Our Mucuna pruriens supplement contains L-dopa and noradrenalin, which stimulate the production of a hormone associated with anti-aging benefits. It encourages muscle mass and discourages body fat, supports stamina and energy levels, assists in creating a sense of well-being, and positively influences many other aspects of personal health.

What is an L-Dopa supplement?

Mucuna pruriens, otherwise known as Velvet Bean, is a bean that grows on vines in many regions around the world. Velvet bean extract capsules contain a high L-Dopa content, as well as other phytochemicals. Mucuna pruriens extract capsules provide a standard L-Dopa dose.

L-Dopa extract is often used to support the nervous system, but additional research is needed to determine all of the Mucuna pruriens benefits and side effects.

What are the benefits of Mucuna pruriens capsules?

Ayurveda is, without doubt, the most ancient system of medicine – and the only traditional medicine to be based on scientific principles.

The use of the herb Mucuna pruriens in Ayurvedic medicine dates back more than 4,500 years. It has a fascinating biochemical profile, containing a multitude of active ingredients, such as nicotine, serotonin, and perhaps most significantly, L-dopa (or l-dihydroxyphenylalanine) – the main precursor of the neurotransmitter 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol, isolated by Indian scientists in 1936.

Mucuna pruriens is used in Ayurvedic medicine to:

• Restore libido (in conjunction with Tribulus terrestris) by increasing levels of the male reproductive hormone (as shown in some studies).
• Combat cases of male and female sterility (by increasing sperm count and encouraging ovulation).
• Support mental alertness and motor coordination, as well as promote feelings of wellness and uplift the mood.

What are the benefits of Mucuna pruriens found in modern research? Studies have shown that velvet bean supplement benefits may include supporting muscle growth, assisting with infertility (acting as an aphrodisiac), and supporting the nervous system. Let’s look at each of these in-depth.

Aids Muscle Growth

Bodybuilders regularly talk about the fact that Mucuna pruriens may support the function of the pituitary gland. It is responsible for helping adolescents mature and for handling athletes' anabolic muscle growth. Mucuna pruriens allows for better recovery while trying to gain more strength and muscle.

A study done on the combination of Chlorophytum borivilianum and Mucuna pruriens for muscle shows a positive correlation with natural growth support. The study shows a possible link between Mucuna pruriens and regular muscle growth in people training.

May Increase Libido

Studies show there is a possibility that Mucuna pruriens may increase 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol levels alongside other sexual health benefits. This includes links with improvements in the male reproductive hormone, a rise in FSH and LH levels, and improvement in fertility and sperm quality.

Rat studies show that Mucuna pruriens may have aphrodisiac qualities. In tested animals, there was a significant improvement in the sexual behavior of males after mucuna pruriens supplementation. Another animal study further shows a significant increase in sexual behavior with healthy male rats.

Mucuna Pruriens may support the hormone that regulates reward and pleasure centers in the brain, potentially assisting with feelings of calm, regulating oxidative stress, and acting as an antioxidant. These properties support reproductive health and production of the male reproductive hormone. Research also shows that Mucuna pruriens can support calm feelings and mental well-being, thereby reactivating the systems of infertile men while improving mood and reducing feelings of stress.

Supports Brain Health

Velvet beans supplement benefits regarding brain health have also been reported by taking a Mucuna pruriens supplement. Aside from supporting an increase in the male reproductive hormone, velvet bean capsule extract or L-dopa, is proposed as a neurotransmitter. It may trigger a boost in male reproductive hormones, FSH, and LH because of how it works in the brain.

L-dopa may support the hormone that regulates reward and pleasure centers in the brain, thereby assisting cognitive performance while also creating feelings of overall well-being that can balance emotions for superior control over moods. Some studies show that Mucuna pruriens may even offer a neuroprotective effect.

Not only may the velvet bean supplement support the production of 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol; it has also been linked to serotonin production in research. Both are also needed for emotional balance and overall well-being.

Furthermore, L-dopa benefits may extend into learning and memory. Researchers have found that retention and speed were greatly improved after supplementation in some studies.

What do studies say about Velvet Bean Extract?

In a comparative animal study on nervous system support, in which equal quantities of active principle were used, Mucuna pruriens extract was shown to be two to three times more effective than synthetic l-dopa. When the neurons producing 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol are affected by nervous system degeneration, it results in uncontrollable tremors, muscle stiffness, difficulties in speaking, writing, and balance, and slowness of movement. Subclinical 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol deficiency is often found in those suffering from depression and lack of sexual desire.

This suggests it is the biochemical profile of the herb as a whole and not just the active principle responsible for significantly increasing its effectiveness in supporting the nervous system at large. Human studies have also shown neurological benefits for Mucuna pruriens, and unlike synthetic l-dopa, have shown excellent tolerance and almost no side effects.

4-(2-aminoethyl)benzene-1,2-diol is considered the feel-good neurotransmitter the brain produces when it wants to be happy or reward the body. It is also an intermediary in the production of noradrenaline (the neurotransmitter that wakes us from sleep).

Mucuna Pruriens Side Effects

Whether you want to take Mucuna pruriens to support muscle building, encourage feelings of wellness and mental acuity, or increase sexual arousal alongside fertility support, it is important for you to perform your own research first. While Mucuna pruriens extract capsules' side effects do not appear to be common, some situations could put you at a higher risk.

Before you take a Mucuna pruriens supplement, talk to your healthcare practitioner about the possible side effects. By looking at your current health ailments, regular prescriptions, and supplements that you are taking, your primary care physician will know if mucuna pruriens supplements are appropriate for you and your overall lifestyle.

If you notice any adverse effects once you begin supplementation, discontinue use immediately and seek advice from your primary care doctor or a medical professional. Only after a medical professional has cleared you for the use of mucuna pruriens supplements should you start retaking them.

There are insufficient studies to determine if L-dopa is safe for pregnant and lactating mothers. Until more research has been performed, it is best to avoid supplementation during this time unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Also, avoid taking supplements that have reached their "best by" date. Discard any unused supplements properly and open a new bottle to reduce the risk of side effects.