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 - 384 comments
Andrew
December 10, 2022
Any source for mucuna?
David Tomen
December 12, 2022
Andrew, it depends on what you are using it for. I use Double Wood’s extract (20%) and an happy with it: https://nootropicsexpert.com/go/double-wood-supplements-mucuna-pruriens-extract/
But you’ll need a much higher strength extract if you are dealing with Parkinson’s.
Richard
December 8, 2022
I’m a bit confused about the terms used. Please help correct my understanding.
Levodopa is the synthetic version of L Dopa, it requires Carbidopa to get thru the blood Brain barrier.
L Dopa is Pure Natural levodopa extract from Mucuna. Doses it contain any other ingredients from the bean to help in getting it to the brain or does it require something to help in the synthesis to get to the brain.
Mucuna extract is the Mucuna bean and all its natural ingredients including small percentage of L Dopa/levodopa which along with other ingredients help make it to cross the blood brain barrier. Because the amount of L Dopa in the extract is small, it requires large amounts of the extract other wise little L Dopa would get to the brain to be effective.
Do I have all this right. I so what is the best way to use Mucuna to get away from using Carbidopa Levodopa (Synthetic) For Parkinsons
Thanks for your insight
Is my understanding correct?
David Tomen
December 10, 2022
Richard, carbidopa is combined with levodopa to prevent it from being converted into dopamine in the bloodstream which is what causes the severe side effects of using levodopa on its own. That combo actually allows more levodopa to cross the blood-brain barrier instead of allowing it to get carried throughout your body.
Natural L-DOPA extracted from Mucuna Pruriens does not cause the same side effects in your system as does synthetic levodopa. I have consultation clients successfully switching from the drug to natural L-DOPA. But you need to find an extract of 95 – 99% which are difficult to find. But they do exist.
Ida
December 6, 2022
Can I take Macuna Dopa if I am on SNRI antidepressant. I take low dose of effexor, and I does work well for my anxiety, but it doesent effect my mood. I feel like I need a boost and looking into availablie non medicine options.
I tried once before MD but then I was not on SNRI and it worked well, I remember I felt motivated and better then without supplement, but now I am cautious because I take this drug.
David Tomen
December 10, 2022
Ida, the danger is increasing norepinephrine too much. Which will increase once you boost dopamine by using Mucuna Pruriens. So theoretically and most likely clinically it is contraindicated. But I need to know the specific name of the drug to know if it could be a real problem.
Derek
January 13, 2023
Hi, I also take an SNRI (Desvelafaxine) 150mg per day and have tried L-DOPA extract 20% L-DOPA 500MG. Would this be appropriate? I know it will elevate my norepinephrine levels but I have not noticed side effects if taking every other day
David Tomen
January 18, 2023
Derek, L-DOPA is a direct precursor to the production of dopamine which goes on to produce norepinephrine. It is moderately contraindicated with desvenlafaxine so you need to be careful. As soon as you start feeling something you should not be feeling then back off of the L-DOPA.
PETAR
November 29, 2022
Hi, what about L-DOPA if we take B6? I have red in some places that it should be avoided taking these 2 in the same day…?
David Tomen
December 4, 2022
Petar, Vitamins B6, B9 & B12 are required cofactors in the synthesis of dopamine. L-DOPA will not make dopamine within adequate levels of those B-Vitamins.
john
October 22, 2022
Hi – very informative article.
Would Mucuna Pruriens reduce the brain’s ability to absorb dopamine? I understand that Carbidopa over time will eventually stop working as it should because the brain’s capacity to make its own dopamine decreases, correct? I can see that cycling it 4-5 days at a time would keep it from overly building in your system, but will your dopamine receptors (probably not the right term) eventually burn out from 200 mg every 4-5 days over years?
David Tomen
October 23, 2022
John, you are referring to a think called Dyskinesia which messes with muscle control from long-term use of Levodopa or Carbidopa. And recent research show this may be caused by far more than simply desensitizing dopamine receptors. It’s not caused by affecting the brain’s capacity to make its own dopamine.
This does not happen when using natural L-DOPA extracted from Mucuna Pruriens. If used at recommended dosages it can be used long-term without the fear of negatively affecting dopamine receptors.
And it has been my experience that there is no need for cycling either if you are naturally low in dopamine. Which naturally declines as we age. 10% per decade beginning in your early 20’s.
Lolo2022
October 14, 2022
Hello David, Do You think You can do the break when you suffer parkinson’s disease ?
David Tomen
October 14, 2022
Lolo, I do not understand your question. What to do you mean by “the break”?
Lolo2022
October 18, 2022
I just read the part of the text called :
Expert recommandations
You wrote : « take a break after 5 days »
David Tomen
October 22, 2022
Ah, thanks for clarifying. You would not take a break if using L-DOPA for Parkinson’s. Just like the prescription drug, you need to use it every day.
diosa
September 9, 2022
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!
David Tomen
September 13, 2022
Thank you Diosa. Happy you are enjoying it.
Felicia
November 23, 2022
Is this safe for hyperthyroid? Not like L tyrosine?
David Tomen
November 28, 2022
Felicia, you need L-Tyrosine to make thyroid hormones. Your thyroid gland uses L-Tyrosine along with Iodine.
L-DOPA does NOT contribute to making thyroid hormone.
diosa
September 9, 2022
– 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
David Tomen
September 13, 2022
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.