kapikacchu and parkinsons

[Guest guest]

hi jagannath, hi tony, hi all...

 

the efficacy of kapikacchu and ashwagandha mixed with anticonvulsant

herbs such as hyocyamus in kampavata (parkinsons) has been demonstrated

in a few clinical studies, but i am not sure this is ayurveda per se,

although demonstrably better than conventional treatment

 

with all due respect to tony's admirable success, i think 2 issues are

important to mention:

 

1. in the above studies the patients that receieved maximal benefit

were those that had undergone pancha karma prior to treatment - this

demonstrates that the traditional methodologies of Ayurveda are

important to consider

 

2. there is significant discussion that the use of L- dopa rich

preparations like kapikacchu have been shown to improve symptoms in

parkinsonism, but also speed up the progression of the disease - thus

using kapikacchu and esp. the high potency standardized extracts (e.g.

15% L-dopa) too early could could be a deceptively dangerous approach -

of course a higher protein diet might prevent this, which might

partially explain why traditional ayurvedic practices involve decocting

these herbs in protein rich milk

 

also, regarding point #2, adding other herbs like bala to the

decoction, mixed with ghee, jaggery and other anupanas depending on the

doshas, is more reflective of ayurvedic practices - casein-lactose

sensitive individuals would probably benefit from a milk-free lehya of

kapikacchu, ashwagandha, bala, brahmi and other herbs

 

additional measures in parkinsonism includes prior and concurrent

amapachana treatment (very important to make sure the bowels are

running clear), and if possible, abyanga/shirodhara with medicated oils

such as balashvagandhalakshadi, bhringaraja, kshirabala or narayana

taila

 

in severe parkinson's poorly managed by drugs i have found very

generous doses of kapikacchu powder taken with a little ginger can make

a significant difference, which does suggest that mechanism of action

for kapikacchu may be a little different

 

best.... todd caldecott

 

>> Dear Tony,

>>

>> Congratulations !!! We too feel like jumping up and kissing the

sky!!

>> Jagannath

>>

 

>> These two wonderful herbs have given her her life back. I hope

that

>> this

>>> information will help other Vaidyas who are treating Parkenson's

>> patients. The results

>>> make me want to jump and kiss the sky!

>>> Tony

Caldecott

todd

www.toddcaldecott.com

in Vancouver: (778) 896-8894

[Guest guest]

Dear

 

Thank you for your informative post on Mucana puriens and Parkensons. Could

you

kindly clarify or expound on how Mucana can speed up the disease? As per your

post"

 

> 2. there is significant discussion that the use of L- dopa rich

> preparations like kapikacchu have been shown to improve symptoms in

> parkinsonism, but also speed up the progression of the disease - thus

> using kapikacchu and esp. the high potency standardized extracts (e.g.

> 15% L-dopa) too early could could be a deceptively dangerous approach -

> of course a higher protein diet might prevent this, which might

> partially explain why traditional ayurvedic practices involve decocting

> these herbs in protein rich milk

 

...... My patient has Parkenson's Syndrome, not the disease. It is different,

but manifests

similarly. I do not know if this makes any difference in this context or not.

Although, I

would like to hear more from you on how using Mucana can further vitiate the

disease,

and what can be done to prevent such a thing. You mentioned a high protein

diet. Would

my patient benefit thereby taking Mucana/Ashwaganda with an anupana of warm

milk?

Ideally, I would have her decoct the herbs in milk, but for her this is simply

not

practical for her, as she is elderly etc.. She is taking the herbs in caps

which I make. It is 2

parts Mucana Ext., 1 part Ashwaganda Ext, 1 part Ashwaganda powder and 1 part

ginger

in a OO cap. Would the increase of protein-rich foods such as legumes, fish or

meat help?

Maybe she can take her caps with her meals? Thanks for any further information

you can

provide.

 

Blessings,

 

Tony

[Guest guest]

hi tony,

> Could you kindly clarify or expound on how Mucana can speed up the

> disease? As per your post

 

this is based on clinical studies with L-dopa, not kapikacchu per se

but since ur using the standardized extract (15%?), its a relevant

concern

see: http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/351/24/2498

the higher the dose, the greater the risk of dyskinesia

 

 

> My patient has Parkenson's Syndrome, not the disease. It is

> different, but manifests similarly. I do not know if this makes any

> difference in this context or not.

 

you need to discern what the cause is... do you know? (toxins, drugs,

another CNS disorder like alzheimer's, stroke or huntington's?) - if

its stroke, for e.g., there are other things you should probably

address, like EFA ratios in the diet, or other herbs to support the

cardiovascular system (likely if she's elderly)

 

 

> Although, I would like to hear more from you on how using Mucana

> can further vitiate the disease, and what can be done to prevent

> such a thing. You mentioned a high protein diet. Would my patient

> benefit thereby taking Mucana/Ashwaganda with an anupana of

> warm milk?

 

1. a milk decoction has long been the preferred method of

administration for kapikacchu and ashwagandha - the science is unclear, but for

other herbs, using such preparations has been shown to have distinct advantages,

e.g. decocting arjuna in milk makes the

cardio-supportive triterpenes more available - of course, its only

helpful if your pt doesn't have milk sensitivities - thats why i

suggest a milk-free lehya as an alternative

 

2. a higher protein diet would limit the amount of L-dopa being

transported across the BBB - the idea is to ensure the lowest effective dose

 

3. regarding (2), i have found that parkinsonism is worsened by blood

sugar irregularities and the neuronal degenerative effects of high

blood glucose - a higher protein would prevent this - also,

parkinsonism is a vata disorder, and a protein/fat rich diet is

generally indicated

 

> Ideally, I would have her decoct the herbs in milk, but for her this

> is simply not practical for her, as she is elderly etc.. She is

> taking the herbs in caps which I make. It is 2 parts Mucana Ext.,

> 1 part Ashwaganda Ext, 1 part Ashwaganda powder and 1 part ginger

> in a OO cap. Would the increase of protein-rich foods such as

> legumes, fish or meat help?

> Maybe she can take her caps with her meals? Thanks for any further

> information you can provide.

 

the concerns i have are probably more relevant for early onset PD - as

your pt is older, it probably won't have as great an impact - i

mentioned the previous not to change your approach per se, but just as

something to consider generally when using kapikacchu - for e.g., i

would hesitate to use the extract in a 58 y/o patient too quickly

 

 

best....

Caldecott

www.toddcaldecott.com