Parkinson's disease occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine, a brain chemical that transmits messages relating to movement and coordination, begin to die off. As a result, a person with Parkinson's disease may experience tremors, stiffness in their limbs, balance problems and movement difficulties. It is incurable, but drug therapy can help to slow progression of the disease. Some herbs may aid the production of dopamine and may also help to improve cognitive function. However, evidence to prove that herbs are effective is limited. Do not use them in place of medicines prescribed by your doctor.
Examples and Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that several herbs may play a role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, including cowhage and and the Ayurvedic herb, brahmi. Cowhage contains small amounts of levodopa, a drug used to treat Parkinson's, while brahmi may help to improve cognitive function. Both herbs may be taken as powders or in capsule or tablet form. UMMC notes that the required dose of cowhage may range between 22.5 g and 67.5 g daily, while 100 to 200 mg twice daily is the suggested dose of brahmi. However, these doses are only meant to be a guideline. Ask your doctor what is right for you.
Efficacy
The results of a randomized, controlled, double blind study by R. Katzenschlager and colleagues published in the December 2004 issue of the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry" show that cowhage might possess advantages over levodopa preparations in the long term management of Parkinson's disease. However, the authors add that its long-term efficacy and safety needs to be established. Research by R. Hosamania and R. Muralidhara published in the November 2009 issue of "Neurotoxicology" found that brahmi may inhibit dopamine depletion and may have a protective effect in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the study was carried out in the Drosophila fly, not in humans with the disease.
Side Effects
Cowhage supplements made from the wall of the cowhage bean are likely safe, according to RxList. However, side effects may include nausea and abdominal bloating. It may also cause vomiting and insomnia, palpitations and delusions although these side effects are rare. Short-term Brahmi use is likely safe but side effects may include nausea, dry mouth and fatigue, RxList notes.
Contraindications
Cowhage is contraindicated in a large number of conditions including hypoglycemia, diabetes, melanoma and psychiatric disorders. Also, avoid this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also interact with other medicines you may be taking, including tricyclic antidepressants and diabetes medicines. Do not take brahmi if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Parkinson's Disease
- PubMed: Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's Disease: A Double Blind Clinical and Pharmacological Study
- PubMed: Neuroprotective Efficacy of Bacopa monnieri Against Rotenone Induced Oxidative Stress and Neurotoxicity in Drosophila Melanogaster
- RxList: Cowhage
- RxList: Brahmi
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