Nootropics, Red Light Therapy, and Adaptogens in Parkinson’s Disease: “Separating Hope from Hype”

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor

Social media is full of wellness influencers promising that certain supplements or gadgets can “boost brain power” or even “reverse Parkinson’s Disease.” Buzzwords like nootropics, red light therapy, and adaptogens pop up everywhere. For people living with Parkinson’s, these claims can sound encouraging—but it’s essential to look past the marketing and understand what the science actually shows.

Nootropics, often called “smart drugs,” claim to enhance focus, memory, or alertness. Some, like caffeine or L-theanine, are generally safe in moderation—most of us wouldn’t give up our morning coffee anyway. But others, such as racetams, ginkgo biloba, L-tyrosine, or unregulated online blends, can interact with Parkinson’s medications (Ingegneri et al., 2025). For example, L-tyrosine influences dopamine levels, and while “more dopamine” might sound helpful, adding supplements that alter brain chemistry on top of levodopa can lead to confusion, low blood pressure, or worsening tremors. Another issue: many nootropics sold online aren’t FDA-regulated, so purity and dosing are unreliable. Bottom line—if you’re unsure about a supplement or how it interacts with your medications, talk to a medical professional first.

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is another trend gaining traction. It uses near-infrared light to “energize” cells or reduce inflammation. While some animal studies suggest potential protection for dopamine-producing neurons (Johnstone et al., 2014), human research is still extremely limited. There is currently no solid evidence that red light therapy can slow or reverse Parkinson’s disease. And because many devices are unregulated, using them without guidance can be risky, especially for people with blood pressure fluctuations or medication-related skin sensitivity.

Adaptogens—such as ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, and ginseng—are promoted as natural stress relievers or brain boosters. While small studies show that ashwagandha may support sleep or reduce anxiety, its effects in Parkinson’s specifically are not well understood. Adaptogens can also interfere with thyroid hormones, sedatives, blood pressure medications, and dopaminergic drugs (Tachjian et al., 2010; Siwek et al., 2023). As with many herbal products, inconsistent dosing and contamination are real concerns. “Natural” does not automatically mean “safe.”

The biggest danger with these alternative therapies isn’t always toxicity—it’s distraction. When people turn to supplements or gadgets advertised online, they may delay proven treatments or adjust medications on their own. This can worsen motor symptoms, cause blood pressure drops, or trigger dangerous withdrawal effects. A neurologist and a registered dietitian can help you safely integrate nutrition and lifestyle strategies without risking harmful interactions.

In short: curiosity is healthy, but caution is essential. Research into nootropics, red light therapy, and adaptogens will continue, but none are currently proven to treat or slow Parkinson’s disease. The strongest, evidence-based tools we have remain the same: balanced nutrition, consistent exercise, restorative sleep, and prescribed medications. Hope matters—but safety and science are what truly protect the brain.

References

Ingegneri, M., Smeriglio, E., Zebbiche, Y., Cornara, L., Visalli, L., Smeriglio, A., & Trombetta, D. (2025). The Dark Side of “Smart Drugs”: Cognitive Enhancement vs. Clinical Concerns. Toxics, 13(4), 247. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040247

Johnstone, D. M., el Massri, N., Moro, C., Spana, S., Wang, X. S., Torres, N., Chabrol, C., De Jaeger, X., Reinhart, F., Purushothuman, S., Benabid, A. L., Stone, J., & Mitrofanis, J. (2014). Indirect application of near infrared light induces neuroprotection in a mouse model of parkinsonism - an abscopal neuroprotective effect. Neuroscience, 274, 93–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.023

Siwek, M., Woroń, J., Wrzosek, A., Gupało, J., & Chrobak, A. A. (2023). Harder, better, faster, stronger? Retrospective chart review of adverse events of interactions between adaptogens and antidepressant drugs. Frontiers in pharmacology, 14, 1271776. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1271776

Tachjian, A., Maria, V., & Jahangir, A. (2010). Use of herbal products and potential interactions in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 55(6), 515–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2009.07.074