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]
We’re 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 fuels 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 to the rescue
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.
The 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.
Dosage Notes
L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens 98% extract) suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is 250 – 500 mg per day.
We recommend that you 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).
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, Dyskenesia 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.
Available Forms
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
We 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 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.
We suggest starting with a dose of 100 – 250 mg daily for nootropic use. L-DOPA should be cycled. 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)
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.