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Traditional and complementary therapies in Parkinson's disease
B V Manyam1, J R Sánchez-Ramos
1Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.
Advances in Neurology
|July 20, 1999
Summary
Ancient Ayurvedic traditions describe Parkinson's disease (PD) as Kampavata. Traditional herbal treatments and complementary therapies for PD warrant scientific investigation for potential modern applications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical History
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) has a long history, with early descriptions found in ancient Indian Ayurveda as Kampavata.
- Traditional medical systems globally utilized herbal remedies for neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the historical context and traditional treatments of Parkinson's disease.
- To highlight the potential value of scientifically reevaluating ancient therapeutic approaches for PD.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of ancient medical texts, specifically Ayurveda.
- Identification of traditional herbal preparations and complementary therapies used for PD symptoms.
- Case examples of Mucuna pruriens and Banisteria caapi as potentially valuable therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Ancient Indian, Chinese, and Amazonian cultures employed herbal treatments for conditions resembling PD.
- These traditional therapies included compounds like anticholinergics, levodopa, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
- Specific herbs like Mucuna pruriens and Banisteria caapi show promise for scientific reevaluation.
Conclusions:
- Traditional knowledge systems offer valuable insights into the historical management of Parkinson's disease.
- Scientific investigation into ancient herbal remedies and complementary therapies may reveal novel treatment strategies for PD.
- Further research into therapies like massage, biofeedback, and acupuncture is recommended for PD patient benefit.