Instead of the western medicine chemicals, how about eastern medicine herbs?
Zandopa: This Ayurvedic powder, made from the seeds of the Mucuna pruriens plant, contains natural levodopa, which helps replenish dopamine levels in the brain. It's been found to improve motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's patients.
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri): Known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, Bacopa may help improve brain function and reduce oxidative stress, which is beneficial for Parkinson's disease.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This adaptogenic herb has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect neurons and improve symptoms like tremors and stiffness in Parkinson's patients.
Ceylon Cinnamon: While there isn't much specific research on Ceylon Cinnamon for Parkinson's, its anti-inflammatory properties might offer some benefits in managing symptoms.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): This mushroom has shown promise in promoting nerve cell growth and improving cognitive function, which could be helpful for Parkinson's patients
Here are some cautions
Zandopa and Bacopa: Both have cognitive-enhancing properties and can be taken together, but it's best to monitor for any excessive drowsiness.
Ashwagandha and Bacopa: These two herbs are often used together in Ayurvedic medicine for their stress-relieving and cognitive benefits. They can complement each other well, but again, watch for any signs of excessive drowsiness.
Ceylon Cinnamon: Generally safe to combine with other herbs, but it may interact with blood-thinning medications and diabetes medications.
Lion’s Mane: This mushroom can interact with blood-thinning medications, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, and sedatives. It's important to be cautious if you're taking any of these medications.
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I believe PD is an autoimmune disease and I have read that Ashwagandha amps up the immune system. That convinced me that Ashwagandha is a bad idea for PwP.
I guess like other medications or suppliments - good and bad - how do we balance?
I think maybe put Ashwa on hold - and check out this some more
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Here are some things beneficial with Ashwagandha ..
Neuroprotective Properties: Ashwagandha has been shown to protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the progression of PD.
Antioxidant Effects: The herb contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, potentially slowing down the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the brain, which is beneficial for managing PD symptoms.
Improvement in Motor Function: Some studies suggest that Ashwagandha can improve motor function and reduce symptoms such as tremors and stiffness in PD patients.
Cognitive Enhancement: Ashwagandha is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, which can help improve memory and mental clarity in individuals with PD.
Stress Reduction: As an adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps the body manage stress, which can be beneficial for overall well-being and potentially reduce the impact of stress on PD symptoms.
Ashwagandha is probably safe for most people, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. Doctors recommend steering clear of ashwagandha if you fall into the following categories:
- You are pregnant or nursing. There’s not enough evidence about the safety of ashwagandha during pregnancy or while nursing. In the absence of reliable information, it’s best to avoid the supplement.
- You have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or lupus. Ashwagandha might cause your immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
- You have a thyroid disorder. If you have an overactive thyroid, ashwagandha could increase your levels even more. If you have an underactive thyroid, you should only use ashwagandha under the direction of a healthcare professional.
- You have a sensitivity to nightshades. Ashwagandha is part of the nightshade family, so if you’re sensitive to nightshades, such as tomatoes, eggplant and peppers, you may also have an adverse reaction to ashwagandha.
- You’re due for surgery. Ashwagandha may intensify the effects of anesthesia and other medications taken during and after surgery. Steer clear of it at least two weeks before scheduled surgery and until you stop taking medications post-surgery.
- You have hemochromatosis. People with hemochromatosis have high levels of iron, and ashwagandha also contains iron.
Notice those other two bullets:
- Ashwagandha is a nightshade. People with autoimmune disease should stay away from nightshades. And like other nightshades, Ashwagandha has Lectins. There are doctors that believe Lectins may cause PD. Lectins are not digestible, pass through the gut wall, and may contribute to intestinal permeability.
- Ashwagandha contains iron. I think people with PD have too much iron in our brains. I take things to chelate iron out. I don't add more iron if I don't have to.
I don’t know about ashwagandha. I know a lot of practitioners in India recommended for Parkinson’s disease. These are Ayurveda practitioners and to respect their opinion as these are drugs from that tradition.
There are a lot of herbs that theoretically would increase immune problems, but I can’t find any case report saying that it actually does. There are other things like echinacea that are replete with case reports saying it exacerbated disease. So if it really has this effect, I’m wondering where the case reports are showing that a person with rheumatoid arthritis did in fact have a documented exacerbation.
Yes, there is so much divergent advice out there. This is what WebMD says on the topic:
""Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Ashwagandha might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using ashwagandha."
I did find a detailed case study where they seemed to cure a man of RA using Ayurvedic medicine, but as far as I can tell Ashwagandha was not part of the protocol:
Yes, Ayurveda does not historically use the same criteria for success that Western medicine does. A practitioner would use improved pulse diagnosis as a way to see if things helping. Ashwaganda treats Vata, and Rheumatoid arthritis is not a Vata disorder. Parkinson’s however is Vata related so it is talked about a lot in that system of medicine. I am not suggesting there is evidence in Western scientific medicine. However I am suggesting I see frequent claims that something might cause autoimmune exacerbated, yet unable to find a single case study. I find that odd. Other herbs clearly do worsen autoimmunity with many case reports. As common as ashwaganda is used there should be thousands of case reports showing it worsen patients conditions. I would like to see them if they are out there, but I have not seen them.
I have spent some time studyng Ayurvedic medicine. I studied with an Ayurvedic doctor locally - learned about diagnosis of the tongue and pulse of the wrist
I spent 2 weeks at the Deepak Chopra retreat at Carlsbad, CA. (sometime ago now) I have read his books, attended his conferences.
I myself, lean more to Pitta - some Kapha
Interesting that you mention that PD is Vata related
My wife is definetly Vata dosha and has a bunch of conditions
She has arthritis - not sure - but I think Osteoarthritis - I need to look it up on her records
She has chronic constipation and the frozen shoulder and thalassemia
The neurologist sees her every 6 - 7 months - during the 20 min visit - suggests that she continue taking C/L
Because of my background in eastern ways - I am somewhat put off by western medicine regard PD - all I see are studies and research saying there should be more studies
I like ashwaganda - but I'm on pause right now - on this
I think PD is also considered Kapha. I had Chinese acupuncturist who trained at one of 5 major acupuncture school in China. They spend a year studying nothing but pulse diagnosis.
She was pretty phenomenal at it. She knew in seconds if I had taken the herbs she prescribed, if I was fatigued, stressed, or had mild back. I saw her eight years and was pretty impressed at her pulse diagnosis ability.
According to her the younger you are the better you respond. I think Ayurveda is the same.
Ashwagandha failed my lectin test (it is a nightshade) and generated iRBD events while sleeping. Everyone with iRBD should take with caution and test for events.
The needle points to both sides... For example, if iron is an issue with Ashwagandha, then even vitamin C should be an issue because it facilitates iron absorption into the body...
I tried Mucuna. One pill made me vomit like a broken chocolate fountain for six hours. It did seem to give me about the same relief as one 100/25mg tablet of Sinemet, but pointless being "non shakey" if I'm throwing up every 15 minutes.
With 12/15 years experience using Mucuna 100% organic powder for my husband we wouldn't be without it. It works. Just experiment to find the cirrect dose. Maximum I use is half teaspoon along with his meds.
Join group on FB for Mucuna Pruriens Parkinson’s. It helps to know the percentage of levodopa in your mucuna. I use micro teaspooons to measure. Start low and slow and build up over a couple of weeks. I use NutrVita which is extracted to 99% levodopa. If it doesn’t tell you the percentage it will likely be too little. Take with vitamin C, lemon juice, or green tea in a large glass of water along with a low protein snack or meal to prevent nausea. I started with 1/32 tsp and worked up till I had symptom relief. If you take with C/L you wont need as much. Without C/L you will need up to 4x as much. Take every 3 1/2 - 4 hours or when you feel symptoms returning.
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Parkinson's could be otherwise (2).
