Introduction:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ. Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is a disease most often occurring in people of relatively young age (10 to 50 years old) in which the immune system activates against itself to produce chronic inflammation in various parts of the body.
Excessive consumption of alfalfa seeds or sprouts:
Alfalfa seeds which are commonly sprouted for food and found in the supermarket are often consumed as a condiment for salads and sandwiches. Several studies have shown that alfalfa seeds and sprouts have been associated with induction of Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) in humans and primates (1-3). The mechanism in which the alfalfa causes Lupus is believed to be induced by the amino acid L-canavanine present in the seeds/sprouts which alters immunity. Research on primates have used a 45% alfalfa seed diet to induce Lupus (2). There have also been reports of alfalfa inducing Lupus in humans who are taking alfalfa for a clinical research study (3).
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a natural supplement:
Eleven individuals with SLE received standard treatment, six received Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) and five received placebo. Results show that compared to placebo, Pycnogenol significantly reduced SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), a scoring system often used in lupus research. The index includes a list of 24 items, 16 include seizure, psychosis, organic brain syndrome, visual disturbance, other neurological problems, hair loss, new rash, muscle weakness, arthritis, blood vessel inflammation, mouth sores, chest pain worse with deep breathing and manifestations of pleurisy and/or pericarditis and fever. Eight of the 24 items are laboratory data during the last 10 days.
Caution in the use of pycnogenol due to its effect upon platelet aggregation. Pycnogenol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other anti-platelet agents, and anti-coagulants such as heparin or warfarin (5).
Summary and Conclusion: Lupus Erythematosis
- Avoid consumption of alfalfa sprouts and seeds in large amounts daily due to their potential to induce Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) until further research is performed which can define their safety (1-3).
- According to a study by Stefanescu M, et al, pycnogenol significantly reduced SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) in systemic lupus erythematosus patients (4). Pycnogenol is maritime pine bark extract which contains the anti-oxidant compound procyanidolic oligomers used in research at doses between 100 – 300 mg daily. Caution in the use of pycnogenol due to its effect upon reduced platelet aggregation. Pycnogenol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other anti-platelet agents, and anti-coagulants such as heparin or warfarin (5).
References:
1.Roberts JL, Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361.
2.Bardana EJ Jr, Malinow MR, Houghton DC, McNulty WP, Wuepper KD, Parker F, Pirofsky B. Diet-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in primates. Am J Kidney Dis. 1982 May;1(6):345-52.
3.Montanaro A, Bardana EJ Jr. Dietary amino acid-induced systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1991 May;17(2):323-32.
4.Stefanescu M, Matache C, Onu A, et al. Pycnogenol efficacy in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Phytother Res. 2001 Dec;15(8):698-704. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11746863
5.Smoking-induced platelet aggregation (platelets prevent bleeding) was inhibited by use of either 500 mg of aspirin or 125 mg Pycnogenol. Pütter M, Grotemeyer KH, Würthwein G, et al. Inhibition of smoking-induced platelet aggregation by aspirin and pycnogenol. Thromb Res. 1999 Aug 15;95(4):155-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10498385