Q. In my MS support group it seems like everyone is taking Ginkgo biloba, saying that it helps with concentration and memory. Is this true? Can it help MS attacks too?
A. Small preliminary clinical studies of Ginkgo biloba in people with MS indicate that it may be beneficial for cognitive difficulties and fatigue. However, these finding are not definitive – larger and more rigorous studies are needed. There have not been any studies that have evaluated Ginkgo biloba for MS attack prevention. Importantly, Ginkgo biloba may produce side effects, including bleeding and seizures.
Q. I have heard of hyperbaric oxygen being used for severe burns but can it be helpful in MS as well?
A. In 1983, a study reported that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) produced beneficial effects in people with MS. However, multiple subsequent studies of HBO have not found a therapeutic effect in MS. Two independent reviews of all of the HBO and MS studies have concluded that this therapy does not produce consistent therapeutic effects in MS.
Q. I always seem to have an MS attack when I’m fighting a bad cold. A friend recommended Echinacea to keep the colds from lasting too long. But I’ve also read that people with MS should not use Echinacea, especially if they are taking interferon. As I’m taking Copaxone, can I try Echinacea next time I get a cold?
A. The concern with Echinacea and MS is that, like many other supplements that may decrease the severity or duration of the common cold, it may activate the immune system. Thus it carries a theoretical risk of worsening MS or inhibiting the therapeutic effects of MS medications such as glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®) and interferons (Avonex®, Betaseron® Rebif®).
Q. We’re always told not to try a CAM that doesn’t have proof that it works, but it seems like so few actually do have any proof. Why aren’t there more studies to prove or disprove alternative treatments for MS?
A. The funding for many of the clinical trial studies in MS (and other diseases) is from drug companies who hope to ultimately develop a patentable, profitmaking product. However, most alternative treatments are not patentable and there is thus less interest in funding these types of studies. However, over the past five to ten years, more funding has become available for funding alternative therapy studies through the National Institutes of Health and the National MS Society in the United States and multiple other MS and medical research organisations around the world.
Q. I get frequent urinary tract infections. Should I drink cranberry juice once I have the UTI to cure it or all the time?.
A. Cranberry may be effective for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) but has not been shown to be effective, and should not be used, for treating UTIs.
The only therapies that are known to be effective for UTI treatment are conventional antibiotics. Cranberry is usually well tolerated.
Q. Shouldn’t people with a chronic disease like MS take a lot of different vitamins or a multi-vitamin to be healthier and feel better?
A. For some people with MS, a limited number of dietary supplements may be reasonable. However, it is important to keep in mind that supplements are specific molecules that alter multiple biochemical processes in the body. Through these processes, supplements — like drugs — have the potential to produce beneficial as well as harmful effects. People with MS using supplements should discussed this with a health professional and they should be taken in a thoughtful and individualised manner.
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