Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition that occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that carries messages relating to movement and coordination, die off. As a result, people with this condition commonly experience symptoms such as balance problems, tremor, walking problems and rigid limbs. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but drugs such as dopamine agonists and levodopa help to improve symptoms. An herb known as ashwagandha might also have a role in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, although clinical evidence to prove this is lacking. Do not use ashwagandha in place of prescription drugs, and get medical advice before adding it to your treatment plan.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is used in traditional Indian medicine for a number of medical conditions including cancer, epilepsy, stress, rheumatoid arthritis and skin infections. An article published in the March 2005 issue of "Human & Experimental Toxicology" notes it may also be helpful in protecting against neuronal injury in Parkinson's disease. Ashwagandha contains a host of compounds including alkaloids, steroidal lactones and saponins, which according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are likely responsible for the herb's therapeutic effects.
Dosage
Since ashwagandha is not a proven treatment for Parkinson's, guidance regarding a suitable dose is lacking. However, according to Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, a traditional dose is 1 g to 2 g of the root, boiled in milk or water for 15 to 20 minutes, taken three times daily. Check with your doctor or pharmacist that this dose is suitable for you before using.
Effectiveness
Clinical studies evaluating the effects of ashwagandha on Parkinson's disease are lacking, so it not possible to say whether ashwagandha is an effective treatment. However, the results of an animal study published in the April 2009 issue of "Neuroscience Letters" show that ashwagandha helps to improve balance and stride length, leading the authors to conclude that it might help to improve physiological abnormalities seen in Parkinson's disease. Clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Safety Considerations
Mississippi Baptist Health Systems experts state that ashwagandha is believed to be safe but add that data from formal safety studies are lacking. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant, as it may have abortive effects. Also avoid ashwagandha if you have hyperthyroidism, as it may boost the production of thyroid hormone. Keep in mind that this herb may interact with medicines or other agents, including sedatives.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Parkinson's Disease
- "Human and Experimental Toxicology"; Neuroprotective Effects of Withania Somnifera on 6-Hydroxydopamine Induced Parkinsonism in Rats; M. Ahmad et al.; March 2005
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ashwagandha
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Ashwagandha
- "Neuroscience Letters"; Ashwagandha Leaf Extract: A Potential Agent in Treating Oxidative Damage and Physiological Abnormalities Seen in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease; S. Rajasankar et al.; April 2009
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