Cause: Autoimmune disease; exact cause and trigger unknown.

Useful Supplements: Beta-carotene, DHEA, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

Useful Herbs: Astralgus.

Herbs to Avoid: Echinacea.

Further information: Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes the body to create antibodies which, rather than attacking foreign bodies, attack the body’s own cells. In lupus, the attack often centers on skin, joints, and internal organs.
Lupus most often occurs in women, and can start at any age. In some cases, it appears linked to medications, and can be reversed when the triggering medication is no longer taken.
Lupus is a chronic disease, and often goes through cycles of mild or severe illness alternated with disease remission.
Lupus almost always causes joint pain and triggers the development of arthritis. Rashes, kidney problems, neurological disorders, blood disorders, and heart and lung problems are also common.
Symptoms of lupus include fatigue, general discomfort, light sensitivity, joint pain and swelling, nausea, swollen glands, and chest pain.
Lupus diagnosis is based mainly on a blood test; further testing for problems resulting from lupus is often necessary.
There is no known prevention or cure for lupus. Treatment generally consists of systemic relief of various symptoms (anti-inflammatories for swollen joints, corticosteroid creams for skin rashes, etc.).
Lupus often leads to depression, due to its pervasiveness and interference with everyday life. If depression occurs, therapy or a support group may be helpful.

The following supplements and herbs are helpful in the treatment of lupus:

Low Beta-carotene levels are often associated with the development of lupus.¹ Taking this supplement may help ease some of the arthritic problems associated with lupus.

DHEA levels are often low in lupus patients. Supplementation with 200 mg daily appears to decrease disease activity and cause patients to notice an improvement.²

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) contains the sulfur that is necessary for connective tissue such as cartilage.³ It may be effective in treating the tissue degeneration associated with lupus.

Astralgus reduces autoimmune response and stimulates antibody production.⁴

Herbs to Avoid: Immune-strengthening herbs and supplements, such as Echinacea, should be avoided by lupus patients unless a health providers suggests otherwise. For a list of immune-enhancing herbs, see the page on Immune Function Enhancement.

References:

¹Comstock, G.W., Burke, A.E., et al. Annals Rheum Dis 56: 223-25, 1997.
²Derksen, R. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 1998 Jun;27:335-47
³Reichelt A, et al. Efficacy and safety of intramuscular glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung 1994 Jan;44(1):75-80.
⁴Yoshida Y, et al. Immunomodulating activity of Chinese medicinal herbs. Intl J Immunopharmacol 1997:19(7):359.