A randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effects of Plantago ovata husk in Parkinson patients: changes in levodopa pharmacokinetics and biochemical parameters.

2014-08-12
BMC complementary and alternative medicine 14(1)
- M Nelida Fernandez-Martinez
- Luis Hernandez-Echevarria
- Matilde Sierra-Vega
- M Jose Diez-Liebana
- Angela Calle-Pardo
- Demetrio Carriedo-Ule
- Ana M Sahagún-Prieto
- Anna Anguera-Vila
- Juan Jose Garcia-Vieitez

PubMed: 25112783
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-296

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 18
Population: 18 Parkinson patients well controlled by their oral medication
Methods: Crossover randomised clinical trial, two treatments (Plantago ovata husk or placebo) with usual levodopa/carbidopa oral dose, blood samples on days 0, 14 and 35 to assess levodopa pharmacokinetics and biochemical parameters
Duration: 35 days
Funding: Unclear

Background

Plantago ovata husk therapy could be used in patients with Parkinson disease to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, but it is important to know whether this compound modifies levodopa pharmacokinetics. The maintenance of constant plasma concentrations of levodopa abolishes the clinical fluctuations in parkinsonian patients. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to establish the influence of the fiber Plantago ovata husk in the pharmacokinetics of levodopa when administered to Parkinson patients well controlled by their oral medication.

Methods

To evaluate the effects of this fiber on several biochemical parameters. 18 volunteers participated in the study and received alternatively two treatments (Plantago ovata husk or placebo) with their usual levodopa/carbidopa oral dose. On days 0 (initial situation), 14 and 35 of the study, blood samples were taken to assess levodopa pharmacokinetics and to determine biochemical parameters.

Results

Levodopa Cmax was very similar in the initial situation (603.2 ng/ml) and after placebo administration (612.0 ng/ml), being slightly lower (547.8 ng/ml) when Plantago ovata husk was given. AUC was very similar in the three groups: initial situation.- 62.87 μg.min/ml, fiber treatment.- 64.47 μg.min/ml and placebo treatment.- 65.10 μg.min/ml. Fiber reduced significantly the number of peaks observed in the levodopa concentrations, maintaining concentrations more stable. No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with the administration of Plantago ovata husk.

Conclusions

Plantago ovata husk administration caused a smoothing and homogenization of levodopa absorption, providing more stable concentrations and final higher levels, resulting in a great benefit for patients.

Trial registration

EudraCT2006-000491-33.

Research Insights

Psyllium Husk→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with the administration of Plantago ovata husk.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
Psyllium Husk→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with the administration of Plantago ovata husk.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated
Psyllium Husk→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with the administration of Plantago ovata husk.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not stated