Traditional Medicaments Combating Against Fibromyalgia- A Review

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a persistent condition characterized by frequent body pain at different tender points, sleep disturbance, fatigue, anxiety, impaired condition, joint stiffness. 5% of the world population mainly middle and old aged people suffer from it. Women are more prone towards this disease. The underlying pathophysiology of this syndrome is still unknown. Common symptoms of this syndrome mainly include chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, joints stiffness, central sensitization, allodynia & hyperalgesia. There is no confirmatory blood test or imaging for diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The diagnosis criteria were set by The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1990 and then modified further in 2010. The main drugs used for treatment mainly include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, anticonvulsants, analgesics, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, nerve pain medications and muscle relaxants. Therapies are also used for pain relieve such as acupuncture, graded exercise, stretching, massage, chiropractic treatment techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy, hydrotherapy, biofeedback and group support to overcome depression but they have low efficacy. Selfcare is another major factor for treatment like stress management, healthy diet, relaxation techniques and physical exercise. Due to various side effects of drugs, nowadays scientist and researchers having an eye on medicinal plants and their secondary constituents for treatment of fibromyalgia. In this review, authors tried to compile various medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites having potential to treat fibromyalgia.