In a groundbreaking pilot study at Be Well Hospital in Chennai, India, researchers discovered that Nichi-BRITE Beta glucans, a unique food supplement derived from the AFO-202 strain of Aureobasidium Pullulans, offer promising results for patients living with Parkinson’s disease. The study, initially presented at the American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (ASENT) 2023 annual meeting, reported significant improvements in patients’ Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and constipation scores following a 90-day oral consumption of Nichi-BRITE.
Parkinson’s disease, a debilitating neurological disorder, affects over ten million people globally, with nearly a million individuals in both the United States and India. A growing body of research has established a link between gut health and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s. According to a study published in the journal Cell Reports, gut bacteria may play a critical role in the development of this neurodegenerative disease.
The innovative Nichi-BRITE Beta glucans, derived from the AFO-202 strain of Aureobasidium Pullulans, have the ability to control harmful gut bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial microbiota. Dr. Dedeepiya, a co-author of the study, expressed optimism about the potential of Nichi-BRITE, stating, “With its proven safety and efficacy in the pilot trial, we believe Nichi-BRITE could become a valuable adjunct therapy for synucleinopathies like Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy.”
The study’s neurologist, Dr. Nithyanandam, emphasized the importance of further exploring Nichi-BRITE’s potential in larger, more comprehensive studies. “The improvements in the Magnetic Resonance Parkinson’s Index (MRPI) and overall UPDRS, constipation severity score, lipid profile, and creatinine kinase for all participants are quite remarkable,” he said. “These findings could open new doors in the treatment of synucleinopathies.”
During a World Parkinson’s Day webinar, Prof. Muralidhar Hegde from Houston Methodist Research, USA, discussed the role of alpha-synuclein abnormalities in the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer’s. He stated, “Understanding the complex relationship between gut microbiota and the brain is crucial in developing effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.”
An interesting fact presented at the webinar was the growing prevalence of young-onset Parkinson’s disease in India, as highlighted by Dr. Rukmini Mridula from Hyderabad. Furthermore, Prof. Ezio Gagliardi from Italy shared a remarkable case of a 104-year-old patient whose tremors disappeared after consuming Nichi-BRITE Beta glucan.
Dr. Vetrievel, the event convenor, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in neurodegenerative diseases. He emphasized that Be Well hospitals are committed to providing initial diagnosis and follow-up care to patients with Parkinson’s disease symptoms through their network of hospitals staffed by qualified neurologists.
With the promising results of this pilot study, Nichi-BRITE Beta glucans may soon become an essential component in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies, offering hope and improved quality of life for millions of patients around the world.
