Olanow and two others hold the patent for the use of mucna in the treatment of Parkinson's. This despite the fact that patents are issued for new and original creations. Mucuna has been used for the purpose for centuries and the patent should never have been issued and probably would not stand up to a challenge.

But in the meantime no one is going to risk their career by doing serious research on the plant knowing that this powerful figure is waiting. And since there is no sign that Olanow is doing anything to develop it the only ones who benefit are the big pharmaceuticals whose market would be eroded by a low cost alternative.

I am sure that Dr. Olanow did not intend for that to be the case.

I wonder what the reply might be if one of the national groups publicly called on Dr. Olanow to release those rights?