how to reverse parkinsons naturally

Best Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease

David Tomen
Author:
David Tomen
10 minute read

Many are now using natural alternative treatments and dietary supplements to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. And for prevention of the progression of Parkinson’s.

In this article, we will explore some of the best supplements for treating Parkinson’s Disease, based on scientific research and anecdotal evidence from those who use them. You are unlikely to get this information from your healthcare professional.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a debilitating and progressive brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s include a variety of problems with movement such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with every day things like walking, eating, speaking and sleep.[i]

Other symptoms include cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety.[ii]

What Parkinson’s looks like in the brain

Decades of imaging studies have shown what happens in the brain of those with Parkinson’s Disease.

natural treatment for parkinsonsThe main problem common to all forms of Parkinson’s is damage to the substantia nigra area of the brain. Showing substantial decreases in the concentration of dopamine neurons.

A large part of the problem with Parkinson’s is it is often not diagnosed until 70 – 80% of the brain’s dopamine neurons are lost.[iii]

Studies show that the aggregation and misfolding of α-Synuclein plays a critical role in the development of Parkinson’s Disease. And regulation and reduction of α-Synuclein levels may slow its progression.[iv]

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

The loss of dopamine neurons in Parkinson’s is well known. But more recent research has shown what may be causing this cell death.

Parkinson’s Disease can be caused by exposure to metals, carbon monoxide, solvents, and agricultural and gardening chemicals.[v]

Working with the herbicide paraquat has been shown to increase the chances of developing Parkinson’s by three-fold.

The insecticide rotenone, which is toxic to mitochondria, increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reduces the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Contributing to the development Parkinson’s.[vi]

More recently a genetic cause has been discovered that may account for 3 – 5% of all Parkinson’s patients.[vii]

The use of certain drugs, and even other neurodegenerative diseases can lead to Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

Studies have shown the traumatic brain injury (TBI) can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Mild TBI (concussion) increases your risk by 1.5-times, and severe TBI increases your risk by 1.8-times.[viii]

how to reverse parkinsons naturallyNatural Remedies for Parkinson’s Disease

The following are a list of natural nootropic supplements for Parkinson’s with a brief description for each that have been shown to help either avoid, slow down the progression, or to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

I do not suggest using all of the nutritional supplements on this list. Instead, click on the link and read the full review for each of the supplements that resonate with you because you unlikely to get these from even a healthy diet.

Follow dosage recommendations and make sure you read the side effects section for each to ensure that supplement is not contraindicated with any med you are currently using.

L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens)

Parkinson's natural remedyL-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens extract) – 500 – 1000 mg 3-times per day – is as a natural alternative to Carbidopa (Lodosyn, Sinemet, Atamet) to increase brain dopamine levels and without the side effects associated with Carbidopa – this is a natural precursor to the synthesis of dopamine – I recommend: Cur EASE® L-DOPA 99% (Amazon)

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) – 500 mg twice per day – helps transport of fatty acids into mitochondria to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – a required cofactor for acetylcholine synthesis – boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) needed for brain cell repair and neurogenesis –  a study conducted at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York found that ALCAR has potential in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.[ix] By directly affecting mitochondrial respiration and assisting dopamine neurons and the use of dopamine in the brain. – I use and recommend: Superior Labs – Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) (Amazon) or Performance Lab® Energy

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha – 250 – 500 mg per day – helps prevent, and repair damage caused by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s[x] – reduces cortisol – helps regenerate axons and dendrites and reconstruct synapses by increasing BDNF lowers blood sugarreduces LDL cholesterol – I recommend: Nutricost Ashwagandha Root Extract (as KSM-66®) (Amazon)

Black Seed Oil

Black Seed Oil – 1 teaspoon 3-times per day –  studies show Black Seed Oil helps with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s,[xi] depression, brain inflammation, epilepsy, reduced blood flow, glial tumors, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)[xii] – I recommend: Amazing Herbs – Black Seed Oil (Amazon) (NOTE: Black Seed Oil tastes particularly nasty. It reminds me of turpentine).

CDP-Choline (Citicoline)

CDP-Choline (Citicoline) – 750 – 1500 mg per day – contributes to the synthesis of phospholipids, which are essential for the assembly and repair of brain cell and mitochondrial membranes – studies have shown using CDP-Choline can help reduce the dose of L-DOPA by 50% without any reduction in symptom control[xiii] – likely because it helps the reuptake of dopamine in synapses and activates the enzyme needed for increased dopamine production –  I recommend: Mind Lab Pro® or Zazzee CDP Choline (Citicoline) (Amazon)

CoQ10

CoQ10 – 1200 mg per day – a study at University of California, San Diego showed that CoQ10 can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.[xiv] I recommend:  Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 (Amazon)

Creatine

Creatine – up to 5 grams per day – used to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesized within mitochondria and is critical for maintaining cellular energy levels – has been proven for neuroprotection in a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases. Including Parkinson’s, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and stroke[xv] Note that a 2016 large study showed that if you are using 300 mg or more of caffeine per day you should NOT use Creatine or you will increase the progression of Parkinson’s. – I recommend: Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate (Amazon)

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin – recent research has demonstrated that Curcumin helps prevent the aggregation of α-Synuclein that plays a role in Parkinson’s Disease[xvi] – I use and recommend: Health Thru Nutrition – Curcumin (as BCM-95®) with Carlyle BioPerine (Amazon) to improve absorption

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract – 1,000 mg twice per day – prevents and treats nerve cells that are damaged in the brain. Once past the blood-brain barrier, Lion’s Mane stimulates enzyme production that releases Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Nerve regeneration helps relieve neurodegenerative disease symptoms such as Parkinson’s Disease. – I use and recommend: Real Mushrooms – Lion’s Mane (use my discount code for 10% off: Nootropics10)

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC)

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC) – 500  mg 3-times per day – NAC has the unique ability to enable dopamine neurons to recover their function including in those dealing with Parkinson’s[xvii] – I use and recommend: Life Extension – NAC

Passionflower

supplements for parkinson'sPassionflower extract 250 mg per day – helps with panic attacks, seizures, headaches, menstrual pain, and Parkinson’s Disease[xviii] – I recommend: Puritans Pride Passionflower extract (Amazon)

Pine Bark Extract

Pine Bark Extract – 350 mg twice per day – increases cerebral blood flow and reduces oxidative stress and inflammation helping to prevent Parkinson’s Disease and its progression[xix] – I recommend: Zazzee French Maritime Pine Bark Extract (Amazon)

Polygala Tenuifolia

Polygala Tenuifolia – boosts the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) – has also been found to increase dopamine neurons and improve motor impairment in Parkinson’s Disease[xx] – I recommend: Polygala tenuifolia 20:1 Extract Capsules

PQQ

PQQ – 20 mg 3-times per day – prevents the formation of a-synuclein proteins that contribute to the development of Parkinson’s Disease[xxi] – I recommend: Performance Lab® Energy or  Doctor’s Best PQQ (with BioPQQ®) (Amazon)

Saffron

Saffron –  88.25 mg per day – some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease originate from under-utilization of dopamine in the substantia nigra area of the brain. Studies show Saffron helps protect the substantia nigra dopamine neurons associated with Parkinson’s[xxii]I recommend: Double Wood Supplements Saffron

St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort – 300 mg 3-times per day – several studies show that the main active ingredient in this herb lowered substantia nigra DNA fragmentation, and prevented damage of substantia nigra dopamine neurons – and conclude “these findings reveal the beneficial effect of H. perforatum via attenuation of DNA fragmentation, astrogliosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress[xxiii] – I recommend: Nature’s Way – St. John’s wort (Perika®) (Amazon)

alternative treatment for Parkinson'sSulforaphane

Sulforaphane – 35 mg per day – protects against cell degeneration that causes diseases like Parkinson’s and may help reduce its progression. By acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic (healthy brain cell cycle)[xxiv] – I use and recommend: AVMACOL® (Sulforaphane with Myrosinase) (Amazon)

Taurine

Taurine – 1.000 mg twice per day –  is particularly effective for those using levodopa to treat Parkinson’s Disease because the drug depletes natural taurine levels in your body[xxv] – I recommend: Life Extension – Taurine

Valerian

Valerian – 200 – 600 mg before bed – stacked with Lemon Balm for sleep – Valerian is a very potent supplement so be careful with dosage – some say Valerian helps calm the symptoms of Parkinson’s and clinical studies back this up[xxvi] – I recommend: American Standard – Valerian (Amazon)

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine – 10 mg 3-times per day – please click through to my review of Vinpocetine and scroll down to the section called “Vinpocetine is an anti-inflammatory” because it is too detailed to explain here but is very much worth reading if you are dealing with Parkinson’s Disease[xxvii] – I use and recommend: Life Extension – Vinpocetine

The Synergy of Vitamins C, D, and E with Natural Nootropics

Don’t underestimate the power of these vitamins. Vitamin D deficiency, in particular, has been linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s. And is important for your bone health.

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with a decrease in Vitamin D receptors in the hippocampus. Lack of gene expression from insufficient Vitamin D contributes to Parkinson’s Disease. The only other way to get Vitamin D is from plenty of sunlight exposure every day.

Vitamin C, on the other hand, is known to be an excellent antioxidant supplement that can fight off free radicals, slowing down cell damage. And Vitamin E has also been shown to exert neuroprotective effects.

Antioxidant Supplements

Given the role of oxidative stress in Parkinson’s, antioxidants like CoQ10 can be game-changers. A study even showed that CoQ10 could slow the progression of the disease.

Blood Pressure and Parkinson’s: The Untold Connection

Now, let’s talk about something not many are discussing—blood pressure. Some studies suggest a connection between high blood pressure and the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease. Monitoring your blood pressure and maintaining it within a healthy range can be another proactive approach with the right combination of natural nootropics.

i cured my Parkinson's diseaseTips and Takeaways

Parkinson’s Disease is often not diagnosed until the disease is well established. By then the substantia nigra region of the brain has lost 70 – 80% of its dopamine neurons which by then are very difficult to recover.

You may slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease by using some of the natural nootropic and herbal food supplements detailed above. I highly recommend reading the full linked review for each supplement including how it works, dosage recommendations, side effects, and timing during the day before you begin using the supplement.

And do not discount the importance of healthy Vitamin D levels, Vitamin C, and dietary Vitamin E supplements to your daily routine.

But there are no guarantees that they will work. Success depends on many factors including the progression of the disease, how your body and brain react to these supplements, genetics and more.

However, many with Parkinson’s have experienced a better quality of life when using these supplements.

Get started by choosing from the list of supplements above, do your research including Nootropics Expert®, follow dosage recommendations and timing during the day, and get started.

There is hope for a better life. We know because of the science, and many have reported their own experience that these nootropic supplements can work. Don’t wait and get started today.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain other affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

[i] Hoehn MM, Yahr MD. Parkinsonism: onset, progression, and mortality. Neurology 1967;17:427–42 (source)

[ii] Uwishema, O., Onyeaka, H., Badri, R., Yücel, A. N., Korkusuz, A. K., Ajagbe, A. O., Abuleil, A., Chaaya, C., Alhendawi, B. H. M., & Chalhoub, E. (2022). “The understanding of Parkinson’s disease through genetics and new therapies”. Brain and behavior12(5), e2577 (source)

[iii] Bernheimer H, Birkmayer W, Hornykiewicz O, Jellinger K, Seitelberg F. “Brain dopamine and the syndromes of Parkinson and Huntington.” Journal of Neurological Science. 1973 Dec;20(4):415-55. (source)

[iv] Kim, C., & Lee, S. J. (2008). “Controlling the mass action of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease”. Journal of neurochemistry107(2), 303–316 (source)

[v] Dinis‐Oliveira, R. J. , Remião, F. , Carmo, H. , Duarte, J. A. , Sánchez Navarro, A. , Bastos, M. L. , & Carvalho, F. (2006). “Paraquat exposure as an etiological factor of Parkinson’s disease”. Neurotoxicology, 27(6), 1110–1122 (source)

[vi] Pang, S. Y.‐Y. , Ho, P. W.‐L. , Liu, H.‐F. , Leung, C.‐T. , Li, L. , Chang, E. E. S. , Ramsden, D. B. , & Ho, S.‐L. (2019). “The interplay of ageing, genetics and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.” Translational Neurodegeneration, 8(1), N.PAG–N. 10.1186/s40035-019-0165-9 (source)

[vii] van der Vegt JP, van Nuenen BF, Bloem BR, et al.. “Imaging the impact of genes on Parkinson’s disease.” Neuroscience 2009;164:191–204 (source)

[viii] Raquel C. Gardner, Amy L. Byers, Deborah Barnes, Yixia Li, John Boscardin, Kristine Yaffe “Mild TBI and risk of Parkinson disease” Neurology May 2018, 90 (20) e1771-e1779 (source)

[ix] I. Bodis-Wollner M.D., E. Chung, M. F. Ghilardi, A. Glover, M. Onofrj, P. Pasik & Y. Samson “Acetyl-levo-carnitine protects against MPTP-induced parkinsonism in primates” Journal of Neural Transmission – Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia Section volume 3, pages63–72 (1991) (source)

[x] Singh N, Rai SN, Singh D, Singh SP (2015)Withania somnifera shows ability to counter Parkinson’s Disease” An Update. SOJ Neurol 2(2), 1-4 (source)

[xi] Khazdair M. R. (2015). “The Protective Effects of Nigella sativa and Its Constituents on Induced Neurotoxicity.” Journal of toxicology2015, 841823 (source)

[xii] Elmaci I., Altinoz M.A. “Thymoquinone: An edible redox-active quinone for the pharmacotherapy of neurodegenerative conditions and glial brain tumors. A short review.” Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 2016 Oct;83:635-640 (source)

[xiii] Simmons A.D. “Chapter 15 – Parkinson’s Disease” Integrative Medicine (Fourth Edition) 2018, Pages 143-151.e3 (source)

[xiv] Shults, C. W., Oakes, D., Kieburtz, K., Beal, M. F., Haas, R., Plumb, S., Juncos, J. L., Nutt, J., Shoulson, I., Carter, J., Kompoliti, K., Perlmutter, J. S., Reich, S., Stern, M., Watts, R. L., Kurlan, R., Molho, E., Harrison, M., Lew, M., & Parkinson Study Group (2002). “Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline.” Archives of neurology59(10), 1541–1550. (source)

[xv] Klein A.M., Ferrante R.J. “The neuroprotective role of creatine.” Sub-cellular Biochemistry. 2007;46:205-43. (source)

[xvi] Singh, P. K., Kotia, V., Ghosh, D., Mohite, G. M., Kumar, A., & Maji, S. K. (2013). Curcumin modulates α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity. ACS chemical neuroscience4(3), 393–407 (source)

[xvii] Monti D.A., Zabrecky G., Kremens D., Lian T.W., Wintering N.A., Cai J., Wei X., Bazzan A.J., Zhong L., Bowen B., Intenzo C.M., Iacovitti L., Newberg A.B. “N-Acetyl Cysteine May Support Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson’s Disease: Preliminary Clinical and Cell Line Data.” PLOS ONE, 2016; 11 (6): e0157602 (source)

[xviii] Ingale, S. P., & Kasture, S. B. (2017). Protective Effect of Standardized Extract of Passiflora incarnata Flower in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. Ancient science of life36(4), 200–206. (source)

[xix] Voss P., Horakova L., Jakstadt M., Kiekebusch D., Grune T. “Ferritin oxidation and proteasomal degradation: protection by antioxidants.” Free Radical Research. 2006 Jul;40(7):673-83. (source)

[xx] Jiang N., Wei S., Zhang Y., He W., Pei H., Huang H., Wang Q., Liu X “Protective Effects and Mechanism of Radix Polygalae Against Neurological Diseases as Well as Effective Substance” Frontiers in Psychiatry 17 December 2021 (source)

[xxi] Qin J., Wu M., Yu S1, Gao X., Zhang J., Dong X., Ji J., Zhang Y., Zhou L., Zhang Q., Ding F. “Pyrroloquinoline quinone-conferred neuroprotection in rotenone models of Parkinson’s disease.” Toxicology Letters. 2015 Nov 4;238(3):70-82 (source)

[xxii] Purushothuman S., Nandasena C., Peoples C.L., El Massri N., Johnstone D.M., Mitrofanis J., Stone J. “Saffron pre-treatment offers neuroprotection to Nigral and retinal dopaminergic cells of MPTP-Treated mice.” Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. 2013; 3(1):77-83. (source)

[xxiii] Kiasalari, Z., Baluchnejadmojarad, T. & Roghani, M. Hypericum Perforatum Hydroalcoholic Extract Mitigates Motor Dysfunction and is Neuroprotective in Intrastriatal 6-Hydroxydopamine Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 36, 521–530 (2016) (source)

[xxiv] Schepici, G., Bramanti, P., & Mazzon, E. (2020). Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Diseases. International journal of molecular sciences21(22), 8637. (source)

[xxv] Zhang L., Yuan Y., Tong Q., Jiang S., Xu Q., Ding J., Zhang L1, Zhang R., Zhang K. “Reduced plasma taurine level in Parkinson’s disease: association with motor severity and levodopa treatment.” International Journal of Neuroscience. 2016;126(7):630-6 (source)

[xxvi] Santos G., Giraldez-Alvarez L.D., Ávila-Rodriguez M., Capani G., Galembeck E., Gôes Neto A., Andrade B. “SUR1 Receptor Interaction with Hesperidin and Linarin Predicts Possible Mechanisms of Action of Valeriana officinalis in Parkinson” Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience Volume 8 – 2016 (source)

[xxvii] Medina A. “Vinpocetine as a potent antiinflammatory agent”Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U S A. 2010 Jun 1; 107(22): 9921–9922. (source)

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Join The Discussion - 20 comments

samer
September 20, 2023

Hello Doctor, what supplements do you recommend to treat essential tremor? Is there a difference between essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease?

    David Tomen
    September 22, 2023

    Samer, Essential Tremor “may” be related to developing Parkinson’s Disease. This is a summary of the latest research: “Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring the Relationship” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6329774/)

Met
August 27, 2023

Caffeine and Progression of Parkinson Disease: A Deleterious Interaction With Creatine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26366971/

    David Tomen
    August 31, 2023

    Met, that is a great find and thank you. Note that in the full study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4573899/) it was only those who used 300 mg or more of caffeine per day and supplemented with Creatine who increased the progression of Parkinson’s.

    I’ll update both this article and my review of Creatine. Much appreciated.

Larry Duff
August 24, 2023

Hi David,

I just posted this message (below) in the comments of your Youtube video on PD. PLEASE address publicly on Youtube, and anywhere you have info on PD, and in reply to this message. I’m taking most of the supps you’re recommending (many since before seeing your recommendations), and my symptoms seem to be worsening (balance, stiffness, etc.), and am wondering if anything I’m taking (or not taking) might account for this. Also trying to avoid the meds:

David, please address this important issue re acetylcholine and PD. I wasn’t aware of this information and have been supplementing with phosphatidylcholine (and phosphatidylserine), assuming that choline is generally good for the brain.

From a PD information/news youtube channel:

This loss or drop in dopamine levels results in the accumulation of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger nerve cells use to signal muscles to contract, leading to the disease’s typical motor symptoms. An imbalance in dopamine and acetylcholine is believed to drive Parkinson’s progression.

Anticholinergic medications and cholinesterase inhibitors are a class of therapies often used to control overall Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Anticholinergic medications are designed to block the action of acetylcholine, while cholinesterase inhibitors prevent an enzyme, called acetylcholinesterase, from breaking down acetylcholine.

https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/parkinsons-medications-may-impair-ability-body-keep-cool-study/

Thanks in advance.

Best, Larry

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