M. pruriens(velvet bean or cowage) can be found in food or supplement form.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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The seeds and other parts ofM.
pruriensare known to contain a plethora of bioactive compounds, such as:
These and other compounds present inM.
pruriensare known to have various beneficial health effects.
Due to these effects,M.
pruriensis commonly used in Ayurveda for:
As with other herbal remedies, many health claims surroundingM.
pruriensare not well-supported by science.
prurienshave been researched better than others.
Below is a look at some of the research on common uses ofM.
pruriensas a potential alternative treatment for PD.
A review of lab and human studies found thatM.
pruriensmay be a well-tolerated alternative to certain prescription medications for PD.
According to the review,M.
prurienshas 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 ofM.
pruriensproducts 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 thatM.
pruriensimproves various symptoms ofanxietyanddepression.
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 givenM.
pruriensextract before going through various stress tests.
pruriensextract was shown to have antidepressant effects on the mice as they performed the tests.
These results were thought to be due to compounds inM.
pruriensthat increase dopamine levels, like L-dopa.
A different animal study found thatM.
pruriensacted as both an antidepressant and ananxiolytic(antianxiety) in rats.
In the study, rats givenM.
pruriensexhibited less depressive behaviors than rats not givenM.
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 beforeM.
prurienscan be recommended as an alternative treatment for depression and/or anxiety.
May Increase Fertility in Males
Some research shows a potential link betweenM.
In various lab studies,M.
However, small amounts of human research have been conducted on the effects ofM.
Two human trials were included in a review of multiple studies.
Per the review, usingM.
pruriensresulted in healthier sperm profiles and increased fertility in males with infertility.
In one study,M.
pruriensimprovedsemen quality as well as sperm concentration and motility.
Heart-Protective Effects
L-dopa, a compound inM.
pruriens, has been found to inhibitangiotensin converting enzyme(ACE).
Too much ACE in the body increases the risk ofhypertension (high blood pressure)andheart disease.
Highcholesterol and triglyceridesare another risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease.
In rats,M.
pruriensextracts have shown promise in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In another animal study, rats with high blood pressure were given seeds fromM.
pruriensormoringa(an herb).
While both herbs produced blood pressure-lowering effects,M.
pruriensshowed 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 beforeM.
prurienscan be recommended as a therapy for high blood pressure.
What Are the Side Effects of Mucuna Pruriens?
Some people may experience side effects when usingM.
Overall, very few side effects have been documented forM.
Possible side effects of this supplement are mostly thought to be brought on 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:
These side effects are not directly associated withM.
pruriensbut may still be possible due to its L-dopa content.
If side effects persist or get worse, seek medical attention.
To reduce your risk of side effects, be sure to useM.
Talk with a healthcare provider about dosing and how long you should takeM.
Precautions
Some people should avoid usingM.
pruriensdue to health conditions or other factors.
For instance, it’s unknown ifM.
pruriensis safe to use whilepregnantorbreastfeeding.
Exposure to L-dopa may not be safe for an infant or fetus.
The best thing to do is avoid usingM.
Studies have not yet been performed on the use and safety ofM.
If you’re curious about giving your childM.
pruriens, talk with their healthcare provider first.
pruriensmay lower blood pressure, you may need to avoid using it if your blood pressure is already low.M.
pruriensmay cause blood pressure to become too low in some people.
More research is needed to learn if other groups need to take precautions when usingM.
pruriens.Talk with a healthcare provider before usingM.
pruriensif you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.
Dosage: How Much Mucuna Pruriens Should I Take?
Dosage guidelines have not yet been determined forM.
pruriens.This is due to an overall need for more research on the herbal remedy.
pruriensstudies have been performed on animals, which makes it challenging to set dosage recommendations for humans.
A few trials on the effects ofM.
prurienson PD have been conducted on humans.
prurienspowdersix times throughout the study.
Both doses showed improvements in PD symptoms.
Because little is known aboutM.
pruriensdosage guidelinesat this time, it’s best to follow dosage directions as listed on the supplement label.
you might 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 usingM.
pruriensdue to its L-dopa content.
In rare cases, toxicity may be possible if you take too muchM.
pruriens, use it for too long, or consume its raw seeds.
The hairs on the seeds contain a compound calledmucunain, which may cause skin irritation or tingling.
Ingesting raw seeds may also lead to nausea, vomiting,diarrhea, and evenamnesia.
Although, this has only been reported in very rare cases.
It’s vital that you never take moreM.
pruriensthan you should, as doing so may cause these or other adverse events.
Interactions
As with many other herbs and supplements,M.
pruriensmay interact with certain medications.M.
pruriensmay also interact with various nutrients as well as other supplements.
However, interactions forM.
A possible interaction exists betweenM.
pruriensmay also cause anti-depressant effects, taking it with prescribed antidepressants may not be safe.
M. prurienscontains L-dopa, a common prescription for PD and other neurodegenerative diseases.TakingM.
pruriensand L-dopa together may cause excess levels of L-dopa in your system.
Talk with a healthcare provider about safe ways to takeM.
Finally, due to its potential blood pressure-lowering effects,M.
pruriensmay interact with medications used to lower blood pressure.Taking these together may causeblood pressure to become too low.
Other interactions may exist.
pruriensor any new supplement.
prurienssupplements in a cool, dry place, like a cabinet or pantry.
Keep them out of direct sunlight.
Like many other supplements,M.
pruriensshould not be refrigerated.
It’s best to keep supplements in their original containers.
check that that the lid of the supplement container is airtight.
prurienssupplements 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 toM.
These supplements may contain similar ingredients or work in ways that are similar toM.
Supplements that are similar toM.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that supports mood and motivation.
Some research shows thatM.
pruriensmay increase dopamine levels and, thus, be useful in the treatment of certain conditions likeParkinson’sand depression.
There is no solid evidence to suggest thatM.
Like dopamine, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects your mood.
Despite the lack of evidence, some people believeM.
pruriensdoes increase serotonin since it is known to increase dopamine levels.
pruriensmay decreasesymptoms of anxietyrather than cause it.
Although no human trials have yet been completed, animal studies have shown a positive effect ofM.
These effects are thought to be due to L-dopa.
There is no evidence thatM.
pruriensacts as a stimulant.
pruriensmay act as an antidepressant, this is not the same as a stimulant.
Stimulants are said to increase energy and decrease both mental and physical fatigue.
They are often used to treat conditions likeattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)andnarcolepsy.
M. pruriensis generally considered to be safe for most people.
Sources of Mucuna Pruriens & What to Look For
Many people useM.
pruriensas a supplement, but some choose to get it from food instead.
It’s important to remember that many of the potential health benefits ofM.
pruriensare not well-supported by scientific evidence.
Yet, there may be advantages to usingM.
pruriensas either a supplement or food.
Food Sources of Mucuna Pruriens
As a legume,M.
prurienscan be consumed if prepared properly.
pruriensseeds are the part of the plant that are consumed.
pruriensseeds are a common part of the diet in parts of Asia and Africa.
Some researchers suggest thatM.
pruriensseeds make them a nutrient-dense food.
It’s worth mentioning thatM.
pruriensseeds can be difficult to find in stores.
Instead, it may be necessary to purchase these seeds online.
Mucuna Pruriens Supplements
M. prurienssupplements can be purchased as capsules, powders, and liquid extracts.
Other forms may be available but difficult to find.
Regarding where to buyM.
pruriens, online may be best.M.
prurienssupplements are sold on Amazon and other websites.
You may also findM.
prurienssupplements at various nutrition or supplement shops or natural grocery stores.
prurienssupplements are organic, vegan, and/orgluten-free.
Be sure to check the supplement label for these specifications.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States.
They can cause interactions with medications or have other safety concerns.
Summary
Mucuna pruriens(M. pruriens)is a climbing vegetable plant that sprouts legumes.
More research is needed on the potential health benefits ofM.
L-dopa is the main compound ofM.
pruriensand is thought to be responsible for many of the possible benefits ofM.
If you’re thinking of tryingM.
pruriens, be sure to do your research to find high-quality, trusted products.
you could also talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about supplement brands and whetherM.
pruriensis right for you.
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