Comparative efficacy of Mucuna pruriens and conventional levodopa in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial on pharmacokinetics and clinical perspectives from Asia.
- 2025-03-26
- Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996) 132(11)
- Thanatat Boonmongkol
- Onanong Phokaewvarangkul
- Sornkanok Vimolmangkang
- Thitima Wattanavijitkul
- Virunya Komenkul
- Roongroj Bhidayasiri
- PubMed: 40137945
- DOI: 10.1007/s00702-025-02914-2
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Sample size
- n = 11
- Population
- 12 participants with Parkinson's disease and motor complications
- Methods
- Randomised, single-blind, crossover trial comparing 30 g of MP powder against two 100/25 levodopa DT in separate sessions with a two-week washout
- Blinding
- Single-blind
- Duration
- separate sessions with a two-week washout
Levodopa remains central to Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, but long-term use can cause motor complications, highlighting the need for additional therapies. Mucuna pruriens (MP), a natural source of levodopa, shows potential in managing these complications. Further research is needed to compare its pharmacokinetics (PK) and clinical outcomes with traditional levodopa formulations. This randomised, single-blind, crossover trial compared the PK, clinical outcomes, and safety of MP powder against levodopa/benserazide dispersible tablets (Levodopa DT) in PD patients with motor complications. Twelve participants were recruited to receive either 30 g of MP powder or two 100/25 levodopa DT in separate sessions with a two-week washout between sessions. Key PK parameters (AUC, Cmax, Tmax, and t½) were measured. Clinical assessments used standard rating scales and adverse events were recorded. Data from 11 participants were analysed after one withdrawal. MP powder demonstrated significantly higher overall drug exposure, with a geometric mean AUC0-∞ of 12,424.81 compared to 7981.69 ng·h/mL for levodopa DT. The geometric mean ratio was 155.67% (90% CI 134.59-180.04), exceeding the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80-125%. However, the two treatments exhibited similar Tmax and t₁/₂ values, indicating comparable rates of absorption and elimination. Clinically, MP provided a longer ON state without dyskinesia-232.2 min versus 161.8 min for levodopa DT (p = 0.01). Mild and transient adverse events, such as nausea and dizziness, were more frequently associated with MP. MP offers superior drug exposure and extends the ON state without increasing dyskinesia, positioning it as a promising alternative to synthetic levodopa for managing motor symptoms. These findings support MP's potential role in alleviating motor complications in PD treatment.
Research Insights
Clinically, MP provided a longer ON state without dyskinesia-232.2 min versus 161.8 min for levodopa DT (p = 0.01).
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
- Dose
- 30 g of MP powder
Adverse Events Reported
Mild and transient adverse events, such as nausea and dizziness, were more frequently associated with MP.
- Finding
- Increased risk
- Grade
- mild
Mild and transient adverse events, such as nausea and dizziness, were more frequently associated with MP.
- Finding
- Increased risk
- Grade
- mild
Mild and transient adverse events, such as nausea and dizziness, were more frequently associated with MP.
- Finding
- Reported
- Grade
- mild