Mucuna Pruriens extract product has been used for centuries for its broad health benefits.



Supplement Facts
Mucuna Pruriens extract 200 mg, 15% l-dopa

Directions: Take half or one mucuna pruriens capsule in the morning or as directed by your health care provider.

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Sexual herbs and supplements that are effective in improving libido and performance
Additional aphrodisiac herbs that have an influence on sexuality include: Ashwagandha herb, avena sativa, butea superba, Catuaba herb, cnidium monnieri, coleus forskohlii, damiana, Deer-Antler-Velvet extract, fish oils, Horny-Goat-Weed herb, Maca herb, Muira-Puama herb, Rehmannia herb, Rhodiola herb, Tongkat-Ali herb, tribulus terrestris extract and Yohimbe.

Composition of mucuna pruriens seed
Nutritional analysis reveals mucuna pruriens contains crude protein ranged from 20-29 %, crude lipid 6-7%, total dietary fibre 8-10%, ash 3% and carbohydrates 50-60%. Using a combination of chromatographic and NMR techniques, the presence of D-chiro-inositol and its two galacto-derivatives were detected in Mucuna pruriens seeds. The quantities detected explain the well-established blood sugar lowering effect of mucuna pruriens seeds. Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids have also been isolated from the mucuna pruriens seed.

Study on quality standard of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis
Zhong Yao Cai. 2009; Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
To provide scientific basis for the utilization and development of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis by establishing its quality control standard. The bioactive constituents were analyzed by TLC and HPLC. Moisture, ash and the extracts of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis were all determined. The TLC spots of levodopa had similar color with the control group at the same position. The results of HPLC quantitative analysis showed that the linear range of levodopa was 26 to approximately 132 microg/mL

Mucuna pruriens and neurotransmitters
It is widely believed that mucuna pruriens influences the dopamine system, however there may be other factors involved. A study was designed to elucidate the long-term effect of Mucuna pruriens on neurotransmitters in various regions of the rat brain. Mucuna Pruriens at a dose of 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg/day was mixed with rat chow and fed daily ad lib to Sprague-Dawley rats for 52 weeks. Controls received no mucuna pruriens. The rats were sacrificed at the end of 52 weeks and the neurotransmitters were analyzed in the cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra and striatum. Oral administration of Mucuna pruriens endocarp in the form of HP-200 had a significant effect on dopamine content in the cortex with no significant effect on levodopa, norepinephrine or dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites- HVA, DOPAC and 5-HIAA in the nigrostriatal tract. The failure of Mucuna pruriens endocarp to significantly affect dopamine metabolism in the striatonigral tract along with its ability to improve Parkinsonian symptoms in the 6-hydorxydopamine animal model and humans may suggest that its anti-parkinson effect may be due to components other than levodopa or that it has an levodopa enhancing effect.

Mucuna pruriens as antioxidant
Effect of the alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens on free radicals and oxidative stress in albino rats.
Phytother Res. 2002. Biochemistry Section, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India.
In vitro and in vivo studies were made with an alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) to investigate its antioxidant property. There was no change on the rate of aerial oxidation of GSH content but it significantly inhibited FeSO(4) induced lipid peroxidation. It also inhibited the specific chemical reactions induced by superoxides and hydroxyl radicals. An in vivo study on albino rats for 30 days showed no toxic effect up to a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight, on oral administration. There was no change in the level of TBA-reactive substances, reduced glutathione content and SOD activity in the liver. The activity of serum GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase was also unchanged. Thus it could be concluded that the alcohol extract of the seeds of mucuna pruriens has an antilipid peroxidation property, which is mediated through the removal of superoxides and hydroxyl radicals.

Benefit for infertility in a man
researchers at  King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India evaluated mucuna pruriens on semen profiles and biochemical levels in seminal fluid of men who had infertility. Sixty normal healthy men undergoing infertility screening were given mucuna pruriens supplements. The herbal supplement increased sperm production and improved sperm motility.

Adverse effects, safety
I have read your information and have a question about the product before ordering. Does it have hallucinations as a side affect? My husband has Parkinson's disease and he cannot take any of the prescribed meds for it because he has hallucinations. Just wondering if this would create the same problem in him.
   We have not had any reports of hallucinations regarding the use of this product.

Emails
Q. I have fibromyalgia and do not like to take prescription meds so almost everything I take is a supplement or herb (except allergies were so bad I take Zyrtec 10 mg daily). So I looked up dopamine, found the precursor L-dopa and looked up natural forms and found mucuna pruriens, I now take 200 mg of 5-HTP for migraines and sleep. From what I have read I am wondering if I can take mucuna pruriens and 5HTP  together?
   A. Caution is advised when mixing potent herbs and nutrients. It is best to learn how each herb or nutrient works by itself, and if combining, lower dosages should be used for each. It make take several days or a week or two to learn the full effects of a particular herb without interference from other supplements or medicines.

Q. I read that 5-htp should not be taken with carbidopa, is it safe to take 5-HTP with mucuna pruiens, which has L-dopa in it? I have restless legs syndrome (daytime only, from arising to bedtime) and would like to try it for it's dopaminergic properties. I take 50 mg 5-htp 2-3 times a day. I also take St. John's wort standard dosage. If it is ok, how much should my dosage of mucuna pruiens be?
   A. There are many factors involved in combining nutrients, herbs, and medicines, the most important being dosage. Most supplements can be combined in low amounts but the risk of side effects increases as the dosage increases.

Q. I read that mucuna pruriens 400 mg should start out with a quarter cap, then try half a capsule, but these are sold as capsules so how do you determine this dose? I am wanting to take this because I have Parkinson's disease. Can you give me any information about this and how I should take the mucuna supplement.
   A. The capsules can be easily opened by pulling on each end and pouring out the amount you wish. With many supplements it is a good idea to start with low dosages to see how you respond.

Q. I know that those suffering from Parkinson's who take dopamine find that it works well at first, but begins to be less effective over time. Is it possible this could happen with L-Dopa from mucuna pruriens, or does the fact it comes from a natural source that the body converts to dopamine reduce the chance of loss of effectiveness over time? As an "aging" male of 56 I decided to try L-Dopa to boost natural levels of testosterone to aid in muscle-building, but now I've become concerned whether long-term use could actually leave me worse off - is that possible?
   A. This is a good question. Unfortunately we are not aware of long term human studies with mucuna pruriens herb to determine what kind of effect it has on dopamine receptors in the brain or other influences on brain tissue. We suspect that mucuna pruriens does not have a similar effect as does L dopa. But, to be sure, we often suggest taking breaks from the use of supplements, which could be a day or two off a week, a few days off each month, and a week or two off every 3 months.

Q. I'm a physician in California and would like to use the mucuna pruriens product. I have one very large concern. Every research article i can find uses doses from 25 to 60 grams. I don't understand how the typical doses in the supplemental world fares concerning this research. Perhaps you have some research I don't? Could you please explain the rationale for doses so lower then research is indicating?  
   A. Using 25 grams of mucuna pruriens extract could cause serious harm or even be fatal. These are potent extracts and even 400 mg can be too much for some people. The 20 gram or so dosage often refers to a simple powder of the mucuna pruriens bean as opposed to concentrated extracts.

Q. Mucuna pruriens supplement has been helpful to me. I have had Parkinsonism for the past 5 years and have been struggling for most of that time. When I started taking the mucuna pruriens product my symptoms have minimized from me taking 5 levadopa / carbidopa pills per day to 2-3. I take mucuna supplement in the morning and am pretty well set until afternoon.
   A. We are always so happy to hear how these natural supplements are actually helping people. For those of you who are considering using mucuna pruriens, start slow at half a capsule and make sure you have approval by your doctor. The dosage of Parkinson's medicines may be reduced since if you add a full capsule of mucuna to other medicines used for Parkinson's disease, overstimulation, increased body temperature, or other side effects could occur.

Q. I would like to try mucuna seed extract for chronic tiredness, but I'm confused as to which one to buy. I've seen one which is 99% L-Dopa, and also Zandopa which I believe is just the seed powder. Is it necessary to take the whole powder as they do in India to get the synergistic effect of all the ingredients or are the beneficial effects of mucuna attributable only to the L-Dopa it contains?
   A. There are many compounds in mucuna besides L-Dopa that are beneficial, therefore either the seed powder or a mucuna extract such as 5 to 20 percent extract would be a good option.

Q. I know that you cannot give dosage amounts, but maybe you could give us some guidelines to mucana Pruriens, My father is on a drug for Parkinson's disease which leaves him like a zombie. It is so sad. My mother cares for him and is trying to wean him from it with the mucuna pruriens. He is not like the zombie but the related symptoms to Parkinsonism has returned full force. I think he needs more than the recommended dose on the bottle but she is not sure what to do.
   A. Sorry, but we really can't give precise dosages, we have no idea of his overall health, blood studies, neurological exam, other medicines he is taking, his cardiac status, and so much more that needs to be evaluated before making such recommendations.

I have a movement disorder.3 neurologists, 2 neurosurgeons, 1 operation ( herniated cervical disc ). Still can"t walk due to lack of balance and coordination. Cramps in legs and feet seem to be worsening, almost to wheelchair stage. I intend to try mucuna puriens for movement disorder but I also have early prostate cancer last PSA 4.1 in Oct.07. I read that mucuna puriens raises testosterone level. I know that elevated testosterone is believed to exacerbate prostate cancer. I would like some idea as to how much mucuna raises testosterone level and how long does it stay elevated. I am trying to weigh the value of mucuna puriens, the potential that it may restore some movement ,but the risk that it may exacerbate my prostate cancer. I am taking a regimen of pomegranite concentrate, blueberries, green tea, Essiac tea, 200 mcg selenium, zinc, omega3, with a Mediterranian diet. If the mucuna puriens restored my movement significantly I might consider the elevated testosterone acceptable, especially if stopping the mucuna supplement would lower elevated level.
   We have not come across any specific human studies that have evaluated levels of testosterone upon administration of a mucuna pruriens supplement. There are dozens of active substances in this herb that work in various ways in the body, often stimulating dopamine formation.

Q. I have a patient taking Eyesight Rx. What is the amount of mucuna pruriens in this supplement?
   A. The amount of mucuna pruriens in Eyesight Rx is very small. However, both products are potent and we don't suggest using them the same day except if the mucuna pruriens is less than 200 mg and the Eyesight Rx is no more than half a tablet.

Q. Can you tell me if it is safe to take Mucuna Pruriens while pregnant or breastfeeding?
   A. We are not aware of human studied testing mucuna pruriens for safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding, so we don't know.

Q. I have ordered 5-HTP as well as Mucuna Pruriens pills. I have read that the two may be problematic as quote: "5-HTP should not be taken with Carbidopa, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease; triptans such as Imitrex, Zomig, Maxalt, or Amerge; and some other prescription medications. If you are taking any medications, please check with your doctor or pharmacist before using 5-HTP." Do Mucuna Pruriens pills fall in to the above quoted category?
   A. Mucuna pruriens is not similar to carbidopa or triptans, but caution is advised when supplements are combined since unexpected side effects can occur, particularly with dosages that are high. It is best to learn how each supplement works by itself for a few days before combining, and when combining, to use low dosages.

Q. I am taking the mucuna pruriens extract hoping to see benefit with my Parkinson's Disease. I am wondering if there is a limit as to how many I should take per day. I notice benefit at 6 mucuna pills per day and less benefit at 4 mucuna pills or less. On the bottle it states 1 to 3 per day which has done me no good at all.
   A. Much depends on the strength of the mucuna pruriens extract and dosage. Sometimes initially higher dosages are required and then the mucuna dosage can be reduced. It is difficult to give a precise number since each product varies in potency and each person is unique in their response, age, other medications used, etc.

Q. Can a person take to high a dosage of mucuna pruriens herb and cause harm or danger?
   A. It is possible that very high dosages of mucuna pruriens herb could lead to side effects such as increased body temperature, restlessness, increased heart rate or heart rhythm disturbances, and insomnia.

Q. My wife has been suffering from Parkinson decease for last about a year. Her Left Hand is shaking and we have been advised to start macuna prurins. She is also diabitic patient. I am just wondering as to whether it is advisable to start macuna prurins Aryuvedic medicine for the problem. If so, how do I go about procuring the same/ We live in Sharjah (UAE.) Shall appreciate your prompt response.
   A. You may consider asking your doctor to read this page and the mucuna pruriens can be shipped to Sharjah UAE.

Q. I am trying to collect more information about MUCUNA PRURIENS 200mgr before finalizing an order. Is this a naturally or industrially (standardised) processed product? What is the maximum daily intake of L DOPA? What is the percentage of L DOPA in that product? Are the caps vegicaps? How many caps are per box /unit?
   A. This mucuna pruriens supplement is 200 mg standardized to 15% l-dopa. There are no official guidelines or RDA for mucuna pruriens regarding maximum daily dosage. One should use the least amount that is effective. Yes, they are vegetarian capsules, 60 caps in a bottle.

Q. My mother is suffering from Parkinson's disease. She was suffering from few years but doctors had different opinion. Now she has been diagnosed with Parkinson's. We have started mucuna pruriens (60%) L-Dopa, 100mg by Herbal Powers 1 capsule in the morning and one capsule after dinner. I would really appreciate if you can suggest if this dose is good. She has been taking this herb since last two weeks. Still my mother is very depressed and not able to walk.
   A. The benefits and dosages of mucuna pruriens vary among users. It is not possible for us to predict which dosage, if any, will be effective in any one individual. Sometimes it takes trial and error to find out.

My wife is 63 years old and has a left hand Parkinsons tremor, for over 10 years. We have tried everything from acupuncture to LDN, her medication includes carbidopa-levo 25mg she takes 1 tablet at a time depending on severity of her tremor, up to 6 per day. She has a mouth movement which has just developed in the last year, only when her tremor is severe. She is also taking NALTREXONE. She also lost her sense of smell. An MD. here is Seattle said she had "LYMES DISEASE" and treated her for 11 month intravenously Rocephin, Zithro, and Flagyl until she had an extreme negative reaction. We also went to Neurologist, we are extremely tired and frustrated and need help. My question, is the macuna bean effective for providing dopamine, and will it reduce her tremor and her dependence on CARBIDOPA. What is the best way to take the bean, and where do I get it? We thank you for your research and pray for a break through.
    We suggest her physician read this page and guide her since we are not in a position to offer individual dosage suggestions or how to take it. Each person is different and it is not possible to evaluate her through the internet.

Are cardizem, invega, and cogentin okay to take with dopa mucuna?
    Depends on the health of the person taking them and particularly the dosage. There are no simple answers.