herbEVIDENCEBUSOTC
Mucuna Pruriens
aka Velvet Bean · Cowhage · Kapikacchu
Velvet bean — contains natural L-DOPA. Dopamine precursor for mood, motivation, and libido.
Dose range200–1000mg
Half-life—h
Onset—min
Safety3/5medium evidence base
Mechanism of action
Source of natural L-DOPA (4-7% by weight in seeds). L-DOPA crosses BBB and converts to dopamine.
Benefits
Parkinson's disease (alternative L-DOPA source)
EVIDENCEBMultiple small RCTs.
Mood / motivation
EVIDENCECAnecdotal + small studies.
Side effects
- Nauseacommonmild
- Hypotensionuncommonmoderate
- Tolerance with daily usecommonmoderate
Where to buy
Affiliate linksNo vendor products listed yet. Vendors — list a product.