In addition to extensive research information and suggestions on dosage and safety, you will find on this page:

Mucuna Pruriens supplement in capsule form at a 15% l dopa content.
Passion Rx is a potent sexual enhancer for men and women. It works within a few days to increase sexual stamina, sensation, libido, and blood vessel dilation for maximum engorgement.
Mind Power Rx brain enhancement formula to improve concentration, alertness and mental stamina.

Mucuna pruriens, one of the popular Ayurvedic herbs, is also known as velvet bean or cowhage. This herb contains L-Dopa, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. The l dopa content increases when extracts are prepared. L-dopa converts into dopamine, an important brain chemical involved in mood, sexuality, and movement. Mucuna pruriens has antioxidant properties. It has been used for generations in India for Parkinson's disease treatment. How well it works in Parkinson's disease is just beginning to be evaluated in research studies in western countries and no definitive conclusions can yet be made. Keep in mind that there are many other active substances in this herb. besides l dopa, that have an effect on the body and mind.

buy 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. Now it is available in capsule form in a 15% L dopa extract manufactured by a very high quality laboratory in the United States.

Supplement facts: Mucuna Pruriens extract 200 mg, 15 % L dopa

B Mucuna Pruriens supplement, learn about Passion Rx sexual enhancer, Eyesight Rx for better vision, and Mind Power Rx for mental enhancement


Composition of mucuna pruriens seed
Nutritional analysis reveals it 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.
    You can find a number of MP products on the market with an l dopa percentage ranging from very low to 40 percent. Since there are a number of substances in this herb that have health benefits, one should not focus on the l dopa content alone. I feel, at this time, that a 15 % concentration is a good balance.

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 this herbal supplement influences dopamine content in the cortex of the brain and enhance sexuality, along with protecting sperm from oxidative damage. The seed powder of the plant has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Mucuna pruriens as sexual enhancer, aphrodisiac
Dopamine is a natural neurotransmitter that enhances sexual urge and interest. 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.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009.
According to Indian Systems of Medicine, mucuna pruriens was used for treating male sexual disorders since ancient times. In this study the effects of the extracts on general mating behavior, libido and potency of normal male Wister albino rats were investigated and also compared with the standard reference drug, sildenafil citrate. Animals were fed PO with saline or extract or standard drug once a day for 45 days. The extract significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation latency, and decreased the mounting latency, intromission latency, post-ejaculatory interval and inter-intromission interval. The results indicated that extracts of Mucuna pruriens seed produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats. The resulting aphrodisiac activity of the extract lends support to the claim that it has traditionally been used for the treatment of sexual disorders.

Passion Rx for men and women
There's a good reason why people continue reordering this herbal aphrodisiac formula. It works. This natural sexual enhancing formula provides results that are most commonly noticed by the third to fifth days. Passion Rx improves:

Libido and sexual interest
Erectile function and dilation
Orgasms and climaxes
Sensation and lubrication

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. The natural herbal extracts in this sexual enhancing formula include ashwagandha, catuaba, coleus forskohlii, horny goat weed, maca, mucuna pruriens, muira puama, passion flower, rhodiola, shilajit, tribulus terrestris extract, and tongkat ali.

Mind Power Rx

This natural brain improving product is a sophisticated cognitive formula that 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 and focus. The herbs in this mind enhancing formula include: Ashwagandha, bacopa, 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, safety, risk, danger
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 when used in high dose 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 - see better within a few days
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Citrus bioflavonoids (hesperidin, flavonols, flavones, flavonoids, and quercetin)
Mixed carotenoids (astaxanthin, beta carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin)
Bilberry extract
Jujube extract
Ginkgo biloba extract
Mucuna pruriens extract
Lycium berry extract
Alpha lipoic acid antioxidant

Mucuna pruriens and Parkinson's disease research
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. It is not clear what the ideal dosage would be, how long the treatment would last, how it combines with other drugs used for this condition, etc. It is quite possible that the addition of this 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.
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.
Eight Parkinson's disease 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.

Effect of antiparkinson drug HP-200 on the central monoaminergic neurotransmitters.
Phytother Res. 2004.
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 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.

Q. Do all patients with Parkinson's benefit from taking the herb?
   A. There have not been enough studies for me to know the right dosage, how often to take it, and how it combines with prescription drugs. Each patient has to be tailored individually starting with a low dose and then proceeding to a higher dosage while prescription drug dosage is decreased. I don't know the percentage of patients who benefit from this natural herbal medicine.

Testimonial
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.

Fertility help and semen benefit
Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Fertil Steril. 2008.
Seventy-five normal healthy fertile men (controls) and 75 men undergoing infertility screening. High-performance liquid chromatography assay for quantitation of dopa, adrenaline, and noradrenaline in seminal plasma and blood. Estimation by RIA of hormonal parameters in blood plasma, namely T, LH, FSH, and PRL. Decreased sperm count and motility were seen in infertile subjects. Serum T and LH levels, as well as seminal plasma and blood levels of dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline were also decreased in all groups of infertile men. This was accompanied by significantly increased serum FSH and PRL levels in oligozoospermic subjects. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly improved T, LH, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels in infertile men and reduced levels of FSH and PRL. Sperm count and motility were significantly recovered in infertile men after treatment. Treatment with mucuna herb regulates steroidogenesis and improves semen quality in infertile men.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens on semen profile and biochemical parameters in seminal plasma of infertile men.
Fertil Steril. 2007.
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 Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2007. Shukla KK, Ahmad MK. Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India.
The present investigation was undertaken to assess the role of Mucuna pruriens in infertile men who were under psychological stress. Study included 60 subjects who were undergoing infertility screening and were found to be suffering from psychological stress, assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and elevated serum cortisol levels. Age-matched 60 healthy men having normal semen parameters and who had previously initiated at least one pregnancy were included as controls. Infertile subjects were administered with M. pruriens seed powder 5 g day orally. There was decreased sperm count and motility in subjects who were under psychological stress. Moreover, serum cortisol and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels were also found elevated along with decreased seminal plasma glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid contents and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly ameliorated psychological stress and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels along with improved sperm count and motility. Treatment also restored the levels of SOD, catalase, GSH and ascorbic acid in seminal plasma of infertile men. On the basis of results of the present study, it may be concluded that M. pruriens not only reactivates the anti-oxidant defense system of infertile men but it also helps in the management of stress and improves semen quality.

Suppliers and how it is sold
Herbal and ingredients suppliers have it available in various extract potencies. There is mucuna pruriens powder, extract standardized to 15 percent L dopa, 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.

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? 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 blood brain barrier. I am interested in buying mucuna herb but I need an answer to these questions.
   A. I really do not know how much of hte l dopa found in mucuna pruriens crosses across the blood brain barrier since I 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.

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 it 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 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 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 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 this herb. 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 raise dopamine levels. The ability to handle stress over time in any situation is the most noticeable change. From January through April while taking mucuna 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 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. Mirapex is just too harsh, but it's the best that I know of right now. I'm just grateful to have macuna pruriens. 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 herbal extract?
   A. Not really. Mucuna pruriens herbal extract 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 this herb 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. Due to it's ability to raise dopamine, I would think that MP 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.

Q. 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 April, 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. 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. 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.

I have no trouble finding info on what this product is known for, but I am having trouble finding reviews or experiences from people who have actually used it. I saw a few Q&As on your site, but could you please point me to some unbiased review or discussion forums where people are posting comments on their experience?
    We have not way of confirming whether testimonials of mucuna pruriens products on other web sites are accurate and unbiased.

My husband has been using Zandopa or HP200 which is a mucuna pruriens powder which is about 4% L-Dopa. He is taking the mucuna for Parkinson's disease and has had very good results. He would like to try mucuna tablets with 15 % L dopa because of the ease of taking a tablet over mixing the powder in water when he is out and about. His dosage is a tablespoon. Can you tell me the equivalent of the mucuna pruriens 15% tablet would be to that dosage. Also, are there additional ingredients in the mucuna pruriens tablet compared to the powder?
    I am not familiar with the Zandopa brand name. It is difficult to compare an herbal product from one company to another's since many processes are involved that lead to the end result. For instance where the herb is grown, when it is harvested, how it is processed, the concentration of the extracts, how long it is stored, etc. The best option is to start with a low dosage of the new mucuna pruriens and adjust over time. It may take a little trial and error.

I am a big fan of your website and products. I recently purchased mucuna pruriens and Mind Power, and plan to take them on alternate days. Since MP may increase dopamine, do you think that it might help with the desensitization or "poop-out" effect of ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall by re-supplying the raw materials for dopamine? Of course I understand you cannot make any specific recommendations, but thought you might have come across something about this in your research.
    It is possible but I have not had feedback on this matter yet nor have I seen such studies. I would be interested in any feedback on this matter.

My health providers has me take mucuna in an attempt to reduce my hand tremor due to the Parkinsonian-like syndrome. We tried one company product (100mg seed, 15% L-dopa, yields 15 mg) but didn't get satisfactory result. So I think I'll try yours (200mg, 15% L-dopa) instead. What do you think?
    It is not possible to predict what the outcome would be, but often there are differences in herbal products between different manufacturers since the source of the raw material and its preparation is different.

I have taken your mucuna pruriens formula, and was wondering if there would be any problem taking that with some tyrosine. A Dr. Dryland in Oregon has said that you should not take tyrosine when taking levodopa. I would like to boost my dopamine levels, so thought about taking both of the aforementioned supplements in small amounts to attack this issue in more than one way.
    Much depends on why the tyrosine is being taken, is it to treat Parkinson's disease? It also depends on the dosage of the herbal product. If the mucuna is used in low dosages, tyrosine can be used 100 to 200 mg a day but if a lot of the herb is taken I do not see the need to take the amino acid. Tyrosine can cause heart rhythm disturbances and anxiety.

I recently purchased a bottle of muncuna puriens extract I-dopa, natural dopamine Increase and I have a question. Do you know of any adverse reactions when taken along with herbal tablets of kava kava or valerian root?
    Much depends on the person, their age, overall health condition, activity level, kidney and liver function, other medications used, other supplements used, the dosage, what time of day they are taken, and a host of other factors. It is best to learn how each supplement makes you feel by itself before combining them.

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