Posted by zefdie on November 13, 2005, at 14:08:20
In reply to Re: Macuna hatatta » ravenstorm, posted by gromit on October 10, 2005, at 15:16:52
I have a question based on one of Larry Hoover's prior responses about 5-HTP and the danger of flooding one's stomach with serotonin before it can get to the brain. He said that for Parkinsons l-dopa is taken with a decarboxylase inhibitor to prevent the same thing happening with dopamine. I'm wondering if this might allow daily, long-term use of mucuna pruriens rather than the rotating schedule people seem to be using; also, I imagine it would enhance the effect of the mucuna.
Anyone have any ideas? Here is some info about inhibitors, quoted from a Parkinson's site:
"L-Dopa is often combined with dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors such as carbidopa or benserazide, with these formulations known as 'Co-Careldopa' and 'Co-Beneldopa' respectively."
This apparently reduces peripheral side effects from dopamine: "Dopa-decarboxylase is stored in all adrenergic nerve endings)."
It also says that dopa-decarboxylase inhibitors can't cross the blood-brain barrier and therefore you can take lower doses of l-dopa with the same effect on the brain, experiencing fewer side effects. There is a "quicker onset of action" and a "more stable clinical response."
The information comes from here:
http://www.chemsoc.org/exemplarchem/entries/2003/nottingham_russell/2.html
> > This was posted at the end of the information on the supplement barbcat is taking:
> >
> > Caution: Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Mucuna Pruriens is not intended for long-term use. Do not take more than 2 months continiously. The long term side effects of Mucuna has not been studied. You may take the product on a 2 months on, 2 months off basis. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a serious medical condition, seek the advice of a health professional before using this product.
> >
> > Risk and adverse effects: Researchers have found that taking over 1g of L Dopa a day can cause undesirable side effects such as nausea and vomiting, uncontrollable motions , loss of blood pressure, mental disturbance, and increased cardiac risk. It is highly suggested that you follow the recomended dosage by not exceeding 2 capsules a day, and not take it longer than a 2 months period . If you are currently on medication, please consult your physician before taking any supplement.
>
> It seems like you're supposed to cycle quite a few supplements. Not many "alternative" treatments have been really studied long term it seems.
>
> > Right now, I can't take medications because of what remeron did to my stomach, so anything that could cause vomitting or nausea I probably can't take.
>
> I haven't noticed any stomach upset myself. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't think those side effects are caused specifically by mucuna, it's just how too much dopamine effects people. It says over 1 gram of l-dopa per day, even with the high octane brand the if you take the max 500 mg you actually get less than 250 mg of l-dopa. So if you take 4 times the recommended dose bad things might happen but that would be true of many other things too.
>
> Man, that almost sounded like a sales pitch. Is your doctor open minded about stuff like this? I've only had one pdoc who didn't either shrug me off or get irritated if I mentioned any kind of natural thing.
>
>
> Rick
>
poster:zefdie
thread:559511
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20051025/msgs/578230.html