J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Jun;7(6):1004-7. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/5415.3072. Epub 2013 Jun 1.

Simultaneous determination of levodopa and carbidopa from fava bean, green peas and green beans by high performance liquid gas chromatography.

Mehran S M M1, B G.

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

According to many studies, sprouted fava beans are a rich source of levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-dopa) the precursor of dopamine, and they are now being investigated for use in the management of Parkinson's disease. The addition of Carbidopa (C-dopa) can reduce the daily use of the L-dopa dosage requirements and it can also reduce the side effects which are associated with the L-dopa administration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The present research was conducted to find the levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-dopa) and Carbidopa (C-dopa) in fava beans, green peas and green beans by High Performance Gas Chromatography (HPLC). Carbidopa (C-dopa) is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor. As a substitution therapy, it used in combination to treat Parkinson's disease.

RESULT:

We obtained L-dopa and C-dopa from fava beans which were in the fresh and dry sprouted form, whose concentrations were 1.4,1.5 and 2.6,2.4 mg/ml respectively. The maximal stimulation of the L-DOPA content was seen on day 8 for the fava beans, which was 100% higher than that of the control level.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study indicate that faba beans are a good source of natural L-dopa and C-dopa. The quantification of this capacity according to the stage and the plant part could be suitable for applications in the food industry and in plant medicine. The consumption of fava beans can increase the levels of L-dopa and C-dopa in the blood, with a marked improvement in the motor performance of the patients with parkinson disease, without any side effects.


peace

BP

Thank you for your contribution the the fava bean users for PD. I have been using fava beans and the extracts of l-dopa from the plants and beans I grow myself since 2009. I have never had side effects from them. My PD symptoms are controlled and I still am learning to do new things since introducing them to my life. Still learning to play new instruments , garden organically, dance, sing etc and live a very full, extremely busy life. I encourage anyone who is able to use favas and especially, to grow them. Get sunshine, exercise and eat good organic food. Try to live stress free and love those around you. Enjoy each moment and try to enrich the lives you touch. God Bless you my family with PD. Love Aunt Bean

Can you grow fava beans in Alaska??? Have enjoyed reading some of your posts .Aunt Bean likes to hike and kayak too, but seems days fly by and I don't get to hardly anymore