Phytotherapy of posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome

Abstract

The recognized standard in Lyme disease treatment is antibiotic therapy, both in monotherapy or in combination. This approach is fairly effective in the early stages of the disease. In up to 1/3 of the patients treated, Lyme disease symptoms remain; which is diagnosed as PTLDS. The cause of PTLDS is considered to be pathophysiological damage after the disease or a chronic infection of B. burfgerdori (Bb) sensu lato remaining in oval forms and protected by biofilm. Standard antibiotic Lyme treatment is ineffective in PTLDS, as well as extended treatments. Therefore, it seems reasonable to look for new compounds that can aid treatment. An interesting direction seems to be the study of phytochemical compounds and plant extracts. A review of the studies indicates that some of them, such as Stevia extract, Baikalin are highly effective against Bb in monotherapy and in combination therapy with antibiotics. Buhner’s phytotherapy will also be discussed.