Bioavailability of L-DOPA from HP-200 : a formulation of seed powder of Mucuna pruriens (Bak) : a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study
Auteur(s) / Author(s)
MAHAJANI S. S. (1) ; DOSHI V. J. ; PARIKH K. M. (1) ; MANYAM B. V. ;
Affiliation(s) du ou des auteurs / Author(s) Affiliation(s)
(1) Divisions of Pharmacology, The Zandu Pharmaceutical Works Ltd., Bombay, INDE
Résumé / Abstract


HP-200, a formulation made from the seed powder of Mucuna pruriens, contains among other constituents, about 4% L-DOPA. After five normal human volunteers were each given a single oral dose of 30 g of HP-200, plasma samples were obtained at 0, 20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 360 min for assay of L-DOPA by HPLC technique using electrochemical detection. The supine systolic and diastolic blood pressures were recorded at each sampling time.

The results indicate that on oral administration, L-DOPA was absorbed from HP-200 with plasma peak levels (C[max]=1.56±0.163 μg/mL) achieved at T[max]=83±16.09 min. The plasma half life was 102±2 min and the auc was determined as 6.508±0.421 μg/h/mL. The pharmacokinetic profile of HP-200 exhibited characteristics similar to formulations of synthetic L-DOPA, except for the lack of a sharp peak. HP-200, a new herbal formulation, appears to be suitable for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

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Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study
R Katzenschlager1,2, A Evans1, A Manson3, P N Patsalos4, N Ratnaraj4, H Watt5, L Timmermann6, R Van der Giessen7 and A J Lees1

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2004;75:1672-1677

Background: The seed powder of the leguminous plant, Mucuna pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for diseases including parkinsonism. We have assessed the clinical effects and levodopa (L-dopa) pharmacokinetics following two different doses of mucuna preparation and compared them with standard L-dopa/carbidopa (LD/CD).

Methods: Eight Parkinson’s disease patients with a short duration L-dopa response and on period dyskinesias completed a randomised, controlled, double blind crossover trial. Patients were challenged with single doses of 200/50 mg LD/CD, and 15 and 30 g of mucuna preparation in randomised order at weekly intervals. L-Dopa pharmacokinetics were determined, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and tapping speed were obtained at baseline and repeatedly during the 4 h following drug ingestion. Dyskinesias were assessed using modified AIMS and Goetz scales.

Results: Compared with standard LD/CD, the 30 g mucuna preparation led to a considerably faster onset of effect (34.6 v 68.5 min; p = 0.021), reflected in shorter latencies to peak L-dopa plasma concentrations. Mean on time was 21.9% (37 min) longer with 30 g mucuna than with LD/CD (p = 0.021); peak L-dopa plasma concentrations were 110% higher and the area under the plasma concentration v time curve (area under curve) was 165.3% larger (p = 0.012). No significant differences in dyskinesias or tolerability occurred.

Conclusions: The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source of L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the long term management of PD. Assessment of long term efficacy and tolerability in a randomised, controlled study is warranted.

FULL ARTICLE:

http://jnnp.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/75/12/1672