L-Tryptophan Supplementation in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Two female Parkinsonian patients with levodopa-induced “On-Off” responded dramatically to administration of L-tryptophan supplementation. This report highlights the role of serotonergic deficiency in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and of levodopa-induced motor fluctuations, and suggests that L-tryptophan supplementation may be useful in ameliorating motor complications of chronic levodopa therapy in the disease. The possibility that L-tryptophan supplementation with initiation of levodopa therapy may be useful in preventing levodopa-induced motor complications is discussed.

Key Words:

• Parkinson's disease
• L-tryptophan
• Serotonin
• “On-Off”