Mucuna pruriens, or velvet bean, is a tropical legume that might boost dopamine levels. This “magical bean” has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Recent studies suggest it may help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and infertility in men. It is also being researched for improving depression, sleep, and snake venom poisoning. Read on to learn what the research says about this curious plant.

What is Mucuna pruriens?

The Dopamine Bean

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume also known as velvet bean. In herbal medicine and Ayurveda, Mucuna has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for male infertility, nervous disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and as an aphrodisiac [1].

Like Jack’s magic beans in the fairytale, mucuna beans are sometimes called “magical velvet beans.” For researchers, this “magic” refers to mucuna’s potential to improve brain health. For users, this bean’s “magical properties” span from its alleged aphrodisiac effects, while others yet allude to the plant’s subjective simultaneously relaxant and stimulating effects [2].

Mucuna is also known as the “dopamine bean” since it is a good source of L-Dopa (4 – 7%), from which dopamine is made in the body [1].

The high L-dopa content offers additional benefits to the plant itself: it protects the seeds from insects and pests. Mucuna seeds are also a major source for commercially extracting pure L-dopa, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease [1].

How much do we know?

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH) states that “There is some limited evidence that Mucuna pruriens may have beneficial effects on some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as motor function.” [3]

Nonetheless, Mucuna pruriens supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. Supplements generally lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for them but don’t guarantee that they’re safe or effective.

Mucuna pruriens should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.

Recent research uncovered that mucuna might also boost antioxidants and scavenge free radicals in the body, but this hasn’t been proven in humans [1].

Plant Origins & Traditional Use

Mucuna pruriens is originally from southern China and eastern India but is now cultivated throughout the tropics.

In the Himalayas and Mauritius, both the green pods and the mature beans from Mucuna pruriens are traditionally boiled and eaten. In Guatemala and Mexico, it is roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute widely known in the region as “Nescafé” [1].