Updated review of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus.
It is estimated that over 50 % of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have utilized complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments to reduce symptoms and manage their health. However, there are relatively few randomized controlled trials of CAM for SLE. This review describes recent studies of vitamins and supplements, acupuncture, and mind-body interventions in SLE patients. The recent trials of CAM treatments for SLE indicate that supplements such as vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, N-acetyl cysteine and turmeric show some promise for reducing SLE disease activity. In addition, mind-body methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and other counseling interventions may improve mood and quality of life in SLE.
UPMC Shadyside Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 580 South Aiken Avenue, Suite 310, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA, grecocm@upmc.edu.
Carol M
CM
Greco
Claire
C
Nakajima
Susan
S
Manzi
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000628:therapy*; D026441:Mind-Body Therapies / Q000379:methods; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014815:Vitamins