Table 2.
Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials in the main neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease) as well as in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis during the past year.
| Molecule | Administration | Sample Size | Time Period | Outcomes | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randomized controlled clinical trials in AD during the past year | |||||
| Resveratrol | 2 gr daily |
n = 45 resveratrol n = 45 placebo |
2 months | Compared with control group, the treated group showed higher MMSE score and lower ADAS-cog score | [48] |
| Lower clinical indicators of inflammation (TNF-alpha, IL-6) | |||||
| Melatonin | 5 mg (two nights) |
n = 4 melatonin n = 4 placebo |
2 nights | Significant relative power increase in the theta band and a decrease in relative power and EEG coherences in the beta and gamma bands | [53] |
| Omega-3 fatty acid, carotenoid and vitamin E | 430 mg docosahexaenoic 90 mg eicosapentaenoic acid 10 mg lutein 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin 2 mg zeaxanthin 15 mg vitamin E |
n = 30 cases n = 30 placebo |
24 months | Fewer errors in working memory tasks (CANTAB-SWM) | [52] |
| Randomized controlled clinical trials in PD during the past year | |||||
| Omega3/6 plus vitamins (A, E, γ-tocopherol) | 810 mg eicosapentaenoic acid 4140 mg doxosahexaenoic acid 1800 mg γ-linoleic acid 3150 mg linoleic acid 0.6 mg vitamin A 22 mg vitamin E 460 mg γ-tocopherol |
n = 20 Neuroaspis group n = 20 placebo |
30 months | Supplementation delayed disease progression (UPDRS) | [54] |
| Inosine | 1500 mg daily |
n = 149 inosine group n = 149 placebo |
24 months | Clinical progression (MDS-UPDRS) and dopamine transporter remained unchanged in the untreated group | [55] |
| Molecular hydrogen | 6.5 (0.1) vol% hydrogen gas in 2 L/min of mixed air or placebo air, twice a day for 1 h (through inhalation) |
n = 7 hydrogen group n = 8 placebo |
16 weeks | No significant differences in clinical progression (UPDRS) | [10] |
| Melatonin | 25 mg daily |
n = 13 melatonin group n = 13 placebo |
3 months | Significant increase of mitochondrial complex I enzymatic activity and respiratory control ratio | [56] |
| Randomized controlled clinical trials in ALS during the past year | |||||
| Edaravone | Intravenous 60 mg/d 10 days in alternating cycle of 10 of 14 days of treatment with 14 days off |
n = 194 (edaravone plus riluzole) group n = 130 riluzole group |
14 days | Similar survival probability, similar disease progression, similar time to ventilation | [57] |
ADAS, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale; AD, Alzheimer’s disease; ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; CANTAB, Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery; EEG, electroencephalogram; MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination; PD, Parkinson’s disease; SWM, spatial working memory task; UPDRS, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale.