Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON HERBS USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GUILLAIN BARR SYNDROME

Poonam Shinde*, Pratik Gujrani, Purva Dhondge and Ashutosh Gupta

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines in the management of Guillain Barr Syndrome. Methods: Guillain Barr Syndrome is an auto immune disorder mainly affecting the Peripheral Nervous system causing muscle weakness, loss of sensation and in chronic cases, complete paralysis and breathing difficulty. GBS is an acute (sudden and severe), paralysing disease caused by inflammation of the nerves (damage that occurs due to the body's immune system). Symptoms reach their worst within four weeks of onset. Between 3% and 17% of people with GBS die of its complications. A quarter needs a ventilator to help with breathing. Recovery takes several weeks or months and is often incomplete. Plasma exchange (washing harmful substances out of the blood) and intravenous immunoglobulin (human antibodies harvested from blood donations given through a drip) can help speed up the recovery. Corticosteroids are probably not effective. Despite the use of plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin many people with GBS have long-term disability. We need to find what other treatments have been tried as a basis for launching new trials. Results: According to a multitude of studies, a wide spectrum of herbs can be used to improve various aspects of Guillain Barr Syndrome. Herbs such as Santalum album, Laccifera lacca, Curcuma longa L., and Sida cardiofolia can impact supress the activation of inflammatory mediators, activation of the classical NF-kB pathway, and produce potent immunostimulant effect. Conclusion: There is a need to develop and test new treatments for GBS, and to adopt more sensitive outcome measures. Some plants as natural remedies may have beneficial effects on improving different aspects of GBS; but further studies are needed to investigate their mechanisms and safety.

Keywords: Guillain Barr Syndrome (GBS), Immunostimulant, Corticosteroids, Botanicals.