Mucuna Pruriens (Kapikachu) an effective medicine in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's Disease:

Millions of humans are suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder, that mainly affects the neuromotor system with some other nonmotor. Most of the therapies are based on just symptom-based and can control but not cure in total and we can control aggravation of the symptoms, due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Ayurveda is described in traditional Indian medicine and known as Kampavata, have symptoms of Kampa (Tremors), Stambha (Rigidity), Chestasanga (Bradykinesia & Akinesia), Vatavikriti (Disturbance in speech), etc., Indian text Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, basavarajeeyam books as a reference.

In Ayurveda, Kapikachu- mucuna prurient is used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for parkinsonism. Reference from: Extension://elhekieabhbkpmcefcoobjddigjcaadp/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1738871/pdf/v075p01672.pdf

(Our study demonstrates that the seed powder formulation of M pruriens contains a considerable quantity of L-dopa which, at a dose of 30 g, is sufficient to consistently induce a sustained on-period in fluctuating PD patients with short-duration L-dopa response. The quality of motor improvement was equivalent to that seen with synthetic LD/CD, but the onset of action, duration of effect, and pharmacokinetic profiles differed considerably. The latency to clinical onset was significantly and markedly shorter with mucuna than with synthetic LD/CD. The duration of the on-period was markedly longer with 30 g mucuna than with LD/CD, with a mean difference of 37 min. The time from the beginning of a visible antiparkinsonian effect to returning to a full ‘‘off’’ was significantly longer with 30 g mucuna, providing an additional 46 min when patients were partially ‘on’.)

Early sign and symptom are Decreased Smelling Ability (Anosmia), Changes in Voice, Stooped Posture, Constipation, Cramped Handwriting, Flaky White, Depression, Anxiety, Hallucinations, Memory and Concentration Problem, Problems with Visual-Spatial Relationships

Some Common Symptoms at primary stages: Primary or idiopathic, Secondary or acquired, Hereditary Parkinsonism, Parkinson plus syndromes, or multiple system degeneration. parkinson's motor symtoms.png (278×300)

Panchakarma therapies and researched internal medicines for treating Parkinson’s disease. These are found to be very effective in controlling the symptoms of PD and arresting the disease's further progression. Quality of life can be improved drastically with these custom-made therapies.

If the patient is already on Allopathic medication, these treatments and medicines can be comfortably added to them. Ayurveda treatment regime proves effective in controlling the side effects of allopathic medicines and even in reducing the dosage of allopathic medications.

Kapikachu (Mucuna Puriens) is vatahara which balances Vata dosha in neurological disorders, vataghni. Can be used in Basti & belong to vidarigandhadhi Gana and vatasamshamana.