Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- L-DOPA is a vital amino acid precursor of neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine synthesized in the brain from l-tyrosine.
- Mucuna Pruriens is a natural source of L-DOPA, used as a nootropic to enhance brain function by increasing dopamine levels.
- L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens can improve memory, cognition, mood, and overall brain health while reducing stress and acting as an antidepressant.
- Opt for organic Mucuna Pruriens extract with higher L-DOPA concentrations (15% – 30%) to ensure better tolerance and efficacy, avoiding synthetic versions used for Parkinson’s treatment.
- Nootropic use of L-DOPA is generally safe and well-tolerated, but caution is necessary to avoid tolerance and dependence issues.
See my article on all of the supplements that have been shown to help with Parkinson’s here: Best Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease
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 naturally occurring 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 neuromelanin which is similar to the melanin pigment in your skin. In your brain they absorb toxic quinones, and chelate heavy metals like mercury and lead.
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 synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Called a catecholamine, dopamine is then synthesized into the other catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
Unlike Dopamine, L-DOPA can cross the blood-brain barrier. 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 neuromelanin’s. 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 neuromelanin’s 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 for brain health
Mucuna Pruriens natural herbal supplement 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 (L-DOPA) as an
alternative for Parkinson’s Disease
Researchers at the Parkinson’s Institute located at the University of Milan in Italy recruited 18 patients with advanced Parkinson’s Disease. The patients were given either ground Mucuna Pruriens powder (standardized 5.7% L-DOPA) or prescription form of levodopa containing a dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor. And then measured motor improvements at 60 and 90 minutes after using the supplement or drug.
The researchers found Mucuna Pruriens standardized powder produced reduced Parkinson’s symptoms equivalent to the prescription version of levodopa. But with significantly fewer problems with dyskinesias. The team concluded the “Clinical effects of high-dose Mucuna Pruriens were similar to levodopa alone at the same dose, with a more favorable tolerability profile“.
Mucuna Pruriens reduces 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 extract) suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 250 – 500 mg twice per day. Most Mucuna Pruriens extracts only contain 15 – 20% L-DOPA. So you may need to adjust your dose up or down depending on how you respond to this supplement.
You may also find that you need to cycle the use of L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens). And use it only 4 or 5 days a week. This can help avoid tolerances and dependencies (which are common with any dopamine agonist). DO NOT attempt to cycle this nootropic if you are using it to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
If you are using Mucuna Pruriens extract (L-DOPA) for Parkinson’s Disease you will likely need 500 – 1,000 mg Mucuna Pruriens 3 or more times per day. And look for a Mucuna Pruriens extract (98% L-DOPA).
See my article on all of the supplements that have been shown to help with Parkinson’s here: Best Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease
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 use 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% – 30% 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” or “Mucuna 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) dosage 250 – 500 mg twice 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 twice 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.
If you are using Mucuna Pruriens (L-DOPA) for Parkinson’s Disease, please see my article on all of the supplements that have been shown to help with Parkinson’s here: Best Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease
Join The Discussion - 380 comments
Moe Manson
July 24, 2018
Hi David,
I have had acute back pain for a few years now and 2 years back my doctor prescribed Percocet since nothing else would help me through the day. I have managed to stay below max daily dosage but can still feel dependence creeping in – fatigue, anxiety, low mood etc if I don’t take it at all. I’m new to nootropics and wondering if I could substitute a nootropic/stack that would help the pain as well as give my brain and mood a strong boost so I can get off opioids for good. I have to engage in extensive mental/stressful work and need significant focus, clarity and motivation on daily basis.
Thanks.
David Tomen
July 25, 2018
Moe, I use prescription opiates daily because of spinal fusion surgery. I’ve been using them for years and do not experience the symptoms you are describing.
Raw cacao or dark chocolate above 75% cacao helps potentiate opiates because it activates opiate receptors. Which means that opiates + dark chocolate or raw cacao work better for pain.
I realize this is a very personal decision. So can only tell you what I use every day: https://nootropicsexpert.com/what-i-take/. I do not experience tolerance to any of the prescription meds I use including opiates when using that stack daily.
Note that a couple of the supplements in my stack act as an anti-inflammatory. Including coconut oil, DHA and curcumin. But these need to used daily long-term to feel the effects of less pain.
Joseph
June 20, 2018
Hey David!
Thank you for making all this information so accessible. Apologies in advance for this question but I’ve been researching online and can’t find much definitive information.
My friend and I like to try different nootropics and both have incorporated Mucuna Puriens into our stacks in cycles of 4/5 days. So far the experience has been very positive however we are planning on going to festival soon and I am worried about potential negative interactions with some of the drugs we may choose to take recreationally.
While I am aware recreational drug use has an inherent risk would continuing use during the festival potentially increase that risk? i.e cocaine/MDMA/psilocybin/lsd after 100mg of Mucuna that morning/the morning before?
David Tomen
June 20, 2018
Joseph, great question and glad you asked. I’d be concerned about a possible hypertensive crisis if you did Mucuna the same day as some of these drugs. The best way to research this is Wikipedia oddly enough. Look up each drug and study its “pharmacology” and how it works in your brain. You do not want to use a nootropic that works on the same receptors, neurotransmitters or pathways. Because it will amplify the effects and cause problems. For the same reason we say no to use something like 5-HTP of St. John’s wort with SSRIs.
And if you decide to do MDMA, check out the “Research” section for ALCAR here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/acetyl-l-carnitine/#acetyl-l-carnitine-protects-from-oxidative-damage-of-ecstasy-mdma
Jay
March 28, 2018
Hi David,
Great article here on L-Dopa – really informative. I recently discovered L-Dopa or Mucuna Pruriens. I’m 44 and consider myself very health conscious – diet, supplements, exercise etc. I have been curious about nootropics for a long time and have tried both supplements and nootropics. I have never had much luck as most make me feel weird or jittery or do nothing at all. I am definitely an “in my head’ type of person and have had some luck with supplements that I feel like calm my brain activity. GABA and other formulas for stress or a calm mind seem to affect me positively. While they are good, I have always wanted to something to help with focus. This past weekend I got the NOW Foods brand – Dopa Mucuna.
I took 1 on Saturday afternoon and could feel it within about 10 min. I felt alert, focused, yet calm. My mood improved as well. I took another later that night and didn’t notice it as much.
I slept pretty good and noticed similar positive effects the next day. I took 2 in the morning (recommended dosage) and felt good most of the day. Good motivation and mood. By early evening I got really tired. I had dinner plans so I made an espresso (which I do all the time). Hold cow did it pep me up….like I have never felt. I felt like I was on the moon for about the next 3 hours. I felt really good, alert, engaged in everything.
Come Monday I did not take any. I want to take it slow and I am honestly trying to find something to take ‘as needed’ not everyday. Since then I have occasionally low level anxiety and/or feeling brain foggy. It’s almost like being depressed but there is no emotional component. I am still active and motivated as I was before taking the Dopa Mucuna but its like I feel physically different. A bit cloudy, off in some way. I might even have a mild headache at times too.
Wondering if you have any thoughts or ideas? Did I overdue it? I am thinking this isn’t for me but want to make sure I have nothing to be concerned about.
thanks!
David Tomen
March 28, 2018
Jay, thanks for sharing your experience with Mucuna Pruriens. It is a potent nootropic for boosting dopamine in your brain. To help you understand what happened when you had that espresso, see my post on caffeine here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/caffeine/. And how caffeine affects neurotransmitters including dopamine.
As you explore nootropics you’ll soon learn that “one pill” doesn’t work very well. It takes a “stack” to achieve the benefits you need daily. First, dopamine needs to be in balance with serotonin. If you boost one too much, you deplete the other. Once they are out of balance you experience things like headaches, fatigue and just feeling “off”.
A pre-formulated stack like Mind Lab Pro gives you that balance while providing the boost you are looking for: https://nootropicsexpert.com/mind-lab-pro-review/.
As you learn more about how nootropics work together and synergy you can start putting different supplements together. But until then I suggest you try something like Mind Lab Pro, or scan through the list of recommended stacks over on the blog. And see what appeals to you: https://nootropicsexpert.com/blog/
Jay
March 28, 2018
Thanks a lot David. Sounds like maybe I depleted serotonin. I have heard on Mind Lab Pro and will read your review. In the meantime, do you think whatever I knocked out of balance will naturally re-balance soon?
thank you
David Tomen
March 28, 2018
It should but you can help it along by using something to restores serotonin levels. Something mellow like L-Tryptophan before you go to bed. It’ll help you sleep and help restore serotonin. Also take a look at my post on adaptogens. There are a couple in there that help restore neurotransmitter balance. It’s why they are called “adaptogens”.
Dany
January 3, 2018
Hi David,
I suspect i have less serotonin as i have physical symptoms of anxiety like heavy chest and breathing all day and sometimes palpitations also. but i do manage pretty well without medicines and don’t give it much attention. However, due to it my libido and erection issues or PE have become common and earlier i used to have strong erections and no Premature Ejaculation issues as well. So, is it possible that nor epinephrine levels are high but my dopamine and serotonin is low ? what should i do to correct it as if i try to increase dopamine it will further increase nor epinephrine. Also, could acetylcholine be the issue here ? as its the message carrier in the nerves for the stimulation to happen too. I am presently taking l-tryptophan 500 mg daily besides L-citruline and GABA but all this doesn’t seem to help me with my PE or erection or libido issues. i am able to tolerate physical symptoms of anxiety well but i want my sex life to be fixed. Plz suggest….
David Tomen
January 3, 2018
Dany, you need to fix the anxiety issues first. Because if you do not, fixing ED and ejaculation issues will be an uphill battle.
Please review these two posts on dealing with anxiety:
https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
Next, I highly recommend you have your testosterone and estradiol levels checked. I’ve found a great way to balance and boost sex hormones is using a stack called Prime Male which you can find here > http://www.primemale.com/. You notice that most of the ingredients are reviewed here on Nootropics Expert. And while I review supplements for brain health, many of them have an effect on the rest of your body. Including sex hormones.
Dany
January 4, 2018
David, i got my total testosterone levels checked and it was TT 483 ng/dl, DHEA 198 ug/dl and normal ranges of cortisol and Vit B12. which is why i was suspecting high norepinephrine levels (primarily a stress hormone).I am not sure which supplement to use. I checked the stack “primemale” and it has L-Dopa (mucuna) which will increase dopamine and dopamine is a precursor to norepinephrine (a stress hormone). Kindly suggest what should i stack..as i think reducing norepinephrine and increasing Serotonin and dopamine is the key…but dopamine being precursor to norepeniphrine…i am sort of lost in the middle..as an how to balance it out..and use which supplement…please reply..
David Tomen
January 4, 2018
Dany, you are correct about Prime Male containing Mucuna. For now probably not a good idea. But many natural health practitioners would say that your total T-levels should be higher. More in the 700 – 800 range. While keeping estradiol in check. And Free T-levels in the upper range. I personally only start feeling “normal” when my total T-levels are in the 1200 – 1300 range.
You must be very careful about boosting dopamine and serotonin because you need to keep them in balance. And as you know, excess dopamine is converted into norepinephrine. You can use L-Theanine to boost dopamine and serotonin safely. More here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/l-theanine/.
I recommend you start researching adaptogens in depth. For now, please take a look at Gotu Kola > https://nootropicsexpert.com/gotu-kola/. And Ashwagandha > https://nootropicsexpert.com/ashwagandha/. Either one will boost acetylcholine. But Ashwagandha also lowers cortisol, blood sugar and bad cholesterol.
And please take a look at this post again > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/. Specifically on the “norepinephrine” section and the “Natural Alternatives to Beta Blockers” section.
Tammy
July 27, 2017
Hi David, I tried the L-Dopa, first time really bad headache, I waited a couple days and tried it again same reaction. So I guess my body is telling me I do not need L-Dopa. Or is it just a side effect that would go away in time. I have not taken it again because the headaches are very bothersome they last about 2 hrs.
David Tomen
July 28, 2017
Tammy, if L-DOPA gives you a headache it’s your body telling you either that you have too much dopamine. Or that you’ve over-powered serotonin. Dopamine and serotonin must be in balance or nasty things happen. And increasing dopamine with L-DOPA will cause serotonin levels to drop. I use L-DOPA because I’ve learned that my brain is desperate for it. But I also use very small amounts of 5-HTP to keep my serotonin levels up.
L-DOPA is also a heavy metal chelator. The headaches could be from detoxing heavy metals. Either way it may be best for you not to use L-DOPA. Or cut your dose in half (or less) and see if you have the same reaction. If it is detox that’s causing the headaches, smaller doses will still get rid of the heavy metals but to a lesser degree. Eventually your body will be clear of metals and detox symptoms should subside. But it might be an unpleasant ride.
Tammy
August 1, 2017
David, I am taking 100 mg a day of Zoloft to increase my serotonin. So taking 120 mg of L-dopa should have not over powered my serotonin. The headaches must be from the detox symptoms.
David Tomen
August 1, 2017
Tammy, Zoloft is a “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor”. It doesn’t actually increase serotonin. It just prevents whatever serotonin that is available from being broken down. BTW, it’s also a dopamine reuptake inhibitor (but to a much lesser degree than for serotonin). It could be that the combination of Zoloft and L-DOPA is causing excess levels of norepinephrine which is synthesized from dopamine. Which can cause headaches.
Tammy
June 13, 2017
Hi David, I ordered what I thought was 120 mg of l- dopa. I wanted to start out low and work my way up.Could you tell me how much L-Dopa I am really getting in this form. When the supplement arrived the label read this:
Mucuna extract (Mucuna spp) 800 mg
(seed) (min. 15% L-Dopa, naturally occurring)
_____________________________________
L-Dopa 120 mg
David Tomen
June 13, 2017
Tammy, it looks like a NOW Foods Mucuna label which would mean 800 mg of Mucuna Pruriens standardized at 15% resulting in 120 mg of L-Dopa in a 2 capsule dose. One capsule of course would be 60 mg of L-Dopa. I use 2 capsules per day taken with my morning nootropic stack and it works for me. You may want to start with one capsule and see how your body reacts.
Tammy
June 13, 2017
You know, those labels can be confusing, especially when you do not know how the dosing works.I was not sure how much was in there and if it was to much. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Yes , you were right , it was a Now food label.
Gerald Murier
March 9, 2017
Hi, can it be taken sublingually? Thanks
David Tomen
March 10, 2017
I suppose you could take Mucuna sublingually. Just not sure why you would want to. There are several different compounds in the Mucuna plant which are all used by your body and brain. And the different pathways that are used to make use of these compounds include your digestive system. Do you have experience using this nootropic sublingually?
Gerald Murier
March 10, 2017
I tried taking a 99,0% L-Dopa powder sublingually. The dosage was 250mg.
After application I noticed a little increase in mood. Could also be placebo, so I will up the dose.
The reason for my question is connected to the fact, that I am eating meals that contain protein all day long and that’s a problem for absorbing L-Dopa via the digestive system.
Jez
February 24, 2017
Hello – will Mucuna Pruriens lose it’s effectiveness over time – similar to L-dopa – for Parkinson’s disease patients? Thanks!
David Tomen
February 24, 2017
Jez, I haven’t a definitive answer for you on this. But it is well established that using dopamine precursors like Mucuna long-term need to be cycled to maintain their effectiveness. Or you develop tolerance. Common sense tells me the same holds true for synthetic Levodopa.
For example, use recommended doses of Mucuna for 5 days and don’t take it for the following 2 days. No guarantees but you should be OK. And with natural Mucuna you shouldn’t develop the side effects that come with long-term usage of Levodopa.
Sam
April 22, 2017
Hi,
Does using Mucuna Pruriens for longer periods of time also cause side effects such as hair loss (as with the synthetic L-Dopa)?
Thanks.
David Tomen
April 22, 2017
Sam, I have not come across any evidence of side effects with Mucuna as you’d get from using synthetic L-DOPA. That’s why I recommend using Mucuna instead of the prescription drug. If anyone else knows otherwise, please join this conversation! Thanks, David
brian palma
October 6, 2018
yes it does,happened to meat high doses
David Tomen
October 6, 2018
Brian, at what dosage are you talking about?