Mucuna Pruriens

What is Mucuna pruriens?

Mucuna pruriens (part of the Fabaceae, or bean, family), commonly known as velvet bean, is a legume that is widespread in tropical regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America. It has a wide range of traditional uses in Ayurvedic medicine, including as an aphrodisiac, as a treatment for nervous system disorders, and as an antidote against snake venom. The plant produces seed-containing pods covered in fine hairs that can cause severe itching upon skin contact. Because the seeds of Mucuna pruriens are rich in levodopa (L-DOPA), a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine, the plant has gained attention as a potential treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Limited research has explored the potential aphrodisiac, antivenom, and antidiabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens.

Is Mucuna pruriens edible?

Yes, Mucuna pruriens is edible, with the beans of the plant having been traditionally used as a food source in some cultures. However, adequate processing (typically soaking in water followed by boiling) is required to destroy antinutrients and to reduce the potentially dangerously high levels of L-DOPA found in the raw beans.

What is the nutritional profile of Mucuna pruriens?

The nutritional profile of Mucuna pruriens seeds can vary depending on a number of factors, including plant variety, growth environment, maturity of the seeds, and type of processing. In general, Mucuna pruriens seeds contain approximately 25–35% protein, 40–65% carbohydrates, 4–14% fat, and 4–12% fiber.

Does Mucuna pruriens have antidiabetic properties?

To date, no human trials have explored the potential anti-diabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens. In trials conducted in rats (both with and without diabetes), Mucuna pruriens has generally exhibited anti-diabetic properties, reducing blood glucose levels both acutely and with long-term supplementation.

What are Mucuna pruriens’ main drawbacks?

As with isolated L-DOPA, supplementation with Mucuna pruriens has been reported to be associated with nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. Instances of acute toxic psychosis linked to the consumption of Mucuna pruriens in its bean form have been reported in Mozambique. This phenomenon is believed to have mainly been a consequence of eating raw, inadequately prepared Mucuna pruriens beans.

How does Mucuna pruriens work?

For reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s and other conditions related to dopamine deficiency, Mucuna pruriens is thought to work by increasing serum dopamine levels due to its high content of L-DOPA, a natural precursor to dopamine. The potential beneficial effects of Mucuna pruriens on male fertility and testosterone levels may be due to L-DOPA’s action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. The antivenom effects of Mucuna pruriens are likely due to an immune mechanism in which glycoproteins found in the bean are thought to stimulate the production of antibodies that bind to venom proteins, neutralizing the toxic effects of the venom. Additional research is needed to further understand the potential antidiabetic effects of Mucuna pruriens, but existing evidence indicates the involvement of a compound known as D-chiro-inositol, which is present in the seeds of the plant.

Is Mucuna pruriens superior to isolated L-DOPA?

Both Mucuna pruriens and isolated L-DOPA are apparently effective for the treatment of Parkinson's symptoms. However, preliminary evidence from animal research suggests that Mucuna pruriens may be, in some ways, superior to isolated L-DOPA.