Some studies have found that probiotics have the potential to treat PD, and earthworm protein is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of PD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of
Forty-six patients with PD were recruited for a 12-week 1:1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate changes in motor and some non-motor symptom scores and detect metagenomic changes in the gut microbiota.
From baseline to 12 weeks, compared with placebo, the trial group showed significant reductions in the United Parkinson’s Disease Rate Scale (UPDRS) total score (−7.74 ± 5.92 vs. –1.83 ± 4.14,
This study is the first to report that probiotics plus earthworm protein can remarkably improve the motor and some non-motor symptoms of PD without serious adverse effects. However, further clinical trials and exploration of the underlying mechanisms are required.
Clinical trial registry