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does mucuna pruriens increase dopamine?

The One Supplement That Can Boost The Feel Good Hormone Dopamine

If you’re looking to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your sleep, Mucuna Pruriens might just be your next go-to supplement. Known as the “magical velvet bean,” this legume packs a punch, thanks to its high levels of L-DOPA, which cranks up dopamine—aka the “feel good” hormone. Now, let’s break down what Mucuna Pruriens can do for you and how it fits into your performance and recovery routine.

What is Mucuna Pruriens?

Mucuna Pruriens, or the "velvet bean," has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to tackle everything from male infertility to nervous disorders. Heck, it’s even touted as an aphrodisiac. But let’s stay focused on the big-ticket item here: L-DOPA. This compound is the precursor to dopamine, the brain chemical responsible for those feelings of pleasure and reward. It’s the same dopamine hit you get when you crush a workout—or score a new PR in your race.

What Does L-DOPA Do?

L-DOPA turns into dopamine in your body, fueling that mental and emotional boost we all chase. Whether it's recovering after a tough race or dealing with day-to-day stress, boosting dopamine levels can help keep you on track.

Mucuna Pruriens Benefits

This bean isn’t just about dopamine; it’s got a whole lineup of benefits:

  • Enhanced sleep quality
  • Reduced cortisol levels (that’s your stress hormone)
  • Increased dopamine (aka enhanced mood and well-being)
  • Decreased prolactin (good for balancing hormones)
  • Neurorestorative properties (helping your brain stay sharp and recover from damage)

What Does the Research Say?

Sleep Improvement

In a 2012 study, researchers found that healthy men and women with poor sleep quality experienced a 50% improvement in sleep after 28 days of supplementing with Mucuna Pruriens. Better sleep equals better recovery, and that’s crucial for any endurance athlete.

Cortisol Reduction

A 2007 study on stressed-out men showed that daily supplementation with Mucuna Pruriens significantly lowered their cortisol levels over a 3-month period. Less cortisol means less stress, which is key for keeping your performance consistent and your recovery optimal.

Dopamine Boost

In 2009, another study found that supplementing with Mucuna Pruriens raised dopamine levels by 10-15% in just 1-6 months. That dopamine bump isn’t just a mood booster—it can help you stay focused and in the zone when you’re training or competing.

Prolactin Management

High levels of prolactin can lead to hormonal imbalances, affecting everything from libido to mood. A recent study showed that Mucuna Pruriens lowered prolactin levels by 5-7%, helping to keep your hormones balanced and your body firing on all cylinders.

Neurorestorative Powers

Mucuna Pruriens doesn’t just boost dopamine; it helps restore critical neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin in people with brain disorders. While this benefit is most notable for those with neurological issues, it’s good to know that Mucuna Pruriens is a powerful ally for brain health.

Dosage and Timing

To get all these awesome benefits, take 100-500 mg of Mucuna Pruriens daily. Make sure the supplement is standardized for L-DOPA. Timing is key—take it 15-30 minutes before bed for better sleep or 60 minutes before a stressful situation to help calm your nerves.

How Long Until It Kicks In?

Mucuna Pruriens gets to work right away but hits its peak in the bloodstream about 30 minutes after you take it. Consistency is key here, so make it part of your daily routine for the best results.

Side Effects

While most people tolerate Mucuna Pruriens just fine, some may experience mild side effects like:

  • Nausea
  • Bloating
  • Headaches
  • Rapid heartbeat

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, check with your doctor before adding this supplement to your stack.

Who Should Avoid Mucuna Pruriens?

There are a few groups of people who should steer clear of Mucuna Pruriens:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or liver issues
  • Individuals with mental health disorders or preparing for surgery

Drug Interactions

If you’re on medications like antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, or meds for diabetes, it’s best to consult your doctor before using Mucuna Pruriens.

The Bottom Line

Mucuna Pruriens is a versatile supplement that not only boosts dopamine but also helps manage stress, improve sleep, and enhance recovery. It’s a solid addition to your daily routine, especially if you’re an athlete looking to optimize performance and recovery. Just make sure to get the right dosage and enjoy all the feel-good benefits this velvet bean has to offer.

    References:
    • McCarthy, C. G., Alleman, R. J., Bell, Z. W., & Bloomer, R. J. (2012). A dietary supplement containing Chlorophytum borivilianum and velvet bean improves sleep quality in men and women. Integrative Medicine Insights, 7, IMI-S9720.
    • Lampariello, L. R., Cortelazzo, A., Guerranti, R., Sticozzi, C., & Valacchi, G. (2012). The magic velvet bean of Mucuna pruriens. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(4), 331-339.
    • Sathiyanarayanan, L., & Arulmozhi, S. (2007). Mucuna pruriens Linn.-A comprehensive review. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 1(1).
    • Manyam, B. V., Dhanasekaran, M., & Hare, T. A. (2004). Neuroprotective effects of the antiparkinson drug Mucuna pruriens. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 18(9), 706-712.
    • Shukla, K. K., Mahdi, A. A., Ahmad, M. K., Jaiswar, S. P., Shankwar, S. N., & Tiwari, S. C. (2010). Mucuna pruriens reduces stress and improves the quality of semen in infertile men. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7.
    • Shukla, K. K., Mahdi, A. A., Ahmad, M. K., Shankhwar, S. N., Rajender, S., & Jaiswar, S. P. (2009). Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis. Fertility and sterility, 92(6), 1934-1940.
    • Gupta, A., Mahdi, A. A., Ahmad, M. K., Shukla, K. K., Bansal, N., Jaiswer, S. P., & Shankhwar, S. N. (2011). A proton NMR study of the effect of Mucuna pruriens on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 55(5), 1060-1066.