Mucuna Pruriens Extract: A Nootropic that Supports Brain Health

Written on February 3, 2023 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
Mucuna-Pruriens-Extract

There are many benefits to using Mucuna Pruriens Extract.

This plant extract has been used for hundreds of years in various cultures around the world, and it is a powerful nootropic that supports brain health.

It helps with mood, focus, stress relief, and hormone balance - all while balancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.

In this article, I'll discuss what you can expect from Mucuna Pruriens Extract, what the benefits are, and much more.

So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?

What is Mucuna Pruriens Extract?

Mucuna Pruriens Extract is a nootropic (or ‘smart drug’) that can improve your mood, brain function, and much more.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract contains L-DOPA which acts like dopamine in the body - increasing focus, motivation, and pleasure while decreasing stress, anxiety & fatigue.

Although it is technically a legume that grows in the tropics, Mucuna pruriens is an adaptogen known as a natural herbal pill produced under ancient Indian medical procedures.

The extract comes from the seed of Mucuna pruriens, which is also known as velvet bean or cowitch.

This plant has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, stress, and fatigue.

What are the Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens Extract?

There are many benefits to using mucuna pruriens extract.

For example, it helps improve mood by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain - including dopamine & serotonin (which also makes you feel good).

It also improves your memory and is a natural anti-depressant.

It has been shown in studies to be effective for improving mood, focus & motivation while also helping with stress relief, hormone balance, and energy levels.

In addition to this, it helps with dopamine production which improves the body's ability to manage anxiety naturally.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract also benefits those with Parkinson's disease, and it has been shown to increase the brain's ability to absorb nutrients that are key for brain health.

Another interesting benefit of Mucuna Pruriens Extract is that it helps with low libido and sperm quality.

This is because it improves testosterone levels and increases sperm motility.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract works by stimulating the hypothalamus to increase the release of luteinizing hormone, which helps with testicular function.

What are the Side Effects?

Although Mucuna pruriens extract does have a number of benefits, it is important to note that there are some side effects.

For example, you may experience nausea and insomnia if the dosage is too high.

It's also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as its safety has not been tested at this time (although preliminary research suggests no harm).

This plant extract can also interact with medications such as antidepressants, Parkinson's disease medication, and anti-anxiety drugs.

Before you use Mucuna Pruriens Extract it's important to speak with your doctor if you're on any of these types of medicines.

How do I take Mucuna Pruriens Extract?

Mucuna-Pruriens-Extracts

Now that we've gone through all the benefits and side effects, the next question is about the dosage.

How much Mucuna Pruriens Extract should you take?  

Although it's recommended to start with small doses (250-750mg) in order not to experience any negative side effects, there are no set guidelines for how much Mucuna Pruriens Extract should be taken.

Some people take upwards of 1500mg a day!

It's suggested to start with 250mg and monitor your reaction before increasing the dosage if needed.

You can also use Mucuna pruriens extract as part of a stack containing other nootropics, vitamins, or minerals that support cognitive health.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract dosage for depression

When it comes to depression, you can take between 750mg to 1500mg a day. You can also stack it with another similar compound; L-theanine.

Stacking Mucuna Pruriens Extract with L-theanine is useful for increasing cognitive function, calmness, and attention and get more bang for your buck.

A typical dosage of L-theanine is around 50mg and 250mg to 500mg for Mucuna Pruriens Extract.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract dosage for anxiety

For anxiety relief, you can take up to 1500mg a day split into three doses over the course of the day.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract dosage for testosterone

For testosterone, you should take 750mg to 1500mg a day in two doses.

Some people on Reddit and Bodybuilding.com have even experimented with dosages as high as 3000mg.

Ultimately, it's important to consider what you're trying to accomplish with Mucuna Pruriens Extract and then find the dosage that works for your lifestyle.

What forms of Mucuna Prurines extract are available?

There are two main types of Mucuna pruriens extract on the market: Powder & Capsules.

The powder is the cheapest form, but it can taste very bitter.

Capsules are the most convenient option as they're easy to measure and take, however you'll pay a higher price per gram for this convenience.

The powder is also more potent than the capsules so if possible avoid buying Mucuna pruriens extract in capsule form.

If you're looking for a great place to buy your Mucuna, you can find it right here.

In Summary

Mucuna Pruriens Extract is a Nootropic that can help with low libido, sperm quality, mood, and testosterone levels.

It's effective for treating depression, anxiety and has even been used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Mucuna pruriens extract works by stimulating the hypothalamus to increase the release of Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin.

There are some side effects of Mucuna Pruriens Extract that you should be aware of prior to starting the supplement (including low blood pressure and impaired thinking).

However, if you follow the recommended dosages there is no reason that Mucuna pruriens extract won't benefit your life.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract dosage for depression: 750mg to 1500mg a day split into three doses over the course of the day.

Although there is no set dosage guideline for how much Mucuna pruriens extract someone should take each day, it's recommended to start with a smaller dose (250mg-750mg) in order to minimize the risk of side effects.

If you don't experience any negative reactions, consider increasing your dosage until it's beneficial for your goals.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract dosage for anxiety: 750mg to 1500mg a day split into three doses over the course of the day.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract dosage for testosterone: 750mg to 1500mg a day split into two doses.

If you're looking for a great place to buy your Mucuna, you can find it right here.

FAQ

What are the benefits of Mucuna Pruriens Extract?

Mucuna Pruriens Extract is a legume that grows in the tropics and is claimed to be a natural herbal supplement derived from ancient Indian medical techniques, although it is in fact a legume.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract is an adaptogen that may be utilized to reduce stress, anxiety, attention, sex drive, and mood.

What are the side effects of Mucuna Pruriens Extract?

The most frequent adverse effects include nausea and a feeling of abdominal distension.

Vomiting, unusual body motions and sleeplessness are uncommon adverse effects.

Does Mucuna Pruriens Extract make you sleepy?

Taken in a high enough dose, Mucuna Pruriens Extract can help with better sleep quality by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain - including dopamine & serotonin (which also makes you feel good and relaxed).

Does Mucuna Pruriens Extract increase testosterone?

Pruriens seeds are high in l-DOPA and its metabolites, including epinephrine and norepinephrine.

As a result, dopamine levels in the brain may rise following Mucuna Pruriens Extract therapy, raising plasma testosterone levels as well.

Does Mucuna Pruriens Extract really work?

Mucuna Pruriens Extract is a tropical bean that contains high amounts of natural levodopa. It's more tolerable and potent than synthetic levodopa found in Sinemet, Madopar, or Stalevo.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) in numerous individuals, increase testosterone and improve mood.