Melatonin
Melatonin has plausible mechanisms, some positive (and some negative) pre-clinical data, and two case reports in which it was part of a cocktail of treatments associated with recovery of lost motor function. As we have stated previously, there aremultiple possible explanations for cases like these. There was also a very small, flawed retrospective study suggesting […]
Light Therapy
Light therapy has not yet been convincingly shown to help people with ALS. However, at specific wavelengths and energy densities, LT appears safe and has theoretically plausible mechanisms. There is a single case report suggesting benefits for light therapy in ALS, but it contains in sufficient detail to independently confirm diagnosis or treatment benefit. Further […]
Proprionyl-L-Carnitine
There are good theoretical mechanisms for carnitines, some preclinical evidence for LC and ALCAR, and a single clinical trial that suggested ALCAR could slow disease progression in PALS. All three carnitines appear to be well tolerated, generally safe and inexpensive. We believe that there is a need for future clinical trials of carnitines in PALS […]
LEAP2BFIT
Many ingredients contained within LEAP2BFIT could, at least in theory, be beneficial in ALS. Some of these ingredients have supporting animal or human studies. However, it is unknown if these ingredients are being provided in therapeutic quantities since the dosages are not disclosed. Furthermore, it is impossible to know the net positive or negative effect […]
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine has several plausible mechanisms by which it could slow ALS progression. There are two PALS online who reported improved motor functions on supplement cocktails containing Vinpocetine, but many other PALS have had nobenefits. Serious side effects from Vinpocetine are rare and it is inexpensive. We support further study of Vinpocetine in ALS, but our […]
Anti-fungals
It is unknown if fungi exist in the brain of PALS. If they do exist, it is unknown if they have any pathogenic effect, and unknown if antifungal drugs would modify ALS disease progression. There are no pre-clinical ALS model studies, verified ALS cases, or ALS clinical trials to suggest that antifungals would be of […]
RCH4
RCH4 is an unlicensed, unapproved product reported to “probably slow the progression of your ALS” (6) on a website. The only peer reviewed publication we found on this product is a single abstract which was never presented at a meeting. We have been unable to determine RCH4’s structure or chemical class, and its purported mechanism […]
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a dietary supplement that likely activates SIRT1 cellular pathways and may alter the gut microbiome. These are interesting mechanisms that may potentially alter the progression of ALS and do confer benefit in animal models of one type of familial ALS; however, to-date, there have been no trials of resveratrol in PALS. Some trials […]