Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUses of Mucuna PruriensSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsFrequently Asked QuestionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses of Mucuna Pruriens
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & What to Look For
M. pruriens(velvet bean or cowage) can be found in food or supplement form. It containslevodopa(L-dopa), a potent bioactive ingredient that increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, memory, and muscle movement.However, L-dopa can also cause mild to severe side effects.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Getty Images / zTONY
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:
Below is a look at some of the research on common uses ofM. pruriens.
Brain-Protective Activity
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. pruriensin PD.
Additionally,M. 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. TheM. 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. pruriensand male fertility.
In various lab studies,M. prurienshas been found to increasespermatogenesis(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 ofM. pruriensonmale infertility.
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.
It’s worth noting that these human trials were small and larger studies should be conducted to learn more about the role ofM. pruriensin male infertility.
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?
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.
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:
Again, these side effects have only been reported with L-dopa use and notM. pruriens. If side effects persist or get worse, seek medical attention.
To reduce your risk of side effects, be sure to useM. pruriensproperly. Talk with a healthcare provider about dosing and how long you should takeM. pruriens.
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. pruriensin this case.
Studies have not yet been performed on the use and safety ofM. pruriensin children. If you’re curious about giving your childM. pruriens, talk with their healthcare provider first.
BecauseM. 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?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Dosage guidelines have not yet been determined forM. pruriens.This is due to an overall need for more research on the herbal remedy.
ManyM. 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. 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 ofM. 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 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 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.
Recall that takingM. pruriensor 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 moreM. pruriensthan you should, as doing so may cause these or other adverse events.
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. pruriensare not well-documented.
A possible interaction exists betweenM. pruriensand antidepressants. BecauseM. 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. pruriensand L-dopa together.
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. If you take any medications or use other herbs or supplements, it’s recommended that you discuss possible interactions with a healthcare provider before startingM. pruriensor 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.
StoreM. 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. Make sure that the lid of the supplement container is airtight.
DiscardM. prurienssupplements once they pass their expiration date or if they show any signs of spoiling.
There are thousands of supplements on the market these days and some are similar toM. pruriens. These supplements may contain similar ingredients or work in ways that are similar toM. pruriens.
Supplements that are similar toM. pruriensinclude:
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.
M. prurienscontains L-dopa (levodopa), a compound needed to make dopamine in your body. 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. pruriensincreasesserotoninlevels. 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.
There is no evidence thatM. pruriensacts as a stimulant. WhileM. 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.
There is no evidence thatM. pruriensacts as a stimulant. WhileM. 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. However, very few safety studies have been performed on the herb, and some people with certain conditions may need to avoid it.Due to its L-dopa content, you may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or headache if you take too muchM. pruriens.
M. pruriensis generally considered to be safe for most people. However, very few safety studies have been performed on the herb, and some people with certain conditions may need to avoid it.
Due to its L-dopa content, you may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or headache if you take too muchM. pruriens.
Sources of Mucuna Pruriens & What to Look For
Many people useM. pruriensas a supplement, but some choose to get it from food instead.
Food Sources of Mucuna Pruriens
As a legume,M. prurienscan be consumed if prepared properly.
Typically,M. pruriensseeds 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. pruriensseeds are a common part of the diet in parts of Asia and Africa.
Some researchers suggest thatM. pruriensseeds may be able to be cultivated in a way that decreases their levels of L-dopa, making them safer to consume.
M. pruriensseeds are known to contain a wide variety of nutrients, including:
These and other nutrients found inM. 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.
ManyM. prurienssupplements are organic, vegan, and/orgluten-free. If you are on a vegan diet, beware that some capsules may be made withgelatin, which is not aveganproduct. 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. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of what to look for whenchoosing a supplement, such as independent testing, potential drug interactions, and more.
Summary
Mucuna pruriens(M. pruriens)is a climbing vegetable plant that sprouts legumes.
More research is needed on the potential health benefits ofM. 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 ofM. pruriensand is thought to be responsible for many of the possible benefits ofM. 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 tryingM. 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 whetherM. pruriensis right for you.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kamkaen N, Chittasupho C, Vorarat S, et al.Mucuna pruriensseed aqueous extract improved neuroprotective and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects compared with synthetic L-dopa.Molecules. 2022;27(10):3131. doi:10.3390/molecules27103131
Pathania R, Chawla P, Khan H, Kaushik R, Khan MA.An assessment of potential nutritive and medicinal properties ofMucuna pruriens: a natural food legume.3 Biotech. 2020;10(6):261. doi:10.1007/s13205-020-02253-x
MedlinePlus.Levodopa and carbidopa.
Rai SN, Chaturvedi VK, Singh P, Singh BK, Singh MP.Mucuna pruriensin Parkinson’s and in some other diseases: recent advancement and future prospective.3 Biotech. 2020;10(12):522. doi:10.1007/s13205-020-02532-7
Rana DG, Galani VJ.Dopamine mediated antidepressant effect ofMucuna pruriensseeds in various experimental models of depression.Ayu. 2014;35(1):90-97. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.141949
Tavares RL, Vasconcelos MHA, Dutra MLDV, et al.Mucuna pruriensadministration minimizes neuroinflammation and shows anxiolytic, antidepressant and slimming effects in obese rats.Molecules. 2020;25(23):5559. doi:10.3390/molecules25235559
Murugesan A, Ganesh Mohanraj K, Wungpam Shimray K, Iqbal Khan MZ, Seppan P.Therapeutic potential ofMucuna pruriens(Linn.) on high-fat diet-induced testicular and sperm damage in rats.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2022;12(5):489-502. doi:10.22038/AJP.2022.20261
Deepthika SHK, Karunagoda KPKR.Effect ofMucuna prurienson sperm parameters with idiopathic infertility: a systematic review.IAMJ. 2021; 2802-2810. doi:10.46607/iamj06p5032021
Chaudhary SK, De A, Bhadra S, Mukherjee PK.Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory potential of standardizedMucuna pruriensseed extract.Pharm Biol. 2015;53(11):1614-1620. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.996820
Herrera Chalé F, Ruiz Ruiz JC, Betancur Ancona D, Acevedo Fernández JJ, Segura Campos MR.The hypolipidemic effect and antithrombotic activity ofMucuna pruriensprotein hydrolysates.Food Funct. 2016;7(1):434-444. doi:10.1039/c5fo01012h
Oyeleye IS, Ogunsuyi OB, Oluokun OO, Oboh G.Seeds of moringa (Moringa oleifera) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriensL.) modulate biochemical indices of L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats: a comparative study.J Agric Food Res. 2023;12:100624. doi:10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100624
Introduction. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2018.
Cilia R, Laguna J, Cassani E, et al.Mucuna pruriensin Parkinson disease: a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover study.Neurology. 2017;89(5):432-438. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000004175
Maillot A, Schmitt C, Marteau A.Poisoning after ingestion ofMucuna pruriensseeds on Reunion Island.Wilderness Environ Med. 2022;33(1):122-124. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2021.10.004
Wang HL, Zhang J, Li YP, Dong L, Chen YZ.Potential use of glutathione as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.Exp Ther Med. 2021;21(2):125. doi:10.3892/etm.2020.9557
Cropley M, Banks AP, Boyle J.The effects of Rhodiola rosea L. extract on anxiety, stress, cognition and other mood symptoms.Phytother Res. 2015;29(12):1934-1939. doi:10.1002/ptr.5486
Ambiye VR, Langade D, Dongre S, Aptikar P, Kulkarni M, Dongre A.Clinical evaluation of the spermatogenic activity of the root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in oligospermic males: a pilot study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:571420. doi:10.1155/2013/571420
Zhao Y, Tang C, Tang W, et al.The association between tea consumption and blood pressure in the adult population in Southwest China.BMC Public Health. 2023;23(1):476. doi:10.1186/s12889-023-15315-5
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Misuse of prescription drugs research report.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
