Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine in Parkinson's disease patients: a pilot study.
Metab Brain DisSep 23, 2026 (epub)
Bahar Moasses Ghafari, Aref Rajabi, Parham Geramifar et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial assessed the tolerability of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 1200 mg/day in 42 Parkinson's disease patients over one year. Results indicated that total UPDRS scores increased less in the NAC group compared to placebo (mean Δ + 5.4 vs + 9.5 points; p = 0.028), suggesting a potential benefit in clinical progression.
Key findings
- Total UPDRS increased less with NAC than placebo (mean Δ + 5.4 vs + 9.5 points; p = 0.028).
- Mood-item change differed significantly between groups (difference - 0.64; p = 0.020).
- TRODAT binding decline was less with NAC (difference in change + 5.5 units; p = 0.006).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that N-acetylcysteine may have a favorable impact on clinical progression and imaging outcomes in Parkinson's disease, warranting further investigation in larger trials to explore its potential therapeutic role.