Evidence supporting the use of: Decarboxylase
For the health condition: Parkinson's Disease

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Decarboxylase itself is not directly administered as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease; rather, decarboxylase inhibitors (such as carbidopa or benserazide) are essential adjuncts to levodopa therapy. Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Levodopa, a dopamine precursor, can cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted to dopamine by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC or DOPA decarboxylase). However, when levodopa is administered alone, a significant amount is converted to dopamine in the periphery (outside the brain), leading to decreased efficacy and increased side effects.

To address this, decarboxylase inhibitors are co-administered with levodopa. These inhibitors block the action of AADC in the periphery, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain, where it can be converted to dopamine. This combination is supported by robust clinical evidence and forms the standard of care in Parkinson’s Disease management. Numerous randomized controlled trials and decades of clinical practice have demonstrated that the addition of a decarboxylase inhibitor to levodopa therapy significantly improves motor symptoms and reduces side effects like nausea and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the use of decarboxylase inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease is strongly justified by scientific evidence.

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Parkinson's Disease

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