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 - 403 comments
Andrew Reels
June 1, 2020
Hello David, I’m Andrew from China!
There are some research papers saying that L-Dopa can increase Growth Hormone in adolescence. Is there any Nootropic which increases IGF-1?
I’ve heard that IGF-1 is very essential for brain development and almost everything in human body. So, my question is that is there any Nootropic which can further boost IGF-1 level?
Thank you.
David Tomen
June 1, 2020
Andrew, there are several nootropics that can boost Human Growth Hormone. Use the search function top right of the menu up top. Do a search for “Growth Hormone” and you’ll get a list of the other nootropics I’m referring to.
Erik Paul
May 12, 2020
Great site, I just found it and I’ve been hooked! I’ve noticed a wide variation in dosages for Mucuna Pruriens (the study where infertile men were given 5 grams daily? Seems like the making of a rough come-down at the end of the day!). Is the recommendation of 250mg-500mg/day in reference to a concentrated L-Dopa? I’m using Bulk Supplements “Mucuna Pruriens Extract (Seed)” powder, with a listed dose of 1/4 tsp morning and night (no indication of concentration/L-Dopa percentage). I just started using it (to aid ADHD, mood, libido). Initial trial was 1/4 tsp (roughly 500g) but didn’t notice it, so I took another 1/4 tsp 30 mins later and enjoyed it (though I will be sticking with 1/4 tsp for a couple weeks to gauge minimum effective dose). Could it be that mine is a less concentrated form, thus making a slightly higher dose (than 250-500mg) appropriate? Thank you.
David Tomen
May 13, 2020
Erik, I’m talking about L-DOPA (Mucuna Pruriens 98% extract) with a suggested dosage for cognitive benefit of 250 – 500 mg per day. Notice that’s 98% extract.
Most L-DOPA supplements are 20% extract with one or two 30% extract.
If you’re just using L-DOPA powder (not an extract) you can use much higher quantities. As much as you need until you feel the benefit.
Tom
July 26, 2020
Wait – I thought synthetic L-DOPA was not really safe (unless combined with an inhibitor of peripheral AADC). Wouldn’t it be best to *avoid* large, or really any, quantities of it?
David Tomen
July 27, 2020
Tom, you are correct that synthetic L-DOPA can cause problems. Here I’m talking about natural L-DOPA from Mucuna Pruriens that does not cause the same problem. Please read this review again but more carefully.
Sam Peterson
May 12, 2020
Hi David, what’s your opinion on this study and people who are using L-Dopa excessively? Would L-Tyrosine be better option in this case?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12835121/
David Tomen
May 13, 2020
Sam, as far as I can tell by looking at the source links near the bottom of that study is they’re referring to Levodopa which is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
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). Synthetic L-DOPA can lead to things like dyskinesia.
The L-DOPA I’m reviewing above naturally comes from the velvet bean plant. And is the same type of dopamine that is naturally synthesized in your body and brain when you get L-Tyrosine from food. This type does not cause problems like dyskinesia. Even after long-term use.
But you are correct that most can raise dopamine with L-Tyrosine. It’s what I’ve used 3-times daily for 13 years and it works.
Anonymous
May 11, 2020
Hi David, I’m a neuro-hacker!
I’m following you on YouTube from the beginning. I’d a question for you.
Question:
How can I have only physiological effects of Dopamine and only Psychological effects of Serotonin?
Background:
I’ve done hundreds of different experiments with neurotransmitters. Dopamine is needed for physical robustness, but it has a major downside. It puts you in the “exploring” state, which can make you vulnerable if the influences in your environment aren’t good for you.
Serotonin is responsible for physical hibernation, but it’s required to a certain extent to “be the person who you are”. With high Serotonin, you won’t have doubts or second thought about your decisions, where with high Dopamine, your decisions tend to change and you get compelled to do anything depending on influence.
So, my question is, is there any possibility that someone can utilise the Dopamine only by their body and the Serotonin only by their brain?
I tried to use specific Dopamine receptors agonists (drugs) to achieve this, but I ended up being in an euphoric state getting huge amount of Noradrenaline and Endorphins. It served the physiological purpose, but not the Psychological one.
David Tomen
May 11, 2020
Look into how dopamine and serotonin are used both by your body and your brain. The key to making these work is keeping dopamine and serotonin in balance. If you boost dopamine too high you end up suppressing serotonin. And the reverse is true as well.
Chris
May 9, 2020
Hi David,
First of all – great website and so much detailed info, thank you.
I wanted to ask your advice please as the more I read online via various websites, the more supplements I seem to hear about, so I’m confused and not sure which are best for me, based on my problems below. I don’t want to take too many, or take things that are a waste of time.
I am suffering from depression on and off for many years, up one day, down the next, and lately for quite a while now – a big lack of motivation to do anything – struggling to get out of bed in the morning, not doing any exercise, eating too much junk food, struggling to form any healthy routines, feeling too tired to play with my daughter, feeling that I’m no good at my job, etc.
I want something to boost me and give me more energy and focus. Based on my reading I’ve narrowed it down to a random stack of Mucuna Pruriens, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Rhodiola, NAC, and was thinking to take at the recommended doses on this website, once or twice a day in the morning/at lunchtime.
Can you please advise any suggestions based on my depression/lack of motivation, or let me know if you would change/remove any of the above supplements, or add any others instead?
Many thanks,
Chris (male aged 38)
David Tomen
May 10, 2020
Chris, depression can be caused by things other than low levels of a certain neurotransmitter. See this piece I wrote which explains why: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/
The best way to start a new stack like you are suggesting is with one at a time. Try it for a day or two at the recommended dosage and see how you feel. If there is no negative reaction then add the next. And then the next, etc.
The only way you’re going to get to the bottom of how you’re feeling is by experimenting with various nootropic supplements. Until you hit on something that makes you feel better. As soon as that happens you’ll have a clue on what path to pursue.
Chris
May 12, 2020
Thank you so much David, the level of detail on your site regarding so many nootropics is like a treasure trove of knowledge!
Actually after only finding your site last week and reading a lot since then, I changed my plan based on your website sections regarding the best nootropics for depression/anxiety + energy/motivation.
In the end I ordered the following nootropics, after feeling that these had the best potential for me:
Mucuna Pruriens
Ashwagandha
Bacopa Monnieri
Rhodiola Rosea
Lemon Balm
And finally an energy supplement that contains Coq10+NADH+B12
My main aim is to reduce my depression and stress levels each day by taking them in the morning, to gain more energy and motivation for exercise/work during the day, only taking the Lemon Balm in the evening for relaxation.
I plan to take them in 2 doses, early morning + lunchtime, at similar/the same strengths/doses suggested on your website.
1) Do you think the above nootropics are good to take together?
2) Are there any you would remove/change for any others, that may work better together for my issues?
3) Any general comments or suggestions/advice regarding my above ‘stack’?
Thank you!
Chris
David Tomen
May 13, 2020
Chris, the problem I see is the first 4 supplements pretty much cover all the major neurotransmitters that can be the cause of anxiety and/or depression. But which neurotransmitter is causing you problems?
Use this stack and there’s no way to tell. And if something doesn’t agree with your system you’ll not know which one it is.
That’s the problem with trying to treat anxiety or depression with adaptogens. Better I think to use the direct precursor for each neurotransmitter one at a time until you feel better. Then you’ll know the cause of your issues. And then you can start looking for adaptogens that support that neurotransmitter.
Each is explained in this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/
And energy and motivation are two very different things. As explained here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-energy-supplements-to-buy-in-2020/ and here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/
Mark
January 26, 2020
David
I have Parkinson’s and am not taking the synthetics but looking for natural alternatives like mucuna; however, I have been unable to locate a source that provides 90% or more L-Dopa, can you recommend a reputable source or two?
Regards,
Mark
David Tomen
January 27, 2020
Mark, I cannot vouch for this company but found it for you: https://amzn.to/2RTnUhx. I suggest seeing if you can learn more about the vendor and check out the reviews.
This is the one I’ve been using (I do not have Parkinson’s) which is 30% and it’s effective with no “added ingredients”: https://amzn.to/2U3mjZk
Mark
January 27, 2020
David
Thanks for the prompt reply, it’s greatly appreciated! I’ve experimented with several mucuna products and just recently started taking the same product you personally use (the jury is still out on that one); however, your other recommendation (99% L-Dopa powder) looks interesting enough to give it a try as I feel the need to increase my daily dosage and the powder form would be the most convenient method so I will let you and your captive audience how effective it is.
Cari
February 6, 2020
Hi David,
Amazon seems to no longer have this link. Is there another page where we can find this brand?
David Tomen
February 7, 2020
Carl, and I was just about to re-order. It appears it’s not available for now from this company. But I managed to find this one and am ordering for myself today: https://amzn.to/2tCD02T
Jean Handwerk
January 25, 2020
Have had restless legs syndrome for 50 years, cannot sleep without dopamine agonist (sinemet). Am seriously augmenting, need to find something else to take in order to sleep. Don’t know if problem is too much dopamine (doubt it, if I have to take agonist to sleep) or not enough dopamine receptors, or not enough serotonin (or receptors) or not enough adenosine (or receptors), or …. Have you any experience helping with restless legs syndrome? Any suggestions, even if you haven’t? Macuna a possibility? Really need help, and soon.
David Tomen
January 26, 2020
Jean, use the search function top right for “restless leg syndrome” and see what turns up.
Excess dopamine is certainly going to cause insomnia. I do not recommend anyone using nootropics to boost dopamine after 4 PM for that reason. Those certainly include L-Tyrosine and Mucuna Pruriens.
Keep in mind that a dopamine receptor agonist works different than a direct precursor used to boost dopamine the neurotransmitter. The other thing is dopamine and serotonin must be in balance. Too much of one will suppress the other.
So if you’re increasing dopamine and how it works in your brain it may help to increase serotonin as well by using 500 mg L-Tryptophan before bed.
Here are more ideas on sleep and “how to”: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-sleep/
Simon
January 24, 2020
Hi David,
Can you run the risk of DDS (dopamine dysregulation syndrome) with the use from L-Dopa from Mucuna Pruriens?
Reason i ask is that in my search to correct a Dopamine dysfunction i sort out and used cabergoline in the hope of correcting sexual dysfunction from lack of desire and this worked incredible well along with increasing mental focus and confidence and general happiness, however after a few weeks and what i believe to be the result of overdosing this D2 agonist I basically then went the opposite way and suffered with incredible anxiety and lost all the libido benefits i had gained. Blood work confirmed I had pushed myself into Hyoprolcatineima and thus I believe DDS and receptor down regulation.
I want to find a solution and perhaps Mucuna Pruriens might be a better option but want to know can you potentinally cause the same problem or are the risks different than a potent D2 agonist.
Also do you do anything specifically to help with receptor upregulation as this is almost just as important if not more than simply producing more dopamine?
Really appreciate your input on this!
Many Thanks
David Tomen
January 24, 2020
Simon, Mucuna Pruriens provides L-DOPA which is a direct precursor to the synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It’s NOT a dopamine receptor agonist.
Take a look at Aniracetam because it seems to upregulate D2 and D3 receptors: https://nootropicsexpert.com/aniracetam/. But make sure you follow dosage recommendations if you try it. Including using Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Also, take a look at some of the nootropics that boost BDNF. Because some of them also help repair receptors: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/