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Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren syndrome (SS) is a disorder of the immune system. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissue. In this case it, it affects the mucus membranes and certain glands. These glands produce moisture such as tears, saliva, and sweat. Common symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, problems swallowing, swollen glands, and dental cavities.

The cause of SS is unknown. Some genes may lead to a higher risk of this syndrome. However, something in the environment may be what triggers the immune problem.

Symptoms tend to come and go. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.

Natural Therapies

Likely Effective

  • Traditional Chinese herbal medicine —A blend of specific herbs tailored to an individual based on traditional Chinese medicine. Patients saw improvements in tear and salivary function.A1

Possibly Effective

  • Electrostimulation —Stimulates specific nerve pathways to produce saliva.B1-B4

Unlikely to Be Effective

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about all herbs or supplements you are taking. Some may interact with your treatment plan or health conditions.

References►

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

A1. Luo H, Li X, Liu J, Andrew F, George L. Chinese herbal medicine in treating primary Sjogren’s syndrome: a systematic review of randomized trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:640658.

Electrostimulation

B1. Stellar M, Chou L, Daniels TE. Electrical stimulation of salivary flow in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome. J Dent Res. 1988;67(10):1334-1337.

B2. Talal N, Quinn JH, Daniels TE. The clinical effects of electrostimulation on salivary function of Sjögren's syndrome patients. A placebo controlled study. Rheumatol Int. 1992;12(2):43-45.

B3. Strietzel FP, Lafaurie GI, Mendoza GR, et al. Efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device for xerostomia relief: a multicenter, randomized trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2011;63(1):180-190.

B4. Furness S, Bryan G, McMillan R, Birchenough S, Worthington HV. Interventions for the management of dry mouth: non-pharmacological interventions. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(9):CD009603.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

C1. Hartkamp A, Geenen R, Godaert GL, et al. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone administration on fatigue, well-being, and functioning in women with primary Sjögren syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2008;67(1):91-97.

C2. Virkki LM, Porola P, Forsblad-d'Elia H, Valtysdottir S, Solovieva SA, Konttinen YT. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) substitution treatment for severe fatigue in DHEA-deficient patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2010;62(1):118-124.

Last reviewed February 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Richard Glickman-Simon, MD
Last Updated: 2/22/2019