Mucuna (Velvet Bean)
Mucuna pruriens
A bean naturally high in L-DOPA, studied for mood, libido, and Parkinson's symptoms.
Traditional use (ayurveda): A bean naturally high in L-DOPA, studied for mood, libido, and Parkinson's symptoms.
A bean naturally high in L-DOPA, studied for mood, libido, and Parkinson's symptoms.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A bean naturally high in L-DOPA, studied for mood, libido, and Parkinson's symptoms.
Evidence strength: limited human.
- See the evidence level above
- Contains real L-DOPA — serious interactions with Parkinson's, psychiatric, and blood-pressure drugs.
- Pregnancy
- Psychosis history
- On MAOIs or Parkinson's medication
Contains real L-DOPA — serious interactions with Parkinson's, psychiatric, and blood-pressure drugs.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.
Effectively a low-dose drug source — treat it as such, not a casual supplement.