To Hans van der Genug--

Thank you very much for the correction of the .htm and
the text about Mucuna pruriens.  I am looking for
articles about clinical tests of Mucuna pruriens.

Al Isberg
> -----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
> Van: Reuben Isberg <[log in to unmask]>
> Aan: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> Datum: dinsdag 6 juli 1999 0:54
> Onderwerp: INFO ABOUT MUCUNA PRURIENS
>
>
> >> I also found a place that sells Mucuna pruriens extract
> at www.sabinsa.com/news/nlr0398.htm or E-mail
> [log in to unmask]  I didn't attach their information
> because it is not formatted for my word processor. <<
>
> AYURVEDIC GEMS
> Mucuna pruriens
>
> Mucuna pruriens, from the botanical family Papilionaceae/Fabaceae, commonly
> known as velvet bean or cowitch is a plant indigenous to India. Ayurvedic
> practitioners have used the seeds for centuries in the management of
> Parkinson's disease and nervous debility as well as in formulations to
> control depression and improve mental alertness1. The seeds were also found
> to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in experimental models2. These
> properties combined with its reported aphrodisiac effects indicate potential
> use in anabolic and energy formulations for sports nutrition.
>
> The endocarp of the seeds were found to contain about 5% levodopa
> (L-dihydroxyphenylalanine, L-DOPA) which is used in conventional medical
> practice in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. A 12-week study with 60
> patients suffering from Parkinson's disease evaluated the effectiveness of a
> stable standardized preparation (3% L-DOPA) made from the endocarp in the
> treatment of the disease. An average daily dose of 22.5 to 45 grams of the
> preparation produced significant reduction in symptoms, as determined using
> Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The authors of this study
> concluded that the standardized extract of Mucuna pruriens offers an
> effective low cost approach to the management of Parkinson's disease. As
> opposed to synthetic drugs, the combination of phytonutrients in the extract
> could contribute to its low toxicity and superior efficacy3.
>
> Sabinsa Corporation supplies a standardized extract of Mucuna pruriens
> containing not less than 15% L-DOPA.
>
> References: 1. Singh, R.H. (1989). J. Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, 11:
> 1-6.
>
> 2. Akhtar, M.S. et al. (1990) J. Pakistan Medical Association 40(7):147-1 50
>
> 3.Manyam, B.V. et al. (1995). J. Alternative and Complementaty Medicine,
> 1(3):249-255.