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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Hi,
Should I split mucuna pruriens dose or I can take it all together? For example 200mg l-dopa? Or there’s no need to split a small dose like that?
Ashley, there is no need to split a dose that small.
David,
Is it safe to combine L-Dopa mucuna pruriens with rhodiola rosea?
Andrew, it depends on how much you use because Rhodiola Rosea acts like an MAOI and it will potentiate L-DOPA.
I used bacopa monnieri before. 400mg a day with 50% bacosides but I got huge anxiety from it after a few weeks of using.
I did some research and it’s possible that bacopa decreases dopamine levels. Is that true?
That’s why I bought mucuna to increase my dopamine levels as I thought maybe I’m lacking dopamine. I’m depressed, fatigued and I’m not gaining pleasureor interest from anything.
I started this week with 100mg l-dopa and 300mg rhodiola rosea. I’m not sure about rosavin and salidroside content as it’s not stated. I thought about upping the dose to 200mg l-dopa after a week.
Can I add bacopa with these two or it won’t be any good?
Andrew, Bacopa Monnieri potentiates and modulates monoamine oxidase in your brain (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3746283/). Which means that it helps release and modulate the use of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It does not decrease dopamine.
Rhodiola Rosea affects monoamine oxidase as well so when you are using both you are doubling the MAOI effect.
Bacopa Monnieri likely caused anxiety because you are messing with dopamine and norepinephrine and it sounds like your brain does not appreciate that. So, instead of trying different ‘add-ons’ you should consider dropping Bacopa altogether. Because it may be the wrong supplement for you.
Is it necessary to take b group vitamins witth mucuna pruriens? To help the conversion to neurotransmitters?
Yes. You need B6, B9 & B12 to keep them in balance and for use as cofactors.
Would it be OK to use low dose phenibut with mucuna? About 200mg a day and 5 days a week? Then 2 days off from both phenibut and mucuna.
Andrew, Phenibut stimulates dopamine receptors and antagonizes beta-phenethylamine (PEA) so it will potentiate Mucuna Pruriens. So, you need to be careful about combining those two.
Hi sir , I am from india and I am 20 year old , I have used Mucuna extract Tablet { 98% l dopa } 600-800 mg 1 capsule a day in morning for 2 months for better mood, will it cause downregulation of receptors or my receptors naturally upregulate with time or they will be permanently down regulated.
Nitin, natural nootropic supplements like Mucuna Pruriens will NOT downregulate or have any negative effect on its associated receptor.
The thing you need to watch out for is upsetting the balance of dopamine and serotonin. Because when dopamine is raised in excess it suppresses serotonin. And vice versa. Causing its own problems.
The simplest way to keep them in balance is to use L-Tryptophan (before bed) to increase serotonin to keep it in balance with the dopamine you are increasing by using L-DOPA.
Hi sir , you often write in comments that there is no wiggle room and forgiveness in l – dopa but why ? Rise in dopamine levels after taking high doses for 3-4 months Mucuna extract will it cause permanent imbalance in levels or our brain will normalize levels after quitting it or it will cause any other major problem and thank you for answering.
L-DOPA quickly synthesizes dopamine. If you boost dopamine in excess it will depress serotonin which causes its own set of problems. The best way to counter this imbalance is by using L-Tryptophan to increase serotonin. But using L-DOPA long-term will not cause a “permanent imbalance”. Only while you are using it.
When you quit using L-DOPA your brain will slide back to whatever dopamine levels you originally started out with.
One of the reasons I recommend L-Tyrosine over L-DOPA is because your body also uses Tyrosine for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. When you use L-DOPA you skip that part and your body will go looking for the Tyrosine it needs to make thyroid hormone which you may or may not have in adequate supply.
My dad has Parkinson’s or maybe technically pre-Parkinson’s. Regardless, once he was diagnosed I took over because I don’t like pharmaceutical prescriptions if they are possible to avoid using natural supplementation. But the research and information is out there in masses and hard to sift through and understand. Currently I do have him on 99.6% L-dopa from Mucuna Pruriens. 500 mg per serving (1/8 tsp.) He gets this twice a day. Company is curEase. My questions are:
1- is this a reputable company/brand?
2- is my dosage okay or too much or not enough?
3- Is it best to take alone on an empty stomach or with a systemic enzyme? In other words how is it best to consume to get the most through the blood brain barrier? I just recently found out that I was giving it to him all wrong in mixing it into his whey protein shake!
He eats quite a bit of protein because he also went into pre-diabetes. Its been about 2 years and I finally have him backed out of pre-diabetes but we are sticking with a keto like diet. Not totally keto but a little like keto though. Anyway, any suggestions or tips would be more appreciated than you could imagine. Thank you
Bobbi, I am not familiar with the company that you mentioned so cannot tell you if they are a reputable company. Every reputable company that I know of clearly states on their website how they test their products for purity and quality. But I do not see anything like that on their website. I suggest getting in touch with that company and ask them where they get their Mucuna Pruriens from, and how they test it. And can they prove it. Most of the better companies will send you a Certificate of Analysis if you ask for it.
Dosage for L-DOPA is an individual thing and depends on how much he needs to feel better. But he likely needs more than what you are using now for Parkinson’s. That is purely a guess on my part. Your Dad knows his body better than anyone else on the planet so you need to listen to what he says and how he reacts to using L-DOPA.
The reason why some recommend taking amino acids on an empty stomach is because these amino acids (i.e. proteins) compete for the same transporters to get into the bloodstream and across the blood-brain barrier. That is why you should not take it with a protein shake. But saying to take it on an empty stomach is a little too simplistic.
Excellent Macuna Pruriens (l-dopa) presentation. I am presently taking a supplement called Focus Plus by Pure Encapsulations. It has L-Tyrosine, Macuna, rhodiola rosea, b-6 and methyl version of folate. It seems to be working after a few days taking 3 capsules 2 x daily. Very pleased with it.
Is Macuna L-dopa and L-tyrosin a good combination as an ADD alternative? Will cycle on weekends.
Anton, for treating ADD you do not need L-DOPA. L-Tyrosine 500 mg 2 or 3-times per day is safer, can be used long-term and works great with or without stimulant drugs. And you do not need to cycle.
Can you eat the bean direct from the plant? im in Laos and have chance to eat Mucuna Pruriens beans directly from the jungle, how many beans should i eat at a time? Thanks. T.
Anthony, L-DOPA is extracted from Mucuna Pruriens. But there is no way to tell how much L-DOPA is in a single bean unless you send it to a lab for analysis. Probably not much. I highly doubt you will experience any nootropic benefit by eating beans directly from the plant.
For a week or 2 I went overboard with mucuna, and other stuff(energy drinks, I think one contained a dopamine source). As a result had a panic attack, hear palpitations and a ”burning brain” for days. These have passed since, but restless leg syndrome seems to be aggravated. I did cut off the mucuna without tapering off. Also, I have been recently taking a ashwaganda/bacopa supplement combo, but the restless leg syndrome seems to be still bad,or even worse?
What do you think I should do?
Phenibut has also been an issue.
Dre, were your using Phenibut with Mucuna Pruriens? Using either of these supplements in excess is a really bad idea and will effect different people in different ways. But none of them good.
Hi David,
Thank you for this information! I have fibromyalgia and recent studies have shown that it may be caused by low levels of dopamine and have therefore approved low doses of abilify. I would rather take a natural product, so am hoping mucuna supplements would help. Do you know anything about this or have any thoughts? Thanks so much for your time!
Lynn, I have also heard that fibromyalgia may be cause by low Thyroid hormone Free T3. And that has been my experience because once I increased my thyroid hormone levels fibromyalgia went away.
But if what you are sayin about low dopamine is true then a safer and more predictable way to increase dopamine is with L-Tyrosine. And L-Tyrosine takes part in the formation of thyroid hormone (with iodine) as well.
Thank you so much! I hadn’t heard the thyroid connection before and will definitely check my levels. I really appreciate your feedback and for responding so quickly!
One more question…are there any other supplements I should take with the L Tyrosine to help increase my dopamine? Thanks!!!
Lynn, I’m glad you asked because most people miss this. The cofactors required to produce dopamine and the other catecholamines include Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6 (P-5-P), Vitamin B9 (methylfolate), Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin), Vitamin C, boron, copper, iron, manganese, and selenium.
Hi David,
I have ADD, and my prescription stimulants are really helpful at giving me the ability to give my full attention and all of my energy to my work.
However, I can’t take my prescription stimulants, because they reduce my ability to rapidly switch between external tasks and internal thoughts.
Additionally, I’ve found that prescription stimulants reduce both my brain’s ability to generate cascades of spontaneous thoughts, and my brains ability to create abstract associations between such thoughts. As a professional creative, this is a dealbreaker.
(After doing some research, it turns out that there was a recent study showing this to be true. Here is the link to the 2020 study, if interested: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067136/)
All this to say – I wanted to test out Muca Pruriens to see whether or not it causes the same side effect, and potentially use it as an alternative to methylphenidate. I’d love to get your opinion on this. Would using Mucuna Pruriens instead of methylphenidate be a relatively safe alternative? In other words, are there any short-term or long-term risks with MP that you don’t find with methylphenidate?
Thank you!
Ed, that study was done with four rhesus monkeys who were NOT ADHD and NOT human (obviously). IF they had a sample size of a thousand and they were human then it would catch my attention.
There have been several studies over the last 5 decades that demonstrate stimulants help do what they are supposed to do when used by people who are truly, clinically ADHD or ADD. The same trials were done with those who were not ADHD or ADD and the drug did not provide the same benefit.
I do not think anyone has an explanation for this but one thing we know for sure is that they work for many, many people dealing with ADHD.
That said, you will have more success using stimulants if your follow my ADD protocol outlined on this page: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/. With the stack in the yellow box you are supporting stimulant use and providing brain repair at the same time. AND you provide what your brain needs “to rapidly switch between external tasks and internal thoughts”.
And use L-Tyrosine instead of Mucuna Pruriens. Save the L-DOPA for if and when you get Parkinson’s Disease.
Hi, I am trying to understand if I can take Mucuna Puriens extract or powder in addition to Ritalin, or perhaps on weekend “holidays” from Ritalin. I prefer not taking Ritalin every single day and it also helps me not build tolerance when I take a few days off, seems to be 3 to 4 that’s the magic number.
So, does Mucuna Puriens interact with low dose Ritalin (20 mg a day) if taken on same day, OR, can it be taken on separate days when on holiday from Ritalin, with no adverse affects?
Thanks.
You can try it. But I think you’ll have more success by using L-Tyrosine which is two steps away from making dopamine. It’s easier to dose and safer to use long-term.
L-DOPA on the other hand immediately makes dopamine. There is no “wiggle room” for error. L-DOPA is used to treat Parkinson’s Disease. And all you are doing is supporting the use of Ritalin. Big difference!
Hello! Just for confirmation on how I’m reading this…I have a product that is listed as:
Mucuna Puriens Extract – 500mg
L-Dopa (standardized to 20%) – 100mg
So for your suggested dose of 250-500mg a day, am I going off of the Mucuna Puriens Extract noted here, or the L-Dopa listed here? That could be the difference in one pill or three for a dosage.
Thanks!
Charles, that is the problem with Mucuna Pruriens extracts. I suggest you contact the manufacturer and ask them what they recommend for dosage.
I do not mean for that be a flippant answer by any means. But that’s the problem with trying to figure out how much L-DOPA you are getting from a Mucuna Pruriens supplement.
Hi David,
Just before I ask some informations, I just want to say that I love your content and what you are doing for us. With that being said, here’s my questions:
1- Does mucuna can downregulates dopamine receptors if taken too often?
2- What would be the best supplement to upregulates dopamine receptors ?
3- Should I take mucuna with serotonin rich foods to balance with dopamine?
Thank you for reading my message and have a good day
Jimmy, it depends on how your system handles Mucuna. If things are relatively normal and healthy then is should not down regulate anything long-term as long as you stay with recommended dosages.
NAC and Aniracetam are great for supporting dopamine receptors. Along with something to boost BDNF.
Dear Mr. Tomen,
Is it safe to use L Dopa, Lithium Orotate, and Mind Lab Pro (morning), and L Tryptophan (at night)?
Thank you very much
Dim, it should be safe but I don’t normally recommend L-DOPA unless you are dealing with Parkinson’s. Better and safer to use L-Tyrosine.
Thank you, David,
I mean Mucuna Pruriens, I use it for three days now and I just love it! It already helped me to focus on work!
Dim, not a problem. Just please be careful on how much Mucuna Pruriens you use depending how much L-DOPA it contains.
David if my mucuna pruriens is 20% l dopa / 500mg what is a safe dose I could use? Also, I read what you were saying about if it makes you sleepy you could be releasing metals. What if sometimes it makes you sleepy and sometimes it doesn’t? Furthermore, can I potentially get rid of whatever I’ve accumulated by taking enough? I lived near burn pits in Iraq in 07-08 and since that deployment, I have just never felt as sharp. I don’t know if it’s me making excuses for my shortcomings or if it’s real but between those burn pits and IEDs, advanced math became a lot more difficult to conceptualize and fully understand.
Evan, start with 500 mg twice per day and see how it works for you. I would not exceed 1,000 mg twice per day especially long-term because you end up upsetting your dopamine/serotonin balance. To be safe you should be using 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed which increases serotonin. And goes on the make the sleep hormone melatonin.
Heavy metal chelation happens because of neuromelanin synthesis from excess dopamine that hasn’t been used via synapses (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2582310/). It’s not L-DOPA per se that does this but rather it is dopamine. So you can do the same thing by using L-Tyrosine to increase dopamine.
You’ll find other nootropic supplements that chelate heavy metals here on Nootropics Expert as well. Use the search bar top right of the top menu and search for the keyword phrase in parenthesis “heavy metals”.
Thank you for the prompt reply!
I am currently taking 50mg Vyvanse daily with little results.
My wife found an article with this stack
5-HTP 0-24,00mg
L-Tyrosine 0-14,000 mg
L-Dopa0-2,100 mg
Per day
I have watched your videos on all three of the above
You mention stacking 5-htp with L-Tyrosine.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Keith Knowles
Deltona,
Keith those dosages are ridiculously high. And not necessary.
The stack to support stimulant use is described in this article: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/ It’s in the yellow box near the top of that article.
The only reason you would use 5-HTP is if you are increasing dopamine a lot. And using that stack qualifies as more than normal. But instead of 5-HTP you should be using 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed.
And if you are using L-Tyrosine (which is far safer and easier to dose) you don’t need to be using L-DOPA. They use L-DOPA to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
hello sir may I know what happen if i use l-dopa and together with caffeine sometimes? is this normal or too much for dopamine?
Yusri, caffeine forces your brain to use dopamine so you could support its use with L-DOPA. A safer way is with L-Tyrosine in my opinion. But both would work. But you also need to replace the B-Vitamins that caffeine causes you to excrete. And L-Theanine to reduce cortisol which is raised by caffeine.
Hi David, I didn’t find Mucuna Pruriens, but I did, however, find an OTC drug called “Levocar” which one tablet of contains 250mg of Levodopa, and 25mg of Carbidopa anhydrous. Do you recommend I take it for my issues with motivation/concentration/ADD? (even if at least 1/6th of a tablet, to get approximately 40mg of Levodopa)
Ahmed, I do not recommend you use that drug because it’s what is used to treat Parkinson’s. And comes with the side effects associated with that drug. That’s why getting L-DOPA from a Mucuna Pruriens extract is so important.
For motivation, concentration and ADD you should be using L-Tyrosine for dopamine, Alpha GPC or CDP=Choline for acetylcholine, ALCAR for acetylcholine and energy production, DHA for cell membrane health, and a high quality B-Complex which act as cofactors in the synthesis of all major neurotransmitters including dopamine and acetylcholine.
Thanks, and hi again David, I left a question on Piracetam’s page, but I think an error might have happened and it didn’t post because I don’t see it.
Apologies if it appeared for you and now you got my question twice
but it’s a follow up to this;
So, I couldn’t find L-tyrosine or a Choline source where I live and sadly can’t order online due to restrictions where I am. (I do however try to get it through diet by eating 5-7 eggs/day, and/or liver at least once/week)
I scoured for every nootropic on Nootropicsexpert in pharmacies and found only the following and now take them and at a dosage of:
Multivitamin
Omega3
L-Carnitine 500mg twice/day
Ginkgo Biloba 260mg/day
Dormival® (100mg of Valeriana dry extract with Humulus Lupulus soft extract 25mg) 3x 1 hour before bed
Thioctic (Alpha Lipoic) Acid 300mg/day
Sulbutiamine 400mg/day
Piracetam 1600mg 3x/day
So, my question is; Being that I am 19 years old and facing a difficult college, thus need all the help I can get, Should I stick with this Piracetam dosage? or should I lower it, given my age. is there any danger?
And if I should change dosage for any other nootropic on my stack, or even remove any of them?
Thanks, Ahmed.
Ahmed, I’m not aware of any danger in using the supplements you mention. As long as they are working for you and you feel the benefit keep on using them.
Hi David,i forgot to mention that i use standard mucuna powder,not an extract.I use most of the time no more than 2 grams per day.I also take everyday NAC and regularly MSM.Is it true that magnesium counters the tolerance ot ritalin?
I read now some comments from you that i did not saw before and conclude that in my case everyday use of mucuna and other dopamine precussors it is not necessary to cycle them because i have a dopamine defficient brain.
I don’t know,maybe i imagined that the effect of mucuna and l-tyrosine get weaker after some weeks of daily use.In the first few weeks i did not take the low dose 5 htp with it and after a couple of weeks i stopped the entire stack and my symptoms get a lot worse.This was also because i got influenced from some bullshit stories about mucuna on the internet.It is like you said,don’t believe all the stories that after time everybody starts to repeat without experience or more important knowledge.
Did you ever experienced tolerance from ritalin or do you just take it also every day without dimnished effect?Sorry for my poor english,i live in Belgium
See my comment below.
Hi David
Can I take l dopa 250 mg with l tyrosine 250 mg and l methylfolate 15 mg for adhd.
Or other nootropics you suggest
Vivek, you do not need L-DOPA unless you are treating Parkinson’s. This is the stack you need: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/