Soya supplements in neuropathic pain treatment

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Rev Neurol. 2007 Oct 16-31;45(8):479-81.

Soya supplements in the treatment of neuropathic pain

Bermejo PE.

Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro,

28035, Madrid, Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropathic pain is a typical symptom of a number of

neurological diseases that is often difficult to treat. Drugs used

include antidepressants, opiates, topical agents and antiepileptic

drugs and, despite the fact that combination therapy regimens are

becoming increasingly frequent, a considerable percentage of cases

are pharmacoresistant. In this regard, other therapeutic approaches,

such as diet, can play a fundamental role.

In spite of the use of soya as treatment for certain situations, such

as premenstrual or joint pain, and the fact that it has been shown to

be effective in preventing the development of neuropathic pain in

animal pain models, no studies have been conducted to examine its

role as a possible analgesic in neuropathic pain.

CASE REPORTS: Our study involved a series of nine patients (four

males and five females) who were diagnosed with neuropathic pain due

to varying aetiologies which was refractory to an average of 2.3

drugs; these subjects were treated with soya extracts and

phytoestrogens. The mean dose was 300 mg every 12 hours and the

follow-up lasted 62 days. Data concerning the intensity of the pain

(according to a visual analogical scale), the number of days with

pain and the side effects were collected and analysed. No improvement

was observed in any of the variables under study, although there were

no side effects either.

CONCLUSIONS: Soya supplements did not display any analgesic

properties to combat neuropathic pain in our study. Nevertheless,

given previous findings in other types of pain, the data obtained in

animal models and the absence of side effects, we believe it is

necessary to carry out further studies in this line.