[ACCESSWIRE]
GRANDVILLE, MI / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2015 / This month Korean researchers announced in the journal BMC Neuroscience the results of a study into the effects of the herb Gynostemma Pentaphyllum when used in conjunction with the most common treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD), L-DOPA.
L-DOPA is a chemical compound produced in the human body that facilitates the body's production of dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline) collectively known as catecholamines. L-DOPA is the most popular and effective current treatment for Parkinson's disease and is sold under the trade names Sinemet, Parcopa, Atamet, Stalevo, Madopar, and Prolopa.
Ironically, one of the adverse side-effects of this popular treatment is a condition known as dyskinesia which clinically appears similar to the motor tremors caused by Parkinson's itself and which have a similar adverse effects on patient lifestyles.
The medication initially helps the condition but as effectiveness wears off and dosages increase, the medication causes irreversible involuntary muscle movements or "tics."
The herb Gynostemma pentaphylllum (popularly known as Jiaogulan) has been shown in previous research to have therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinsons. In this study researchers at the Center for Bioresource and Health in Korea investigated the effect of co-treatment of Parkinsons with Gynostemma and L-DOPA medications.
The researchers report in the April Edition of BMC-Neuroscience that Gynostemma significantly reduced the development of L-DOPA induced dyskinesia without compromising the beneficial effect of L-DOPA for Parkinsons disease.
The principle herbalist with The Immortalitea Company, the leading USA marketer of Gynostemma commented in conjunction with the study, "This research gives hope to sufferers of Parkinsons that they can enjoy the benefits of L-DOPA medications past the time that they currently able by adding a relatively inexpensive herbal supplement or tea to their daily routines. Given the already known benefits of Gynostemma for Parkinsons, the addition of Gynostemma to a L-DOPA based Parkinsons treatment regimen seems like an easy decision."
More information about Gynostemma can be found at the Immortalitea website; http://www.immortalitea.com/store/p/27-Premium-Jiaogulan-Gynostemma-Tea.aspx.
Contact The Immortalitea Company:
Margo Chupeido
530-554-1380
margo@immortalitea.com
2885 Sanford Ave. SW
Grandville, MI, 49418
SOURCE: The Immortalitea Company