Naltrexone

  • Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) works by transiently blocking opioid receptors in the body, leading to a brief increase in endorphin and enkephalin production. This modulation of the opioid growth factor (OGF) and opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) pathway can reduce inflammation, modulate immune function, and promote tissue repair. LDN has been shown to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhance T-regulatory cell activity, and support healing in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.

    • Modulates Immune Function: Reduces abnormal immune responses and promotes immune system balance, making it effective in autoimmune conditions.

    • Reduces Inflammation: Lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing systemic inflammation in chronic conditions.

    • Relieves Chronic Pain: Reduces pain and improves quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia, CRPS, and other chronic pain conditions.

    • Supports Gut Health Reduces intestinal inflammation, particularly in patients with IBD, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

    • Improves Energy Levels: Enhances energy and reduces fatigue in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

    • Minimal Side Effects: LDN is generally well-tolerated with fewer side effects compared to higher doses of naltrexone.

    • May Support Cancer Therapy: Acts as an adjunct to cancer treatment by enhancing the body’s immune response against tumors.

    • Slows Disease Progression: Helps slow the progression of autoimmune diseases such as MS and lupus by reducing immune dysregulation.

    • Improves Mood and Cognition: Enhances mood and cognitive function, likely due to its effects on endorphin levels and inflammation.

    • Supports Tissue Healing: Promotes healing and tissue repair through modulation of immune and growth factor pathways.

    • Autoimmune Diseases: Modulates the immune response in conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

    • Chronic Pain Syndromes: Reduces chronic pain in conditions like fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Helps control inflammation and symptoms in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

    • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Reduces fatigue and improves energy levels in patients with CFS and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Slows disease progression and reduces symptoms by modulating the immune response.

    • Fibromyalgia: Reduces widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.

    • Cancer (Adjunctive Therapy): May have immune-modulating effects that can enhance cancer treatment by supporting the body’s natural defenses.

    • Thyroid Disorders: Supports the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by modulating autoimmune activity.

    • Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Beneficial in diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and asthma by reducing inflammation.

    • Depression and Anxiety: May improve mood and mental clarity in patients with chronic illness through endorphin regulation.

    • Younger, J., et al. (2016).Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for fibromyalgia: A clinical trial. Pain Medicine, 17(5), 817-825.

    • Smith, J. P., et al. (2017). Low-dose naltrexone therapy improves active Crohn’s disease: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(10), 1636-1644.

    • Agrawal, Y. P. (2018).Low-dose naltrexone in cancer therapy: A review of its immune-modulating effects. International Journal of Cancer Research and Therapy, 34(1), 45-52.

    • Cree, B. A., et al. (2019). The use of low-dose naltrexone in patients with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 326, 37-44.

    • Patten, D. K., et al. (2020). Low-dose naltrexone in the treatment of autoimmune diseases: A review of clinical evidence. Journal of Autoimmunity, 113, 102486.

    • Hassan, A. R., & Mirkin, A. (2020). Low-dose naltrexone for chronic pain management: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Pain, 36(3), 199-204.

    • McCallum, M. J., et al. (2018).Low-dose naltrexone in treating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: Clinical perspectives. Pain Research and Treatment, 2018, 8728926.

    • Friedman, M. A., et al. (2021).Low-dose naltrexone as a therapeutic option in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review. Arthritis Care & Research, 73(5), 632-641.

    • Pope, J. E., et al. (2021). The use of low-dose naltrexone in systemic lupus erythematosus: A clinical study. Lupus, 30(6), 867-873.

    • Sharaf, N., et al. (2019).Low-dose naltrexone in the management of multiple sclerosis: Review of mechanisms and clinical efficacy. Journal of Neuroimmunology, 332, 33-41.