Everything You Need to Know About Mucuna Pruriens

Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) is a vegetable plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, South America, and Asia. It is a part of the Fabaceae family and is one of many species of Mucuna. M. pruriens is commonly referred to as velvet bean or cowhage.

M. pruriens is classified as a legume. As such, it is commonly used both nutritionally and medicinally, especially in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system.

M. pruriens may be found in food or as a supplement form. It is known to contain many nutrients and bioactive compounds that are thought to benefit human health.

This article will discuss the scientific evidence behind some potential benefits and uses of M. pruriens.

Uses of Mucuna Pruriens

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. 

The seeds and other parts of M. pruriens are known to contain a plethora of bioactive compounds, such as:

• Amino acids
• Tannins
• Polyphenols
• Lecithin
• Gallic acid
• Beta-sitosterol

These and other compounds present in M. pruriens are known to have various beneficial health effects.

Due to these effects, M. pruriens is commonly used in Ayurveda for:

• Upset stomach
• Snake bites
• Pain
• Rheumatic diseases
• Gonorrhea
• Gout
• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps)
  

As with other herbal remedies, many health claims surrounding M. pruriens are not well-supported by science. Some uses of M. pruriens have been researched better than others.

Below is a look at some of the research on common uses of M. pruriens.

Brain-Protective Activity

M. pruriens contains an important compound called levodopa (L-dopa), which is the precursor to dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical naturally produced by your body that is sometimes used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Because of these effects, researchers have looked at M. pruriens as a potential alternative treatment for PD.

A review of lab and human studies found that M. pruriens may be a well-tolerated alternative to certain prescription medications for PD. According to the review, M. pruriens has shown anti-PD and brain-protective activities in human trials.

Only small human trials were included in the review, however. Large-scale studies are necessary to confirm the role and safety of M. pruriens in PD.

Additionally, M. pruriens products are not well regulated to ensure they do not contain impurities or the proper ingredients. There is also no standard dosage for PD.

Symptoms of Anxiety & Depression

There are some claims that M. pruriens improves various symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, very few studies have been performed to test this hypothesis.

Additionally, most of the available research has been completed on animal models. While we can learn from animal studies, we can't apply these results to humans.

In one study, mice with models of depression were given M. pruriens extract before going through various stress tests. The M. pruriens extract was shown to have antidepressant effects on the mice as they performed the tests. These results were thought to be due to compounds in M. pruriens that increase dopamine levels, like L-dopa.

A different animal study found that M. pruriens acted as both an antidepressant and an anxiolytic (antianxiety) in rats. In the study, rats given M. pruriens exhibited less depressive behaviors than rats not given M. pruriens. These effects were once again attributed to the presence of L-dopa.

As promising as these results may be, human trials must be conducted before M. pruriens can be recommended as an alternative treatment for depression and/or anxiety.

May Increase Fertility in Males

Some research shows a potential link between M. pruriens and male fertility.

In various lab studies, M. pruriens has been found to increase spermatogenesis (the production of sperm) and other measures of healthy sperm. Although, these findings were mostly recorded in animals rather than humans.

However, small amounts of human research have been conducted on the effects of M. pruriens on male infertility.

Two human trials were included in a review of multiple studies. Per the review, using M. pruriens resulted in healthier sperm profiles and increased fertility in males with infertility. In one study, M. pruriens improved semen quality as well as sperm concentration and motility.

It's worth noting that these human trials were small and larger studies should be conducted to learn more about the role of M. pruriens in male infertility.

Heart-Protective Effects

L-dopa, a compound in M. pruriens, has been found to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Too much ACE in the body increases the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease.

High cholesterol and triglycerides are another risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease. In rats, M. pruriens extracts have shown promise in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

In another animal study, rats with high blood pressure were given seeds from M. pruriens or moringa (an herb). While both herbs produced blood pressure-lowering effects, M. pruriens showed more heart-protective effects than moringa.

At this time, these results have yet to be duplicated in humans. Although we can learn from lab and animal research, human trials should be completed before M. pruriens can be recommended as a therapy for high blood pressure.

What Are the Side Effects of Mucuna Pruriens?

Some people may experience side effects when using M. pruriens. Overall, very few side effects have been documented for M. pruriens. Possible side effects of this supplement are mostly thought to be caused by L-dopa.

Common Side Effects

Using L-dopa has been associated with a number of side effects. These side effects may be more likely with short-term use of L-dopa.

Common L-dopa side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache

These side effects are not directly associated with M. pruriens but may still be possible due to its L-dopa content.

Severe Side Effects

Sometimes, L-dopa can cause serious side effects, especially if used in high doses or over a long period.

Possible severe side effects of L-dopa include:

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Agitation
• Psychosis

Again, these side effects have only been reported with L-dopa use and not M. pruriens. If side effects persist or get worse, seek medical attention.

To reduce your risk of side effects, be sure to use M. pruriens properly. Talk with a healthcare provider about dosing and how long you should take M. pruriens.

Precautions

Some people should avoid using M. pruriens due to health conditions or other factors. For instance, it's unknown if M. pruriens is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Exposure to L-dopa may not be safe for an infant or fetus. The best thing to do is avoid using M. pruriens in this case.

Studies have not yet been performed on the use and safety of M. pruriens in children. If you're curious about giving your child M. pruriens, talk with their healthcare provider first.

Because M. pruriens may lower blood pressure, you may need to avoid using it if your blood pressure is already low. M. pruriens may cause blood pressure to become too low in some people.

More research is needed to learn if other groups need to take precautions when using M. pruriens. Talk with a healthcare provider before using M. pruriens if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.

Dosage: How Much Mucuna Pruriens Should I Take?

Dosage guidelines have not yet been determined for M. pruriens. This is due to an overall need for more research on the herbal remedy.

Many M. pruriens studies have been performed on animals, which makes it challenging to set dosage recommendations for humans.

A few trials on the effects of M. pruriens on PD have been conducted on humans. In one small study, participants with PD took either a low dose of 12.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) or a high dose of 17.5 mg/kg of M. pruriens powder six times throughout the study. Both doses showed improvements in PD symptoms.

Because little is known about M. pruriens dosage guidelines at this time, it's best to follow dosage directions as listed on the supplement label. You can also speak with a healthcare provider about safe and proper dosage.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Mucuna Pruriens?

There is a risk of toxicity when using M. pruriens due to its L-dopa content. In rare cases, toxicity may be possible if you take too much M. pruriens, use it for too long, or consume its raw seeds. The hairs on the seeds contain a compound called mucunain, which may cause skin irritation or tingling.

Ingesting raw seeds may also lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even amnesia. Although, this has only been reported in very rare cases.

Recall that taking M. pruriens or L-dopa for too long or in high doses may cause serious side effects, including hallucinations, psychosis, and confusion.

It's vital that you never take more M. pruriens than you should, as doing so may cause these or other adverse events.

Interactions

As with many other herbs and supplements, M. pruriens may interact with certain medications. M. pruriens may also interact with various nutrients as well as other supplements.

However, interactions for M. pruriens are not well-documented.

A possible interaction exists between M. pruriens and antidepressants. Because M. pruriens may also cause anti-depressant effects, taking it with prescribed antidepressants may not be safe.

M. pruriens contains L-dopa, a common prescription for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Taking M. pruriens and L-dopa together may cause excess levels of L-dopa in your system. Talk with a healthcare provider about safe ways to take M. pruriens and L-dopa together.

Finally, due to its potential blood pressure-lowering effects, M. pruriens may interact with medications used to lower blood pressure. Taking these together may cause blood pressure to become too low.

Other interactions may exist. If you take any medications or use other herbs or supplements, it's recommended that you discuss possible interactions with a healthcare provider before starting M. pruriens or any new supplement.

Remember, it is essential to carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 

How to Store Mucuna Pruriens

It's important to store your supplements properly, as doing so helps them maintain their quality.

Store M. pruriens supplements in a cool, dry place, like a cabinet or pantry. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Like many other supplements, M. pruriens should not be refrigerated.

It's best to keep supplements in their original containers. Make sure that the lid of the supplement container is airtight.

Store M. pruriens in a place that can't be reached by children or pets who may accidentally consume high doses of the supplement.

Discard M. pruriens supplements once they pass their expiration date or if they show any signs of spoiling.

Similar Supplements

There are thousands of supplements on the market these days and some are similar to M. pruriens. These supplements may contain similar ingredients or work in ways that are similar to M. pruriens.

Supplements that are similar to M. pruriens include:

• Glutathione: Glutathione is a natural antioxidant that has been studied for its potential role in Parkinson's disease. While it doesn't seem to improve mentality or behavior, glutathione has been found to improve motor function in people with PD. More research is needed in this area.
• Rhodiola rosea: Rhodiola rosea is an herb and adaptogen, which is a natural substance thought to reduce stress.
• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha (also known as Withani somnifera) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to improve fertility in males.
• Green tea: Drinking green tea may decrease your risk of high blood pressure. In a recent review, long-term green tea consumption decreased the risk of high blood pressure by 6%. These effects are thought to be due to catechins in green tea.

It may not be safe to take multiple herbs or supplements at the same time, especially for the same health condition. Talk with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian nutritionist to help you decide which supplements or herbs are best for you.

Sources of Mucuna Pruriens & What to Look For

Many people use M. pruriens as a supplement, but some choose to get it from food instead.

It's important to remember that many of the potential health benefits of M. pruriens are not well-supported by scientific evidence. Yet, there may be advantages to using M. pruriens as either a supplement or food.

Food Sources of Mucuna Pruriens

As a legume, M. pruriens can be consumed if prepared properly.

Typically, M. pruriens seeds are the part of the plant that are consumed. You can roast the seeds or eat them as is, or add them to various dishes. M. pruriens seeds are a common part of the diet in parts of Asia and Africa.

Some researchers suggest that M. pruriens seeds may be able to be cultivated in a way that decreases their levels of L-dopa, making them safer to consume.

M. pruriens seeds are known to contain a wide variety of nutrients, including:

• Fiber
• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Fatty acids
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Amino acids

These and other nutrients found in M. pruriens seeds make them a nutrient-dense food.

It's worth mentioning that M. pruriens seeds can be difficult to find in stores. Instead, it may be necessary to purchase these seeds online.

Mucuna Pruriens Supplements

M. pruriens supplements can be purchased as capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. Other forms may be available but difficult to find.

Regarding where to buy M. pruriens, online may be best. M. pruriens supplements are sold on Amazon and other websites. You may also find M. pruriens supplements at various nutrition or supplement shops or natural grocery stores.

Many M. pruriens supplements are organic, vegan, and/or gluten-free. If you are on a vegan diet, beware that some capsules may be made with gelatin, which is not a vegan product. Be sure to check the supplement label for these specifications.

Summary

Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) is a climbing vegetable plant that sprouts legumes.

More research is needed on the potential health benefits of M. pruriens. Still, there is some evidence that it may be useful for Parkinson's disease, anxiety and depression, male infertility, and high blood pressure.

L-dopa is the main compound of M. pruriens and is thought to be responsible for many of the possible benefits of M. pruriens. However, using L-dopa for long periods of time or taking doses that are too high may increase the risk of certain side effects.

If you're thinking of trying M. pruriens, be sure to do your research to find high-quality, trusted products. You can also talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about supplement brands and whether M. pruriens is right for you.