Phytopharmaceutical Validation of Mucuna pruriens in the Management of Parkinson's Disease (Kampavata): A Systematic Review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder traditionally identified in Ayurveda as Kampavata. While synthetic Levodopa (L-Dopa) remains the gold standard for treatment, it is associated with long-term motor complications like dyskinesia. The velvet bean Mucuna pruriens (Atmagupta) serves as the primary therapeutic agent in Ayurveda for this condition. Objective: To review the pharmacological efficacy, safety, and mechanistic advancements of Mucuna pruriens in PD, bridging ancient Ayurvedic claims with modern clinical data. Methods: A scoping review was conducted analyzing 20 key research articles including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), animal models, and systematic reviews. Results: Clinical trials demonstrate that Mucuna pruriens offers a faster onset of action and comparable motor improvement to synthetic L-Dopa without inducing significant dyskinesia. Modern pharmacological studies have identified neuroprotective mechanisms beyond dopamine replacement, including mitochondrial rescue and modulation of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway. Conclusion: Mucuna pruriens contains a "bio-shield" of synergistic compounds that mitigate the toxicity often seen with synthetic L-Dopa, validating the Ayurvedic concept of using the whole seed matrix for neuroprotection.
Author: Srivastava, Aishwary
Institution: Patanjali Research Foundation
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7119465067
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