Velvet Bean Used in Clinical Trials for Parkinsons

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Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:23 pm

 

Post subject: Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Used in Clinical Trials

 

 

 

Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens)

 

a source of the dopa that's converted by the brain to the neurotransmitter

dopamine. Reductions in dopamine have been associated with Parkinson's disease,

which occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine are destroyed.

 

Velvet beans have actually been used in clinical trials to treat Parkinson’s.

 

The researchers at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine used a velvet

bean preparation called HP-0 which is derived from the inner part of the bean.

The HP-0 was standardized so that each gram of the preparation contained 33.33

milligrams of L-dopa.

 

Velvet bean also contains bufotenine (a cholinesterase inhibitor) and serotonin

(a brain neurotransmitter that may be involved in learning, sleep, and control

of moods).

 

Bufotenine treats parasitic intestinal worms; pesticide. In Ayurvedic medicine

it’s considered a tonic and aphrodisiac to the reproductive system,

rejuvenative, excellent for Vata. An herbal source of levadopa. 1 tablespoon =

25/100 Sinemet but without the carbidopa.

It may help with improving sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, stimulating

arousal, and increasing intensity and frequency of orgasms for both men and

women.

 

L-Dopa is an effective inhibitor of pituitary prolactin release.

Excess prolactin is thought to cause erection failures.

 

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_p16.htm

_______________

 

Parkinson's Disease (PD)

(named after 19th century British physician James Parkinson)

 

A slow, progressive, degenerative nerve disease, related to the death of cells

deep in the brain which control muscle tension and movement.5 Brain cells that

die are gone forever and are NOT ever replaced . Symptoms appear when there is a

lack of dopamine, a neuro- transmitter or message carrier from brain to

brainstem. A nutrient dense diet and supplement program is the first line of

defense.

 

" When medications are added to control symptoms, there is an unwanted array of

side effects like nausea, hallucinations and spastic movements. Dosage is

critical, but doesn't seem to follow a measurable pattern, which requires much

experimentation and trial for each patient. Finding the right dosage is

extremely hard and the patient seems to be always under or over medicated . Even

advances in administering medication produce effects that are limited and

eventually become ineffective. It was thought that symptoms were caused by

suppression, or lack of electrical activity in the nerve pathways but the exact

opposite is true. How can a brain whose major problem stems from the death of

some of its cells be repaired by deliberately destroying a few more? Patients

experience too much unmodulated stimulation in certain pathways, which is helped

by surgically deadening a few of the cells in this pathway...the basis for PVP

(see research history below). Robert Iacono, M.D.

 

 

 

Primary disease: cells that manufacture dopamine are lost and the brain can

no longer manufacture this chemical.

Secondary form: dopamine receptors in the brain are blocked in some way,

interfering with the action of the brain chemical.

 

 

Possible links ( even though the cause is unknown):

 

 

malnutrition...believed to be an important underlying factor

cerebral vascular disease (blockage of blood vessels in the brain)

side effects of antipsychotic drugs, carbon monoxide poisoning, and abuse of

certain designer drugs

a rare infection ...encephalitis lethargica

exposure to environmental toxins.., like herbicides and pesticides that leach

into our ground water.

The liver can no longer filter out, metabolize and detoxify toxins

efficiently

 

 

Facts:

 

N-MPTP an illegal, street-synthesized form of heroin can cause a severe form

of PD.4

High levels of lead have been found in some patients. (Chelation can remove

it))

One in a :100 over age 65 and 1 in 250 over age 40 is affected (more men than

women) 4

There are over 1.5 million victims in the U.S.

Genetics does not seem to be a factor4

One of the most common debilitating diseases in the U.S.

Death occurs secondary to aspiration or infection.

 

Four major symptoms:

(No patient has all the many and varied symptoms...just a custom collection)

 

 

slowness of movement

muscular rigidity

resting tremor (at its peak during rest, improves with movement and absent in

sleep)

postural instability (shuffling, unbalanced walk which progresses into

uncontrollable tiny, running steps to keep from falling)

 

 

Early symptoms: Tremor in one hand that resembles a " pill rolling " motion;

severe loss of eye blinking

 

Other symptoms: unstable or twisted posture, weakness, excessive sweating, loss

of sense of smell, weight loss, constipation, cramping,, spastic movements

(akinesia), double vision, both sides of body involved in tremors, speech

becomes difficult and slow, more stiffness, swallowing difficulty due to muscle

rigidity, drooling, loss of appetite, head shaking, permanent rigid, bent-over

posture. All daily activities become difficult. Handwriting becomes small.

Depression and impaired mental acuity may occur. " To put it mildly, quality of

life becomes greatly decreased " . Robert Iacono, M.D.

 

Best Diet. Fresh, unrefined, primarily vegetarian, without additives, rich in

complex carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables), whole grains, beans, nuts and

seeds...in a wide variety. Especially include: almonds, peanuts and pecans,

pumpkin and sesame seeds and sesame butter, lima beans, chickpeas and lentils,

oats, barley, wheat germ, green leafy vegetables, bananas and potatoes, tofu.

Include flax seed oil (great in salad dressings, etc)

With special emphasis: Vitamins B6, C and E ,magnesium, calcium, selenium. 5,10

 

 

Vitamin C rich foods: red bell peppers, citrus, broccoli, brussels sprouts,

cabbage, spinach, potatoes, strawberries, sweet and hot peppers, tomatoes.

Vitamin E rich foods: almonds, hazelnuts, safflower nuts, sunflower seeds,

walnuts, wheat, bran, whole-wheat flour. Spinach, dark leaf lettuce, onions,

blackberries, apples and pears.

Vitamin B6 rich foods: whole grains, bran, whole wheat flour, wheat germ and

brown rice; bananas, vegetables, including avocados and carrots; brewer's yeast,

hazelnuts, lentils, soybeans, and sunflower seeds; salmon and tuna.

Calcium rich foods: green leafy vegetables, brazil nuts, almonds, molasses,

soybeans, tofu, canned salmon.

Magnesium rich food.: green leafy vegetables, almonds, molasses, soybeans,

sunflower seeds, wheat germ, fruit, and fish (bluefish, carp, cod, flounder,

halibut, herring, mackerel, ocean perch).

Selenium rich foods: broccoli, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, garlic, mushrooms,

and onions; whole grain products, bran and wheat germ; egg yolks, tuna.

 

Note: " The B vitamins, especially B6 given along with other B vitamins and

magnesium will result in steady improvement " 11 " Patients begin to feel stronger,

walk with a steadier gait, have better bladder control, a greater sense of

well-being, better mental alertness, a greater sense of well-being, and a

decrease in muscular cramps, trembling and rigidity. Sometimes improvement is

not noticed in persons who have had a severe case of the disease for several

years. High fiber diet will eliminate constipation, and an adequate intake of

water (8 glasses or more) will help offset side effects of PD medications

frequently used. " 10

 

Things that will help:

Drink only pure water (reverse osmosis or distilled water) and ½ the body weight

in ounces daily. (150lb. person needs 75 ounces a day) " The dry mouth is the

very last sign of dehydration.12

Nutrient dense diet and supplement program that includes vitamins, minerals,

Moderate exercise like walking .... to maintain normal muscle tone and function

Active and passive exercises and range of motion...will help keep muscles toned

and flexible.

 

History of PD Research:

 

 

1939 Russell Heyers, M.D. removed a brain tumor and noted that tremors and

rigidity were relieved. He did some experimental surgery but technology made it

too risky.

1950's Lars Leksell, M.D. (Neurosurgeon in Sweden) Some success at reducing

symptoms when he inserted a thin probe into the skull along the front hairline,

deep into the pallidus. However, being off target a small amount caused

blindness and permanent impairment.

1985, Laud Laitinen, M.D.(a student of Dr. Leksell) developed steoeotactic

PVP (postero-verml pallidotomy). He attached a halo to the head with calibration

marks, MRI and x-ray images allowed the pallidus to be measured and targeted

from multiple angles on the halo, providing precise points of intersection for

the probe.

1989, Robert Iacono, M.D.(student of Dr. Laitinen) began using fetal tissue

implant. It is thought that the tiny new brain cells implanted, attaches and

grows and stimulating the production of dopamine and allowing some regeneration

of brain cells. Fetal tissue research was not approved in the U.S., so he took

his patients to China. He also continued research on stereotactic PVP, to

improve the procedure.

Early 1990s, Dr. Iacono joined the staff at Loma Linda University Medical

School near Redlands, California (phone 909-824-0800) and is doing his version

of stereotactic PVP ( which can counter both tremor and akinesia).He uses the

halo and meticulous measurements to determine the exact location of the

pallidus. During surgery, he uses a tiny microphone on the tip of a probe that

is inserted into the brain. When it enters the pallidus or other abnormally

affected areas, the sounds emitted change from soft, even hiss to a loud

crackling and popping static sound. This allows him to pinpoint the area of

hyperactivity electric signals. The patient is awake during surgery but feels no

pain. The patient can respond to questions and requests to move fingers, hands,

legs, tongue or eyes as the probe is being positioned. After meticulous

measurements, using MRI and x-ray to verify his position the tip of the probe is

heated, which kills a few of the overactive brain cells, but leaves

circulation undamaged. The patient normally feels immediate relief. There are

some relapses, but for many there is permanent improvement.

1994 Dr. Iacono is also doing some research inserting a deep brain stimulator

connected to a pacemaker implanted in the patients side. The FDA has granted

permission for 15 patients to have these in a research study.

Dr. Iacono and others are doing research, hoping to find a cure for PD.

 

 

Avoid exposure to chemicals:

 

 

drinks in aluminum cans (up m six times more aluminum in the soda compared

with bottled in glass)

acid foods (like tomato) should be in lined tin cans to avoid the leaching of

lead

antacids containing aluminum (like Maalox, Rolaids, Digel, Mylanta, Riopan,

Amphogel, and AltemaGel)3

calcium supplementation as it decreases absorption of other minerals.3

foods with additives and preservatives, colorings, etc.

handling pesticides and other toxic chemicals without gloves, and/or other

protection..

Occupations and hobbies, with caution, that use chemicals

 

 

Supplements needed: (*AIM Products)

Barleygreen* a powerful, organic, whole food concentrate complete with vitamins,

minerals, enzymes and amino acids, chlorophyll and phytochemicals to build up

the common nutritional deficiencies found in this disease.9 A optimal serving

for the first few months: 1 Tbs. 4 times daily--adjust to your needs ..more or

less. (Start with ½ teaspoon and build up). The most nutrient dense

vitamin-mineral concentrate available to reverse nutritional deficiencies common

in this disease. Also, an excellent source of SOD (superoxide dismutase)..a

enzyme that retards oxidation and protects neurons and spares dopamine. It will

also help the body detoxify...adjust the servings down and then more slowly work

up if symptoms occur. If you want more a more nutrient dense drink...use Just

Carrots and RediBeet powder mixed in distilled water (and omit processed fruit

juices). After the disease is better controlled, you will come down to a lower

daily serving adjusted to your bodies needs. " green drinks

may significantly reduce symptoms " . James Balch M.D.1

 

Proancynol* as directed, an antioxidant providing bioflavanoids and free radical

scavengers " the use of antioxidants may delay the need for levodopa therapy in

some cases by two or three years " . James Balch M.D.1

 

Flax meal - 2-level Tablespoons, twice a day --mixed in juice taken before 2

meals a day (mix with Herbal Fiberblend)....Providing Omega 3 fatty acids which

are essential to a good diet.

Herbal Fiberblend* 1 level Tablespoon added to flax meal before 2 meals a day or

at bedtime. The fiber will provide cleansing benefits to the colon and help

avoid toxic waste buildup that would otherwise reabsorb into the body. Adjust

servings as needed.

 

Gingko Biloba* 1 60 mg caplet twice daily on an empty stomach. It improves fine

circulation.

 

Renewed Balance* natural progesterone cream. Men need 10 mg/day and women 20 mg.

1 jar has 1500 mg....and will last four months or more. Apply a small amount

1/16 or 1/8 tsp daily to thin skin, rotating sites (wrist, chest or breasts,

abdomen, inner thigh, face).

 

Lecithin granules or capsules 1 Tbsp. 3 times a day or 1200 mg before

meals...good source of choline...important for nerve transmission.

 

Wheat germ oil: contains Octocosanol, which has positive benefits on neuron

membranes and " may reduce dosage of levodopa required " James Balch M.D.1

 

Things to consider:

 

 

Rule out heavy metal poisoning, especially from aluminum, lead or mercury.

 

 

Types of Tremors:

Note: most tremors are NOT an indication of Parkinson's disease..but DO need

evaluation.

 

Hand tremors - Most pronounced during rest., worsened with tension or

fatigue and disappear during sleep.

Intention tremors - occur only when muscles are used, rather than at rest.

Essential tremors - more or less continuous up-and-down tremors...Affect

both hands, milder with rest and more severe with activity or stress. Attempting

to stop this tremor with willpower makes it worse.

 

 

 

References:

 

Nutritional Healing James Balch, M.D. PP. 420-422

Alternative Medicine Deepak Chopra, M.D. PP.957-959

Guide to Natural Healing (1996) Julian Whitaker, M.D. pp 43,67

Merck Manual Home Edition (1997) pp.315-317

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (1999) Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph

Pizzorno, N.D.pp.224-225.

Robert Iacono, M.D. Scope Magazine Spring-Summer 1994 pp. 21-25.

PDR Family Guide to Nutrition and Health (1995) pp.591-595..

Self Health (1996) Steven E. Whiting PhD. pp171-172.

Health in the 21st Century (1997) Ernesto Contreras, M.D. pp.259-260.

Nutrition Almanac 3rd edition (1973) Layon Dunne pp.204-205

Lets Get Well Adelle Davis.

The Body's many Cries for Water (1995) B. Batmangheldj, M.D.p.18

 

http://www.nutritionlifestyles.com/parkins.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

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