PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

9th August 2010 - New review

MUCUNA PRURIENS - THE OLDEST TREATMENT FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

An ancient civilisation in India practiced their medical doctrine called Ayurveda. They described the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, which they called Kampavata as far back as 5000 B.C.. To treat Kampavata, they used Mucuna Pruriens, which is certainly the oldest known method of treating the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume whose seeds are a natural source of high quantities of L-dopa. Immature seeds contain maximum L-dopa content [1]. Mucuna Pruriens is a milder source of L-dopa than the quantities of L-dopa in pharmaceutical forms. Its mildness lessens the problem of excessive dosage that often occurs with the use of L-dopa in pharmaceutical form. Mucuna Pruriens is also more adjustable in its dosages.

It can be used for Parkinson's Disease as a form of L-dopa [2]. In optimal dosages, Mucuna Pruriens acts more quickly than L-dopa, and its effects last longer. There are no major differences between them regarding possible side effects [3]. Mucuna Pruriens also possesses anti-oxidant qualities, which help to protect against cell damage, and also metal chelating activity, which helps to protect against excessive quantities of metals [4]. There is no evidence that it contains the equivalent of carbidopa, which is a substance in Sinemet that reduces L-dopa breakdown before it is reaches the brain. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports