Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study
R Katzenschlager1,2, A Evans1, A Manson3, P N Patsalos4, N Ratnaraj4, H Watt5, L Timmermann6, R Van der Giessen7, A J Lees1
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Abstract
Background: The seed powder of the leguminous plant, Mucuna pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for diseases including parkinsonism. We have assessed the clinical effects and levodopa (L-dopa) pharmacokinetics following two different doses of mucuna preparation and compared them with standard L-dopa/carbidopa (LD/CD).
Methods: Eight Parkinson’s disease patients with a short duration L-dopa response and on period dyskinesias completed a randomised, controlled, double blind crossover trial. Patients were challenged with single doses of 200/50 mg LD/CD, and 15 and 30 g of mucuna preparation in randomised order at weekly intervals. L-Dopa pharmacokinetics were determined, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and tapping speed were obtained at baseline and repeatedly during the 4 h following drug ingestion. Dyskinesias were assessed using modified AIMS and Goetz scales.
Results: Compared with standard LD/CD, the 30 g mucuna preparation led to a considerably faster onset of effect (34.6 v 68.5 min; p = 0.021), reflected in shorter latencies to peak L-dopa plasma concentrations. Mean on time was 21.9% (37 min) longer with 30 g mucuna than with LD/CD (p = 0.021); peak L-dopa plasma concentrations were 110% higher and the area under the plasma concentration v time curve (area under curve) was 165.3% larger (p = 0.012). No significant differences in dyskinesias or tolerability occurred.
Conclusions: The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source of L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the long term management of PD. Assessment of long term efficacy and tolerability in a randomised, controlled study is warranted.
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TheLordsWeapon
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all I take is mucuna for 4 years and 30 grams is a hell of a lot of mucuna! My dose is roughly one gram. I probably would be in my knees puking if I took that much! Steven
Where are you able to purchase the mucuna? Are there different potencies or purities in its preparation and source? How do you determine which potency makes sense?
When I started it came recommended to me. It's been consistent so I have stuck with it. I use the Pure powder form of l-dopa from nutrivitashop. I put a post out my mucuna protocol you can check that out. I don't no when you were diagnosed or what kind of medication you're taking now. If you'd like to share that information with me and what you're looking to do I can help you a little bit. Lady peanut what a great name! Steven
I've also been taking mucuna pruriens for sometime, 3 years actually. I was shocked at 3 grams, that's a lot, possible side effect, increased libido. My Dr increased my dose recently, I'm at 1500 mg and have seen a difference. Looks like Big Pharma has struck again, they take something that works just fine and make a drug to take it's place so they can make money. Unfortunately, unless we can stop the alpha synuclein from going hay wire, the L-dopa will only be effective for so long. Dr Datis Kharrazian has great insight into that.
Dr Datis Kharrazian has lots of info on the alpha synuclein attaching to toxins, the folding issues, etc. As far as the L-dopa effectiveness stalling, my understanding is that, unless we can get the alpha synuclein to not be compromised and being transported to the dopamine receptors, the receptors will continue to die and the l-dopa will have nothing to work with left in the brain. I'm looking at limiting my toxins, detoxing, helping my body any way I can to slow all that down. Exercise is a big one, but there's much more I can do that hopefully will help my gut, etc.
I'm also having MAJOR problems with my anxiety level, its the highest its ever been. Since September I have lost 28 pounds, anything that triggers stress in my body whether its good or bad stress, for example, playing video games or singing lead vocals in a 90's cover band i was in about a year ago left my arms and legs shaking and just about unable to stand and my throat too tight to get out a single note. Also had to restructure my whole diet, eating any protein at all depletes the c/l in my system if i do not wait at least 3 hours after eating before taking meds, but by then its time for another dose!!! mean time all of my worst PD symptoms come back twice as bad as they were before the food...
Do you take any supplements? How about yoga or meditation, maybe essential oils. I know how upsetting it is to feel hopeless, caught in a never ending cycle.
I have experienced something similar to what you are talking about, I never would have guessed it was PD. I recently upped my mucuna and B1, also detoxing. It's better, only rarely happens now. I'll keep an eye on it for sure now. Thanks for sharing that.
Dr Datis Kharrazian has several interviews all over the internet, he has a practice in San Diego. Very expensive to see him as he spends major time on each patient, very well known, wellresearched DrKNews.com. He has online classes, more than I can afford tho. I've just spent time searching him out and he is interviewed for online seminars, Anxiety Summit coming up soon.
About toxins and toxicity, I suggest you read Dr. Neil Nathan's book, Toxic Heal Your Body...... This is what I want to understand better in respect to PD symptoms.
Seems consistent with an awful lot of comments I've seen right here by people sharing their own personal experience. Except 30g? That's like almost an ounce. Is that reference right? And if not, what else might be mis-stated? Hmmm.
That 30 grams must be one week amount. That would make sense. If I took my three doses a day at roughly a gram a dose that would be 28 grams a week. Has to be a typo! Fake news! LOL
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