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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.