Mucuna Pruriens: The Dopamine Connection
In addition to extensive mucuna pruriens herbal research information, you will find on this page:

Mucuna Pruriens supplement in capsule form
Passion Rx -  sexual enhancer with mucuna pruriens extract
Mind Power Rx brain enhancement formula with mucuna pruriens extract
Eyesight Rx for visual enhancement with mucuna pruriens extract

Mucuna pruriens, one of the popular Ayurvedic herbs, is also known as velvet bean or cowhage. Mucuna pruriens contains L-Dopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Mucuna has been used for generations in India for Parkinson's disease. L-dopa converts into dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement. Mucuna pruriens has antioxidant properties. How well mucuna pruriens works in Parkinson's disease is just beginning to be evaluated in research studies and no definitive conclusions can yet be made.

Mucuna Pruriens extract, formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Veggie Caps, suitable for vegetarians
Mucuna pruriens has been used for centuries for its broad health benefits.

Mucuna Pruriens supplement facts
Mucuna Pruriens extract - 200 mg, 15 % L dopa
    (Mucuna pruriens DC) (seed) dried water mucuna pruriens extract

Directions: Take one mucuna pruriens capsule in the morning or as directed by your health care provider.
Click here to buy this Mucuna Pruriens supplement, to learn about Passion Rx sexual enhancer, Eyesight Rx for better vision, Diet Rx appetite suppressant, Mind Power Rx for mental enhancement, or to sign up to a very popular and FREE health newsletter
Subscribe to up to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Once or twice a month you will receive a brief abstract of several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics -- including mucuna pruriens herb health benefits -- and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Composition of mucuna pruriens seed
Nutritional analysis reveals mucuna pruriens contains crude protein ranged from 20-29 %, crude lipid, 6-7%, total dietary fiber 8-10%, ash 3% and carbohydrates 50-60%. Several other compounds are found in the seed, including alkaloids.

Mucuna pruriens benefit
Scientists and doctors in Western countries are beginning to seriously take a look at the potential benefits of mucuna pruriens herb in a number of conditions including Parkinson's disease, fertility, and sexual enhancement. Studies in rats show mucuna pruriens supplements influence dopamine content in the cortex of the brain. The seed powder of mucuna pruriens plant has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

High Quality products formulated by a medical doctor
Consider highly popular all natural products. These top quality products include Mind Power Rx with mucuna pruriens extract for better mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less. It really does curb appetite; Good Night Rx for better sleep; Eyesight Rx with mucuna pruriens for better vision, often within days; MultiVit Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and vitality; Joint Power Rx for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; and Passion Rx with mucuna pruriens extract for sexual enhancement, better libido, and improved stamina in men and women.

Mucuna pruriens as sexual enhancer
Dopamine is a natural neurotransmitter that enhances sexual urge. Mucuna pruriens contains L-Dopa, the precursor to dopamine. Mucuna pruriens has been known in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac herb. Users of this herb notice sexual enhancement within days.

Passion Rx with mucuna pruriens extract --- Medical Doctor Formulated for men and women
Passion Rx is a Bestseller 

There's a real good reason why people continue reordering Passion Rx. It works.

   In recent years science has made breakthroughs in the understanding of sexual dysfunction. But, for hundreds of years, civilizations around the world have known about locally grown herbs that achieve wonderful results with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Now, renowned physician and herbal expert Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Natural Sex Boosters, has discovered a combination of exotic herbs from the Amazon jungle, India, China, Malaysia, and Africa, that support healthy desire and performance, as well as to simply enhance sexual pleasure. Passion Rx provides a natural solution for those looking for an alternative to pharmaceutical medicines.
   The potent herbal extracts in Passion Rx include ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium monnieri, coleus forskohlii, horny goat weed, maca, mucuna pruriens, muira puama, passion flower, pfaffia paniculata, rhodiola, shilajit, tribulus terrestris, and tongkat ali.

Mind Power Rx with Mucuna Pruriens extract - Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Mind Power Rx with Mucuna Pruriens extract is a sophisticated cognitive formula. It combines a delicate balance of brain circulation agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful natural brain chemicals that support:

Memory and Mood
Mental clarity
Concentration 
Alertness & Focus

Why buy all the individual herbs and nutrients separately -- at great expense -- when you can buy this excellent combination? The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Mucuna pruriens extract, and Reishi.  The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.

Mucuna pruriens side effects
Since few human trials have been done with mucuna pruriens supplements, side effects are not fully known. Increased body temperature is possible on high doses. Other possible side effects of high dose mucuna pruriens include insomnia and rapid heart beat. A positive benefit could be slightly improved visual clarity.

Improve vision naturally
I am glad to report that the proper use of many nutrients can help restore, at least partially, the magic of seeing that some of you may have long forgotten existed. Eyesight Rx can help you see clearer.

Eyesight Rx with Mucuna Pruriens
Developed by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
Citrus bioflavonoids (eriocitrin, hesperidin, flavonols, flavones, flavonoids, and quercetin)
Mixed carotenoids (astaxanthin, beta carotene, cryptoxanthin, Lutein, Lycopene, Zeaxanthin)
Bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Eyebright extract (Euphrasia officianales)
Jujube extract (Zizyphus jujube)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba)
Suma extract  (Pfaffia paniculata)
Mucuna pruriens extract (Cowhage)
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Lycium berry extract (Lycium Barbarum)
Sarsaprailla (Sarsaparilla Smilax)
Alpha Lipoic Acid antioxidant

Mucuna pruriens and Parkinson's disease research
Parkinson's disease has a low prevalence in India except in the small Parsi community. Parkinson's disease has been known in India since ancient days and mucuna pruriens seed powder has been used for its treatment. At this point it is too early to tell how to best use mucuna pruriens extract supplements for Parkinson's disease. It is not clear what the ideal dosage would be, how long the treatment would last, how mucuna pruriens combines with other drugs used for this condition, etc. It is quite possible that the addition of mucuna pruriens herb to one's Parkinson's treatment regimen would require lowering the dosage of the prescription medications. Consult with your doctor and ask that he or she read this page.

Anti Parkinson botanical mucuna pruriens prevents levodopa induced plasmid and genomic DNA damage.
Phytother Res. 2007 Dec. Tharakan B, Dhanasekaran M, Mize-Berge J, Manyam BV. Department of Neurology, Scott & White Clinic, Temple, Texas, USA.
Levodopa is considered the 'gold standard' for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, a serious concern is dyskinesia and motor fluctuation that occurs after several years of use. In vitro experiments have shown that in the presence of divalent copper ions, levodopa may induce intense DNA damage. Mucuna pruriens powder has shown anti Parkinson and neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease that is superior to synthetic levodopa. In the present study two different doses of mucuna pruriens protected both plasmid DNA and genomic DNA against levodopa and divalent copper-induced DNA strand scission and damage.

Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004 Dec;75(12):1672-7.
We assessed the clinical effects and levodopa (L-dopa) pharmacokinetics following two different doses of mucuna preparation and compared them with standard L-dopa / carbidopa. Eight Parkinson's disease patients with a short duration L-dopa response and on period dyskinesias completed a randomised, controlled, double blind crossover trial. Patients were challenged with single doses of 200 / 50 mg L-dopa / carbidopa, and 15 and 30 g of mucuna pruriens preparation in randomised order at weekly intervals. Compared with standard L-dopa / carbidopa, the mucuna preparation led to a considerably faster onset of effect, reflected in shorter latencies to peak L-dopa plasma concentrations. No significant differences in dyskinesias or tolerability occurred. The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias on mucuna seed powder formulation suggest that this natural source of L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the long term management of Parkinson's disease.
   Note: Mucuna pruriens extract is much more concentrated and potent than mucuna pruriens seed powder.

Neuroprotective effects of the anti Parkinson drug mucuna pruriens herb
Phytother Res. 2004 Sep;18(9):706-12. Manyam BV, Dhanasekaran M, Hare TA. Department of Neurology, Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX 76508
Mucuna pruriens herb possesses significantly higher anti Parkinson activity compared with levodopa in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease. The present study evaluated the brain restorative  effect of mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder on the nigrostriatal tract of 6-OHDA lesioned rats. Mucuna pruriens powder significantly increased the brain mitochondrial complex-I activity but did not affect the total monoamine oxidase activity (in vitro). Unlike synthetic levodopa treatment, mucuna pruriens powder treatment significantly restored the endogenous levodopa, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin content in the substantia nigra.

Effect of antiparkinson drug HP-200 ( Mucuna pruriens herb ) on the central monoaminergic neurotransmitters.
Phytother Res. 2004 Feb;18(2):97-101
HP-200, which contains mucuna pruriens endocarp, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mucuna pruriens endocarp has also been shown to be more effective compared to synthetic levodopa in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. The present study was designed to elucidate the long-term effect of mucuna pruriens endocarp in HP-200 on monoaminergic neurotransmitters and its metabolite in various regions of the rat brain. Oral administration of mucuna pruriens endocarp 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 Parkinson 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.

Epidemiology and treatment of Parkinson's disease in India.
Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2003 Aug;9 Suppl 2:S105-9.
Parkinson's disease has a low prevalence in India except in the small Parsi community where there is a high prevalence. Although early onset Parkinson's disease and familial cases have been described from India, no genetic mutations have as yet been identified. Parkinson's disease has been known in India since ancient days and the powder of mucuna pruriens seeds has been used for its treatment. The present day management of Parkinson's disease in India is similar to that in the other countries. Unfortunately, lack of awareness, limitation of human resources and cost factors deny the benefits of therapy to many patients.

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 was mixed with rat chow and fed daily ad lib to 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 had a significant effect on dopamine content in the cortex with no significant effect on levodopa, norepinephrine or dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites. 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 a levodopa enhancing effect. 

Mucuna pruriens for fertility help
Effect of Mucuna pruriens on semen profile and biochemical parameters in seminal plasma of infertile men.
Fertil Steril. 2007 Nov 12. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, Islam N, Jaiswar SP, Ahmad S. Departments of Biochemistry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.
To investigate the impact of mucuna pruriens seeds on semen profiles and biochemical levels in seminal plasma of infertile men. Sixty normal healthy fertile men (controls) and 60 men undergoing infertility screening. Before and after the treatment, seminal plasma lipid profile, lipid peroxide, fructose, and antioxidant vitamin levels were measured. Treatment with mucuna pruriens significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation, elevated spermatogenesis, and improved sperm motility. Treatment also recovered the levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and vitamin A, C, and E and corrected fructose in seminal plasma of infertile men. Treatment with mucuna pruriens increased sperm concentration and motility in all the infertile study groups. Oligozoospermic patients recovered sperm concentration significantly, but sperm motility was not restored to normal levels in asthenozoospermic men. The present study is likely to open new vistas on the possible role of mucuna pruriens seed powder as a restorative and invigorating agent for infertile men.

Mucuna pruriens extracts
Herbal and ingredients suppliers have mucuna pruriens herb available in various extract potencies. There is mucuna pruriens powder, mucuna pruriens extract standardized to 15 percent L dopa, mucuna pruriens extract at 20 percent L dopa, 60 percent L dopa and even 99 percent L dopa. It is difficult to know which extract potency is best for various medical conditions since comparisons are not available.

Mucuna pruriens emails
Q. Could you tell me how much l-dopa that mucuna pruriens contains penetrates the blood brain barrier? Is it true that only a very small amount crosses it? So small that it may not significantly affect parkinsonian tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease? Furthermore, it is also said that the liver plays a role in reducing the amount of l-dopa transported to the brain before it even reaches the blodd brain barrier. I am interested in buying mucuna herb but I need an answer to these questions.
   A. We really do not know how much l dopa in mucuna pruriens crosses across the blood brain barrier since we have not seen these types of studies, they are difficult to do. The liver most likely does play a role in the metabolism of this herb, and there is a wide variation in each person regarding this metabolism. For practical purposes, one has to find out by trial and error whether mucuna herb works for them or not.

Q. I'm hoping that you can help answer a question about the mucuna pruriens product sold by Physician Formulas. I found this same supplement made by another manufacturer in my local vitamin supplement store. On the product directions, it said that mucuna pruriens should be taken on a cycle of 3 months on and one month off. That is, it said the supplement should be taken everyday for three months, and then not taken for the 4th month. Then it said the next 3-month cycle could start again, after not taking for one month (the 4th month). My question is this, do you recommend anything similar for your mucuna pruriens product? And if so, I'm curious as to the scientific reasoning behind this. Do you have any idea why the other company would recommend this? I'd like to go with the mucuna pruriens product that you developed, because I really liked your research-based approach which I read about on the internet. However, I would like to find out a little more about these recommendations before purchasing mucuna pruriens and getting started on a regimen.
   A. Since human studies with mucuna pruriens are very limited, it is difficult to know the ideal dosage, frequency of use or amount of time of breaks. Plus, each person may have a different need based on their health and medical condition. A break from mucuna pruriens use could be one or two days a week, a week off per month, or any variation thereof. Is the mucuna being used for health enhancement, sexual benefits, Parkinson's disease, or any other condition? All these influence how much and how often one takes mucuna pruriens. There are no clear and simple guidelines that apply to everyone. The use of other supplements and medicines can also make a difference. Hence, the other product mentioning a break for a month every 3 months seems quite arbitrary since each person's need will be completely different.      

Q. I want to give you and your staff an update on the use of mucuna pruriens as a treatment for fibromyalgia. Mucuna herb was used in combination with Mirapex daily with remarkable results. Both Mirapex and mucuna supplement raise dopamine level. The ability to handle stress over time in any situation is the most noticeable change. From January through April while taking amucuna pruriens supplement regularly, there was a definite improvement in sleep, waking up refreshed with improved energy throughout the day. My chiropractor, who takes careful notes was so impressed with my response to the mucuna herbal product that both he and his wife started using it. With limited funds, I stopped taking mucuna in April. The emotional stability using the Mirapex alone is still unmistakably the best in my entire life. However, mucuna does provide additional benefit that Mirapex does not, ie improved sleep, perky positive energy, more activities accomplished. Whereas the Mirapex leaves me feeling drugged and sleepy but very calm in the face of stress. Fibromyalgia pain and pain in general is definitely reduced. I definitely will be using mucuna pruriens again soon. In the future, I hope that you, Dr. Sahelian, can develop a natural medication to raise dopamine in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Mirapex is just too harsh, but it's the best that I know of right now. I'm just grateful to have macuna pruriens. It's certainly an improvement over using Mirapex alone.  By reducing Mirapex I have fewer side effects and the macuna pruriens seems to be as effective. I am convinced that maintaining a normal level of dopamine is the key in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Q. If the amino acid tyrosine converts to L- Dopa, then would taking a tyrosine supplement produce the same effect or result as taking mucuna pruriens?
   A. Not really. Mucuna pruriens has many other compounds in it besides L Dopa.

Q. I am now taking Sinemet 25/100 three times daily. What is the equivalent in a mucuna pruriens dosage?
   A. The equivalent dose is not known, and it is not clear yet whether mucuna pruriens works the same way as Sinemet or has similar benefits. Research with mucuna pruriens is still early and we don't know enough about it to make firm recommendations.

Q. My mother has suffered from Parkinson's Disease for 13 years now, and recently she started taking HP200 (powder form of mucuna beans). I was researching these beans on the internet, and came across your name. I was wondering if you had any information with regards to the side affects of mucuna beans. The powder really seems to cause the symptoms of Parkinson's to subside.
   A. Thus far we have not had any reports of any significant side effects with mucuna when taken by itself in reasonable amounts. High dosages can cause side effects such as restlessness, insomnia, and increased body temperature.

Q. I am half way through the second container of mucuna pruriens bottle (taking 2 capsules twice a day) without any positive or negative results. I was diagnosed with having Parkinson’s in July 2002 and with bladder cancer in January 2004. I am treating both conditions with natural supplements.
   A. Not everyone notices benefits from herbs or medicines.

Q. What is the dosage of mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease? Do all patients with Parkinson's benefit from macuna prurens?
   A. There have not been enough studies with Parkinson's disease and mucuna pruriens for us to know the right dosage, how often to take mucuna, and how it combines with prescription drugs. Each patient has to be tailored individually starting with a low dose of mucuna pruriens and then proceeding to a higher dosage while prescription drug dosage is decreased. Medical guidance is suggested. We don't know the percentage of patients who benefit from mucuna pruriens supplement.

Q. I would like to know if you have heard any feedback about mucuna pruriens and it's effect on mood. Due to it's ability to raise dopamine, I would think that mucuna pruriens would raise mood, libido, etc. Depression due to low dopamine would probably respond to mucuna pruriens, but I would like to know how much of a mood enhancer it really is.
   A. Some people do notice a mood and libido lift with a mucuna pruriens supplement, it would be best to start slow with half a mucuna pruriens capsule daily.

Q. I am now taking toprolol and wonder if it will interfere with the mucuna pruriens if I take it.
   A. It's difficult to say since such combination research has not been done with mucuna pruriens and beta blockers. We suggest if your doctor approves to use only a quarter of a capsule and monitor your symptoms.

Q. I have Parkinson's disease and in just six days mucuna pruriens product had me where I could sign my name again and since have regained a lot of my functions.

Q. I wanted to write and tell you my progress, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Dr. tried several medications that were specifically to supply dopamine, My body repelled each of the medications and left me at wit's end. The Dr. decided to treat the severe pain with Percocet; Disturbed at that my brother went to our health food store,( Good Earth, Bradenton, Fl. ) and did a search with the staff, They found your product, I started mucuna on April 22, 2006, Within days I was able to write my own name and was able to remember things. Steadily I have continued to make progress to this date July 7th. 2006. At first I took two capsules a day before breakfast, But I experienced a recent set back, As my memory got a bit worse, I decided to take three a day, My memory is already getting better and tomorrow I will start taking two again. I am only 40 years old but my Dr. said since my father had Parkinson's I was a prime candidate for it and that a psychological medicine I was on Risperdal, had sped up the progress and caused it to hit me much earlier than normal. I have informed my neurologist that I am on mucuna pruriens and he was relieved to see the extreme progress. He took down all the information and said he would monitor my progress and told me that the increase I had taken was fine but to decrease it as soon as possible. and will probably contact you himself. But he was relieved at my success. and was fine with the mucuna and would investigate it, and watch my progress to possibly try it with other patients. Please share this letter to Dr. Sahelian, confirm with him that my Dr. is very excited and intrigued with what he sees. I am steadily getting better( except for a brief healing crisis) and I am thrilled to be coming out of this dark cave Parkinson's puts you in.

Mucuna Beans
Mucuna Pruriens is one of a number of Ayurvedic herbs. Mucuna pruriens is sometimes misspelled as mucana or mucua pruriens or mucuna puriens. I have also seen misspellings of mucuna as macuna. Other names for mucuna pruriens are cowhage or cowage, velvet bean, and Nescafe.

This page was last updated in January 2008.