Bryophyllum pinnatum in the treatment of restless legs syndrome: A case series documented with polysomnography

Sigrid von Manitius, Dominique Flügel, Bettina Gievers Steinlein, Martin Schnelle, Ursula von Mandach, Ana Paula Simões-Wüst, Sigrid von Manitius, Dominique Flügel, Bettina Gievers Steinlein, Martin Schnelle, Ursula von Mandach, Ana Paula Simões-Wüst

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome may seriously affect patients' sleep and quality of life, but established pharmacological therapy can often have severe side effects. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches such as well-tolerated preparations from the medicinal plant Bryophyllum pinnatum should be considered as alternatives. Their sedative and spasmolytic properties might contribute to improve patients' condition.

Keywords: Bryophyllum pinnatum; periodic limb movements during sleep; polysomnography; restless legs syndrome; sleep quality.

Conflict of interest statement

MS: is an employee of Weleda AG, the company that produces the preparations of Bryophyllum pinnatum used in this case series. Weleda AG: supported part of the costs. APSW: has received research funding from Weleda AG over the last five years.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Polysomnography records of patient 1, who presented with low sleep efficiency, before and after treatment with Bryophyllum pinnatum 50% tablets. LM: limb movements (0.5‐10 s with an increase of electromyogram amplitude of ≥8 µV, compared to electromyogram during rest); PLM, period limb movements (at least four limb movements between 0.5 and 5 s, recurring at intervals of 5‐90 s); [1], right limb; [2], left limb
Figure 2
Figure 2
Polysomnography records of patient 5, who presented with frequent PLMS, before and after treatment with Bryophyllum pinnatum 33% mother tincture. LM: limb movements (0.5‐10 s with an increase of electromyogram amplitude of ≥8 µV, compared to electromyogram during rest); PLM, period limb movements (at least four limb movements between 0.5 and 5 s, recurring at intervals of 5‐90 s); [1], right limb; [2], left limb

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