatumumab-is-considered-a-safe-and-effective-treatment-for-recurrent-remitting-MS_0_0

In September 2019, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=ofatumumab%20multiple%20sclerosis&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=e" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> </a> a meeting of The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) was held in Stockholm, where disease researchers and representatives of pharmaceutical companies gathered, to share experiences and discuss innovations.

gastrodia elata

New treatments of multiple sclerosis in Europe. Bonus: herbal remedies