Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Inflammation is one of the main contributory factors to the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Multiple sclerosis is responsible for plaque accumulation in arteries and for creating favourable environment for blockages to occur. Dietary interventions with (lemon ) extracts have been proved to be effective in the prevention of inflammatory diseases.

METHODS

The effect of lemon  supplementation (10% w/w verbascoside) was evaluated in a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study with 30 participants segregated in relapsing-remitting (n=10), primary progressive (n=5) and secondary progressive (n=15) MS presentations. Serum cytokine and C reactive protein levels were assessed in intervention and control groups for each MS clinical subtype after 28 days of dietary supplementation.

Results

Serum levels of C reactive protein and 8 cytokines/ inflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10) markers were studied. Secondary progressive MS- supplemented patients showed C reactive protein concentrations significantly lower compared to the placebo group. This clearly indicates lemon extracts possessing properties to reduce condition of multiple sclerosis and inflammation.

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