Improvement of parkinsonian features correlate with high plasma levodopa values after broad bean (Vicia faba) consumption

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1992 Aug;55(8):725-7. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.55.8.725.

Abstract

Five healthy volunteers and six patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) ate 250 g cooked broad beans after 12 hours without treatment. During the next four hours a substantial clinical improvement was noted, three patients showed severe dyskinesias, and plasma levodopa concentrations rose.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bromocriptine / administration & dosage
  • Carbidopa / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Fabaceae* / chemistry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / pharmacokinetics*
  • Lisuride / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Parkinson Disease / blood
  • Parkinson Disease / diet therapy*
  • Plants, Medicinal*

Substances

  • Bromocriptine
  • Levodopa
  • Lisuride
  • Carbidopa