Objective: To see if treatment with Mucuna pruriens 2 capsules (15% levodopa) TID, plus solo carbidopa prescription 25mg TID in patient reluctant to traditional levodopa/carbidopa management could help alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms and reduce UPSRS score.

Background: Unfortunately there are patients reluctant and opposed to initiating traditional levodopa/carbidopa medication and then remain unmedicated and lack benefit of levodopa therapy in Parkinson’s diagnosis. A botanical legume Mucuna pruriens contains 5-7% levodopa, however does not contain carbidopa. In an effort to offer a levodopa botanical alternative solution to patient with resistance to initiating levodopa therapy we suggested a protocol of Mucuna pruriens plus solo carbidopa prescription, patient was amenable.

Method: Patient is taking Mucuna pruriens supplement 2400mg seed extract total with total 360mg levodopa per day in divided doses. Patient is taking 2 capsules TID (standardized to 15% levodopa), plus solo carbidopa prescription 25mg TID. Patient was previously and continued exercising (weight lifting, tai chi, cardio gym membership) and taking nutritional supplements for underlying nutritional deficiencies (Vit D, B-12) or notable weakened systems ie digestion, sleep.  (Vit D 5,000IU, B-12 2,500mcg BID, CoQ10 400mg, omega-3 fish oil, prebiotic/fiber, digestive enzymes BID, Vit E 400mg, magnesium blend QHS, melatonin 5mg sustained release QHS).

Results: Patient was independently evaluated by Movement Disorder Specialist at diagnosis and twelve months after initiating Mucuna pruriens plus carbidopa. This case study reports reducing UPDRS score from original score of 27 to UPDRS of 9 twelve months later.

Conclusion: Treatment with Mucuna pruriens plus solo carbidopa prescription after a twelve-month case study reduced UPDRS score from 27 upon initial evaluation to UPDRS of 9 twelve months later, patient was evaluated independently by movement disorder specialist at university. Exercise and overall supplement protocol may have added benefit to levodopa therapy. Patient and family have noted benefit beyond what is measurable in UPDRS in quality of life, sleep improvements, lower cholesterol, increased Vit D, increased B-12 and lower homocysteine on blood analysis. Patient will be followed for long-term follow-up and UPDRS tracking.

References: Caronni, S., Del Sorbo, F., Barichella, M., Fothergill-Misbah, N., Denne, T., Laguna, J., … & Cilia, R. (2024). Mucuna pruriens to treat Parkinson’s disease in low-income countries: recommendations and practical guidelines from the farmer to clinical trials. Paving the way for future use in clinical practice. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 106983.

Soumyanath, A., Denne, T., Hiller, A., Ramachandran, S., & Shinto, L. (2018). Analysis of levodopa content in commercial Mucuna pruriens products using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(2), 182-186.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/treatment-with-mucuna-pruriens-plus-solo-carbidopa-prescription-in-patient-reluctant-to-initiation-of-traditional-levodopa-carbidopa-medication/