The use of ascorbigen in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients: a preliminary trial

Altern Med Rev. 2000 Oct;5(5):455-62.

Abstract

Twelve female fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients were given 500 mg per day of a blend containing 100 mg ascorbigen and 400 mg broccoli powder in a preliminary, one-month, open-label trial. This group of patients showed a mean 20.1 percent (p=0.044) decrease in their physical impairment score and a mean 17.8 percent (p=0.016) decrease in their total fibromyalgia impact scores as measured by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. The mean physical impairment score two weeks post-treatment showed a significant return to near pre-treatment level (p=0.028). Analysis of ten of the patients' mean threshold pain levels at the 18 possible tender points obtained before and at the end of treatment showed a strong trend toward an increase in the mean threshold pain level (p=0.059). The reduced sensitivity to pain and improvement in quality of life measured in this study appear to be clinically relevant and a larger, double-blind study is warranted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Brassica / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fibromyalgia / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Indoles / therapeutic use*
  • Pain Threshold
  • Phytotherapy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Indoles
  • ascorbigen
  • Ascorbic Acid