Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder affecting 10 million people worldwide, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors of the hands, slowness of movements, muscular stiffness and depressive mood. Mucuna pruriens, also known as cowhage, is a medicinal herb used by Ayurvedic physicians to treat Parkinson's, and some research studies also found this herb beneficial for Parkinson's disease. Always talk to your doctor before taking Mucuna pruriens or any other natural supplements for your condition.
Parkinson's and Dopamine
The substantia nigra is a part of the brain that contains a significant amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in body movement and balance. In Parkinson's, the substantia nigra degenerates and nerve cells die. Dopamine levels decrease and symptoms occur. Conventional treatment includes drugs that increase the levels of dopamine in the body. Mucuna pruriens may work in the same way as conventional drugs because this herb contains natural dopamine.
Mucuna Pruriens for Parkinson's
Mucuna seed powder is a natural source of L-dopa and might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the treatment of Parkinson's, according to a small study published in the December 2004 issue of "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry." The authors indicate that further studies are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy of Mucuna pruriens for treating Parkinson's disease.
Mucuna Pruriens, Levodopa and Parkinson's
Based on the fact that commonly prescribed levodopa often causes involuntary body movements called dyskinesias, a research team evaluated the benefits of adding Mucuna pruriens to levodopa therapy. The study involving animal subjects was published in the August 2010 issue of "Parkinsonism and Related Disorders." The authors found that Mucuna pruriens reduced the severity of involuntary movements caused by anti-Parkinson conventional drugs. This study also confirmed previous research findings that Mucuna pruriens alone can help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, without causing dyskinesias.
Dosage
In research studies, 7.5 g Mucuna pruriens extract used three to six times daily showed positive effects in improving symptoms of Parkinson's disease, according to Alan R. Gaby, M.D., author of "The Natural Pharmacy." The daily dose of Mucuna pruriens will be adjusted by your doctor, based on the severity of your symptoms and other drugs or natural supplements that you use.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage of Mucuna pruriens, possible side effects and drug interactions. A healthy diet, vitamin and mineral supplements may further improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Mucuna pruriens does not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs you are currently taking. The FDA has not approved Mucuna pruriens for the management of PD.
References
- University of Maryland, Medical Center: Parkinson's Disease
- "The Natural Pharmacy Revised and Updated, 3rd Edition: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions"; Alan Gaby, M.D., et al.; 2009
- PubMed.gov: Mucuna Pruriens in Parkinson's Disease: a Double Blind Clinical and Pharmacological Study; R. Katzenschlager, et al.; December 2004
- PubMed.gov: A Water Extract of Mucuna Pruriens Provides Long-Term Amelioration of Parkinsonism with Reduced Risk for Dyskinesias; C.A. Lieu, et al.; August 2010
