L-DOPA (levodopa, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is an amino acid synthesized in your brain by the amino acid l-tyrosine. L-DOPA is a precursor of several neurotransmitters including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Mucuna Pruriens contains L-DOPA in high concentrations. And is used as a nootropic because dopamine itself cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
Dopamine and norepinephrine are essential for memory, cognition, and a positive mood. A lack of either of these neurotransmitters can lead to a lower mood state, loss of memory, brain fog, poor energy, and more. And if left unchecked will eventually result in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
L-DOPA helps:
- Brain Health. L-DOPA helps to increase growth hormone levels in the brain. Boosting the production of neurons and glia cells affecting the formation of memories, and overall brain health.
- Neurotransmitters. L-DOPA is a necessary precursor for your brain to make dopamine. And dopamine is then synthesized into the neurotransmitters epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Affecting cognition, learning, memory, movement, motivation and pleasure.
- Neuroprotection. L-DOPA produces neuromelanins which are similar to the melanin pigment in your skin. In your brain they absorb toxic quinones, and chelate heavy metals like mercury and lead.
Table of Contents
Overview
L-DOPA (levodopa, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is an amino acid that’s naturally synthesized in your brain by the amino acid l-tyrosine.
L-DOPA is a necessary precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Called a catecholamine, dopamine is then synthesized into the other catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
Dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, but L-DOPA can. This is why we supplement with L-DOPA rather than dopamine.
And for a dopamine boost, neurohackers use Mucuna Pruriens, which contains high levels of L-DOPA.[i] This legume, native to the tropical regions of India, Africa and the West Indies, and also known as velvet bean, has been used in Ayurveda medicine since 1500 B.C.
The ancients used Mucuna Pruriens to treat things like snakebite, intestinal problems, sexual issues, and a melancholy mood.
Raising levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain helps regulate mood and cognition.[ii]
Mucuna Pruriens vs. L-DOPA: What’s the Difference?
Mucuna Pruriens is an extract of the velvet bean plant that grows 3 – 18 meters in height. L-DOPA (levodopa) is usually synthetic and made in the lab.
The natural version of L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens is generally well-tolerated by most people. And the compounds in the plant are bio-identical to those chemicals naturally made in your body. Not so with synthetic L-DOPA.
Synthetic L-DOPA is metabolized into dopamine in your body by an enzyme called aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). And the majority of synthetic L-DOPA will be converted peripherally (not in the central nervous system and brain). This can cause problems.
So when used therapeutically, as in treating Parkinson’s Disease, L-DOPA is administered in combination with an inhibitor of peripheral AADC. Drugs like carbidopa (or other AADC inhibitors) ensure most of the L-DOPA is preserved for conversion to dopamine in the brain. And not the rest of your body.
This is critical for nootropic users to keep in mind. Chronic, or prolonged use of synthetic L-DOPA can lead to things like dyskinesia. This is a movement disorder where neurological discoordination results in uncontrollable, involuntary movements.[iii]
I am not telling you this to dissuade you from using L-DOPA. Stick with an extract of Mucuna Pruriens and you should be fine.
How does L-DOPA Work in the Brain?
L-DOPA boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- L-DOPA improves memory. It’s metabolized into dopamine in your body by an enzyme called aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). This increases dopamine levels in your brain.
Researchers at the University of Münster in Germany conducted a study with 40 healthy people. In this randomized double-blind study, they gave one group 100 mg of levodopa daily for 5 days. The other group took a placebo.
90 minutes later on each day, subjects were given a memory test based on vocabulary. The study found that levodopa significantly enhanced the speed, overall success, and long-term retention of novel words.[iv]
- L-DOPA promotes brain health. Research suggests Mucuna Pruriens protects your brain by regulating cognitive and neural functions. And even encouraging neural activity.
Researchers in India showed that Mucuna Pruriens is a potent antioxidant. They performed assays to evaluate the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in extracts. They found high levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannic acids, gallic acids, quercetin equivalents, and sitosterol equivalents.[v]
All of these compounds scavenge for free radical in your brain. Free radicals are formed during normal brain activity, like the synthesis of ATP that is produced in your mitochondria.
Your brain is equipped to eliminate some of these free radicals on its own. But especially in today’s environment in which we live, your brain is overwhelmed. Free radicals cause inflammation which damages and can kill brain cells. Affecting memory, learning, recall, cognition and mood.
Mucuna Pruriens has been proven to be a very effective brain inflammation fighter. It even has the ability to chelate heavy metals like mercury and lead in brain cells. And it’s antibacterial.[vi]
Mucuna Pruriens helps your brain make naturally occurring neuronal pigments called neuromelanins. They’re similar to the melanin found in your skin. And they’re often found in regions of your brain where dopamine is active.
The synthesis of neuromelanins in the various regions of your brain is an important protective process. The melanic component is generated through the removal of reactive/toxic quinones that would otherwise cause neurotoxicity.
This melanic component promoted by Mucuna Pruriens is what chelates and accumulates toxic, heavy metals like mercury and lead.[vii] Preventing them from damaging brain cells.
How things go bad
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes.
↓ Dopaminergic neurons are damaged or die
↓ Dopamine levels decline
↑ Stress levels increase
↓ Long-term memory and mood decline
All of these age-related changes are contributing factors to the neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Parkinson’s Disease.
L-DOPA benefits
Mucuna Pruriens extract contains high levels of L-DOPA, the precursor to the crucial neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is further synthesized into the neurotransmitters epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
Dopamine plays a critical role in learning and absorbing new information. Increasing brain levels of dopamine helps regulate mood and boosts cognition.
Research also suggests that Mucuna Pruriens provides antioxidants that defend against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.[viii]
How does L-DOPA feel?
Neurohackers report that using Mucuna Pruriens helps in multi-tasking, improving motivation, more focus, less stress, and a sense of calm.
You could find your energy levels increase, less brain fog, and a boost in overall mood. A more positive outlook on life. And an increase in libido.
L-DOPA Clinical Research
Mucuna Pruriens helps reduce stress
A study was conducted to assess the role of Mucuna Pruriens in infertile men. It was done at King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, India. The study included 60 men who were undergoing infertility screening. And no surprise here; were found to be suffering from stress.
The control group in this study were 60 age-matched men who had initiated at least one pregnancy. The infertile men were given 5 grams of Mucuna Pruriens seed powder per day for 3 months. Semen samples were collected at the beginning of the study. And after 3 months of treatment.
The researchers found that treatment with Mucuna Pruriens significantly decreased stress levels. And increased sperm count to the same level as the fertile control group of men.
They “concluded that M. pruriens not only reactivates the anti-oxidant defense system of infertile men but it also helps in the management of stress and improves semen quality.”[ix]
L-DOPA improves learning
This study in Germany was done with 40 healthy subjects. They were given 100 mg of L-DOPA or a placebo for 5 days in a randomized, double-blind trial.
Subjects were trained on artificial vocabulary using a high-frequency, repetitive approach. This was done 90 minutes after L-DOPA administration on each day of the trial.
The researchers found that L-DOPA significantly enhanced the speed, overall success, and long-term retention of the words.[x]
L-DOPA as an anti-depressant
Increasing dopamine in your brain also boosts your mood and libido. This study was done in India with mice. Researchers used the well-known Forced Swimming Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) test.
The mice were fed Mucuna Pruriens seed extract, and then evaluated while performing, well… what mice do in the lab. The research team found that Mucuna Pruriens seed extract has significant antidepressant qualities. Which would simply verify what we already know in humans.[xi]
Using Mucuna Pruriens extract is a great anti-depressant.
L-DOPA Recommended Dosage
L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens 98% extract) suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 250 – 500 mg per day.
You may find that you need to cycle the use of L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens). And use it only 4 or 5 days a week. This will help avoid tolerances and dependencies (which are common with any dopamine agonist).
L-DOPA Side Effects
L-DOPA is produced naturally in your body. So is considered well-tolerated and safe. And L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens extract is particularly well tolerated by most people.
Research shows that the natural form of L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens compared to synthetic versions of L-DOPA provides similar results. But without the common side effects of nausea, vomiting, and involuntary muscle movement.[xii]
But be very careful when working with dopamine. Too much and you can experience symptoms like hair loss, auditory or visual hallucinations, psychosis, Dyskinesia and more.
Of course, if you begin to experience any of these side effects, stop supplementing with L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens) immediately.
Like any natural supplement, it’s always better to find an organic source.
Type of Mucuna Pruriens (L-DOPA) to buy
Mucuna Pruriens is typically available in powder, capsule or tablet form. Some are pure, dried Mucuna Pruriens powder.
Several manufacturers offer Mucuna Pruriens extracts ranging from 15% – 98% L-DOPA. Or they tell you how many mg of L-DOPA is in each capsule or tablet.
A few manufacturers call it “Velvet Bean Extract” with the percentage of L-DOPA in each capsule or tablet. It’s the same as Mucuna Pruriens.
Try to find “organic” or “certified organic” if you can. And for Nootropic use, avoid synthetic L-DOPA which is typically used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens) 250 – 500 mg per day
I recommend using L-DOPA as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does synthesize some L-DOPA on its own. And converts it into the essential neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
But as you get older, dopamine receptors die or become unresponsive. Or your body doesn’t convert the necessary amino acids well enough to supply the neurotransmitters you need for an optimized brain.
L-DOPA is helpful to boost energy and motivation levels, memory, clear brain fog, improve mood and libido.
L-DOPA is especially helpful for those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. And the natural form of L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens often offers better results with fewer side effects than prescription drugs.
I suggest starting with a dose of 100 – 250 mg daily for nootropic use at first. And you may find that you need to cycle L-DOPA. Use it for 4 or 5 days and take a break. Tolerance is often a problem when working with dopamine. As is dependence or addiction.
[i] Prakash D., Niranjan A., Tewari S.K. “Some nutritional properties of the seeds of three Mucuna species.” International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2001 Jan;52(1):79-82. (source)
[ii] Amsten A., Wang M., Paspalas C. “Neuromodulation of Thought: Flexibilities and Vulnerabilities in Prefrontal Cortical Network Synapses”Neuron Volume 76, Issue 1, p223–239, 4 October 2012 (source)
[iii] Jenner P. “Molecular mechanisms of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.”Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2008 Sep;9(9):665-77 (source)
[iv] Knecht S., Breitenstein C., Bushuven S., Wailke S., Kamping S., Flöel A., Zwitserlood P., Ringelstein E.B. “Levodopa: faster and better word learning in normal humans.” Annals of Neurology. 2004 Jul;56(1):20-6. (source)
[v] Uma S., Gurumoorthi P. “Dietary antioxidant activities in different germplasms of Mucuna.” Journal of Medicinal Food. 2013 Jul;16(7):618-24 (source)
[vi] Bala V., Debnath A., Shill A., Bose U. “Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic and Antibacterial Activities of Aerial Parts of Mucuna pruriens Linn.”International Journal of Pharmacology 2011 | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 498-503 (source)
[vii] Zecca L., et. Al. “New melanic pigments in the human brain that accumulate in aging and block environmental toxic metals” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 2008 Nov 11; 105(45) (source)
[viii] Yadav S.K., Prakash J., Chouhan S., Singh S.P. “Mucuna pruriens seed extract reduces oxidative stress in nigrostriatal tissue and improves neurobehavioral activity in paraquat-induced Parkinsonian mouse model.” Neurochemistry International. 2013 Jun;62(8):1039-47 (source)
[ix] Shukla K.K., Mahdi A.A., Ahmad M.K., Jaiswar S.P., Shankwar S.N., Tiwari S.C. “Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men.” Evidence Based Complement and Alternative Medicine. 2010 Mar;7(1):137-44 (source)
[x] Knecht S., Breitenstein C., Bushuven S., Wailke S., Kamping S., Flöel A., Zwitserlood P., Ringelstein E.B. “Levodopa: faster and better word learning in normal humans.” Annals of Neurology. 2004 Jul;56(1):20-6. (source)
[xi] Rana D.G., Galani V.J. “Dopamine mediated antidepressant effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds in various experimental models of depression.” Ayu. 2014 Jan;35(1):90-7. (source)
[xii] Tharakan B., Dhanasekaran M., Mize-Berge J., Manyam B.V. “Anti-Parkinson botanical Mucuna pruriens prevents levodopa induced plasmid and genomic DNA damage.” Phytotherapy Research. 2007 Dec;21(12):1124-6. (source)
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David, this space is incredible, it is helping me a lot to read all the questions and answers, it is a very valuable help.
Cool! how generous you are!
Thank you Diosa. Happy you are enjoying it.
– If I have low catecholamines and serotonin, I also have high kynurenic acid and quinolic acid, I understand that I should take Mucuna Pruriens, to raise dopamine, but then what I don’t understand is whether I should take tryptophan or not? since it would raise the kynurenic acid more?…
– If I have neurotoxic drugs due to the degradation of tryptophan metabolites, what does it mean, do I have excess or deficiency of tryptophan?
– In the urine analysis of neurotransmitters, I have elevated dopamine. In the analysis of organic acids, I have deficient catecholamines, which one is valid?
Thank you
Diosa, a degradation of tryptophan metabolites means you are likely deficient in tryptophan which would result in not enough serotonin. And likely an excess of dopamine. Because too much serotonin will deplete dopamine. And too much dopamine will deplete serotonin. They need to be in balance.
Neurotransmitter tests do not tell you anything because how much dopamine or serotonin that is in your blood or urine does not tell you how much of each is in your cells. Which is where it counts. And the life of each molecule is a fraction of a second. So it impossible to measure.
But it does sound like you are deficient in serotonin and high in dopamine. So I recommend you start supplementing with 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed. And see if that helps. It not then increase it to no more than 1,000 mg L-Tryptophan.
Can you take this safely with sulbutiamine?
Yes
Hi! I took a high dose of Pristiq one time about 13 years ago. I had a terrible reaction to it (panic attacks, brain zaps, depression, severe anxiety) that has slowly been getting better but I still am not the same person I was before I took that pill. A neurologist figured it caused serotonin syndrome. I do have some ADHD tendencies. Would mucuna help regulate my levels or do you have any other recommendations I try? Thank you!
Megan, Pristiq is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It affects serotonin uptake more so than it does norepinephrine.
The only reason it would cause Serotonin Syndrome is if you took something with it that increased serotonin like L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP or St. John’s wort.
But 13 years after the fact is strange because your brain should have healed by now. ON the other hand if you severely damaged norepinephrine receptors then using L-DOPA would be a very bad idea.
I personally would start with supplements to increased Nerve Growth Factor (ie. Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract) and BDNF (list here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/. Those proteins are used for brain repair.
What is the recommended ratio of L-Dopa to 5-Htp for proper balance?
Steven, impossible to say because it depends on how your system uses these supplements. And if your getting your L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens, from the strength of the extract.
I am taking natriumvalproaat now started Mucuna pruriens is this oke??
David, the L-DOPA in Mucuna Pruriens may potentiate the way sodium valproate works so be careful.
Hi,
I have problems with motivation and energy. Which supplement would be better, L-dopa or L-Tyrosine? Can these supplements be taken with Relora?
Thank you! : )
Tatiana, L-Tyrosine is likely a better choice and you can use it with Relora.
But increasing dopamine alone will not likely increase your energy levels. For that you need this: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy/
Thank you for your response!
I have tried L-tyrosine 500mg but still do not feel motivation, could I take 1000 mg?
Since it is hard to get the energy supplements for energy in my country (n- acetyl carnitine, pqq..), would like to know if Rodhiola Rosacea can help me with energy. I’m also taking Maca.
Thank you !
Tatiana, increasing dopamine alone cannot boost motivation which I explain in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/. Rhodiola Rosea is one of several options which may help.
Thank you !!!
Hi David,
My friend is experiencing a very hostile false belief psychosis after multiple(4) SSRI antidepressant discontinuation. His aruveydic Dr put him on Dopa Mucuna.
Could that be adding to his psychosis? If so, how long after stopping the mucuna will it take for his brain to readjust?
What would be beneficial for hi healing?
Mary, SSRIs work on serotonin and its receptors. Mucuna Pruriens contains L-DOPA which increases dopamine. Not serotonin. I think your friend’s Ayurvedic doctor is a better advisor than I when it comes to this.
I would be inclined to start using l-tryptophan to bring the serotonin levels up and I would switch to l-tyrosine as well to convert into dopamine. I find that if I take these two together with a decent multivitamin my brain gets the balance pretty right.
I’ve been force fed SSRI’s in the past and they don’t come close to the effectiveness of tryptophan.
I also find that psychosis is often caused by either non-existent serotonin levels which the tryptophan will correct or it’s caused by non-existent dopamine.
I highly suspect that your friend has normal dopamine levels but zero serotonin. I’d discontinue the l-dopa and start supplementing tyrosine for at least the next 2-4 weeks to allow the brain time to adjust
Whoops! That last one was meant to be l-tryptophan. Sorry! Start supplementing with l-tryptophan to bring the serotonin levels up which will help normalise the brain. The psychosis should resolve in a matter of weeks.
I’d wait at least 2-4 weeks before slowly introducing tyrosine on top of the tryptophan.
Anon, Tryptophan and L-Tryptophan are the same thing.
Sir, magnesium oxide increases dopamine or decreases dopamine because on some site it is written that it increases and on some it decreases.
Nitin, magnesium oxide has very poor bioavailability in your body and certainly cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. So its effects on dopamine don’t make much sense.
Thank u david for always answering my queries.Thank You so much.
Hi David
Would it be ok to take tyrosine on the days not taking mucuna?
5 days mucuna 2 days tyrosine.
Yes
David, you only mention the extract of Mucuna Pruriens. What about taking the whole seed powder? Wouldn’t it be even better since it contains more beneficial ingredients?
Diane, it depends on why you are using Mucuna Pruriens. If you are using it for its L-DOPA content then only the extract will benefit you.
sir how to reset complete dopamine system( receptors ,pathways ,levels) after antipsychotic drugs.Anything with nac and l tyrosine.
Nitin, L-Tyrosine and NAC along with the B-Vitamins and then patience while your brain repairs itself.
Hi David!
L-Dopa could help me remove excess zinc from my body? Do you know more heavy metal chelators?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Michael, use the search function top right of the top menu and search for “heavy metal chelators” and another search for “chelator” and see what turns up.
Can you take Mucuna alongside a GABA supplement? Benefits?
sheila, you can use both with no problem. But only you can know if either benefit you.
I took sertraline 100mg for a fight and flight, and santonin deficiency which was not working well. I then went to Mucuna Pruriens extract 1/2 teaspoon in 2 weeks I saw result that I’ve never seen in 20 years of taking drugs.
Hi David, great presentation.
You say “I suggest starting with a dose of 100 – 250 mg daily for nootropic use at first.”
This refers to L-Dopa, 100 -250mg of L-Dopa. (Not 100 – 250mg of Mucuna)
Just double checking.
Thank you.
William, L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens 98% extract) suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 250 – 500 mg per day. Notice the 98% extract which is difficult to find. If your extract is 15% you can safely increase that dose. But not proportionally because the herb may cause other issues including digestion.
Hey! I love the work that your doing here. Just a quick question, I currently take bupropion 150mg XL everyday when I wake up in the mornings. I’ve been on it for 2-3 weeks now and all it’s been doing is just making my overall mood worse and not fixing my motivation, energy, memory, etc. Looking at mucuna it seems really promising on what it can do for me, but I’m not really sure what the interactions would be these two compounds. Would I be okay if I took my normal dose, alongside 240mg of macuna 5/2? Thank you.
Adrian, it has moderate contraindications but you would likely be OK. But Bupropion is a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) and antagonist of several nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. So if it is making your mood worse then it sounds like the dopamine pathway is not your problem. Mucuna Pruriens contains L-DOPA which increases dopamine.
If you want to further experiment with dopamine I suggest L-Tyrosine to increase dopamine which is to dose compare to L-DOPA. And try CDP-Choline with ALCAR to increase acetylcholine. Dopamine and acetylcholine are used for memory.
Then you need something to support your mitochondria which is where your energy comes from. See these articles for more:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/hack-your-mitochondria-with-nootropics/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy-2/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Hello sir , earlier I was taking bacopa monnieri and from last 7 days I am taking SSRIs for mood regulation prescribed by doctor so do they cause imbalance in dopamine.
Nitin, I do not see a question so not sure what your meaning it. SSRIs act on serotonin and not dopamine.
David…and Nitin,
While David is correct. You can research yourself to find that a neurotransmitter imbalance, Low Dopa + Low Serotonin or High Serotonin + Low Dopa will prevent an imbalance if you add one or the other, or in the wrong doses, etc. Basically, just because something works on a specific neurotransmitter does not mean that they are not overlapped in many ways.
IE, I was on opiates for years (Dopa), my parents died and despite the former notice they pounded me with antidepressants (Serotonin). This widened the imbalance despite depression being more Serotonin than Dopamine based on the past 20+ years of research.
Just read as much as you can and the devil is in the details, along with your personal responses to things.