As an herbalist, I have strong concerns about the growing popularity
and widespread use of the ancient herb, Mucuna pruriens, as an herbal
and dietary supplement. Mucuna pruriens has an almost magical ability
to improve motivation, well being, energy and sex drive along with
decreasing the tendency to overeat. These properties are a result of
its contents of natural L-dopa, a direct precursor to the
neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is always present in the nervous
system. Ultra-low levels (or dysfunction of dopamine receptors) lead to
conditions like Parkinson’s. Normal levels maintain proper function of
the nervous system, promote normal motivation and sex drive and help to
regulate the appetite. We experience a stronger sense of well-being
when dopamine is released in response to activities such as engaging in
something novel or seeing a beautiful sunset. We release even more if
we accomplish a long-term goal or have a profound experience. Dopamine
is artificially elevated in response chemicals contained in alcohol,
cigarettes, cocaine, crystal meth and heroin as well as from
overeating. Excessive exposure to dopamine results in dopamine
receptors not working properly. As the nervous system needs higher and
higher levels of dopamine to produce the same response, an individual
seeks out more and more of the stimulating substance or activity. This
is the heart of addiction.
With its naturally-occurring L-dopa, Mucuna can be carefully used as a
natural remedy to treat conditions such as addiction, obesity,
dopamine-related depression or Parkinson’s. However this MUST be done
in conjunction with rehabilitation of the dopamine receptors.
Otherwise, it actually exacerbates the problem and causes further
damage. If given to people who suffer with depression from low
serotonin, Mucuna can actually make the depression more severe by
further lowering serotonin levels. (Dopamine tends to suppress
seretonin)
The addition of Mucuna to general dietary supplements and even to
some multivitamins is completely irresponsible. It has great capacity
for misuse and in the long term could have health consequences. Because
of the seemingly magical effects of L-dopa, almost all people notice
they feel better on these supplements and notice they feel worse when
they stop them. This is no different than creating another addiction.
Because of its effectiveness, I also have concerns about other
herbalists and health care practitioners carelessly prescribing it
without fully understanding its mechanism of action. I am pro-education
and anti-regulation. I think Mucuna pruriens is a natural substance
that practitioners need to actively educate themselves and the general
public about.
http://karenkurtak.com/mucuna-pruriens-concerns-about-longterm-side-effects-from-overuse-and-misuse/