Long before chemicals, labs, and appointed health authorities, natural
plants and practical knowledge formed the foundation for medicine.
Indian Ayurvedic medicine, one of the oldest holistic medical
modalities, cataloged the therapeutic properties for thousands of
plants. While pharmaceutical marketing might make us wonder how we ever
survived without prescription drugs, ancient knowledge has made its way
back into the conversation. More than ever before, research is
beginning to focus on ancient plants, herbs, flowers, and roots.
Mucuna pruriens, a tropical legume also known as velvet bean, has been
used by ancient healers and is making waves in the scientific community.
Ayurvedic herbal medicine has relied on Mucuna pruriens since 1500 BC
to support ailments such as snakebite, intestinal disorders, sexual
response, and melancholy mood. Let’s take a look at the recent studies
that have evaluated how this uncommon plant can support brain health and
stress management.
What are the Active Compounds in Mucuna pruriens?
The magic of every therapeutic plant resides in its beneficial, active
compounds. The interaction between these compounds is typically
responsible for the plant’s favorable effects. In Mucuna pruriens,
levodopa, or L-dopa, is one of these compounds .
[1] [2] This bioactive chemical is a precursor to several neurotransmitters, including adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine.
Mucuna pruriens has significant antioxidant action that works in tandem with L-dopa to
promote brain health.
[3]
When L-dopa crosses the blood-brain barrier, it helps to increase brain
levels of dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter associated with
regulating mood and cognition.
[4] Research also suggests that antioxidants are helpful for defending against oxidative damage by free radicals.
[5]ၽ
How Does Mucuna pruriens Influence Brain Health?
Research suggests Mucuna pruriens protects the brain by keeping
cognitive and neural functions in check, even encouraging neural
activity.
[6]
Studies on animals have echoed this, placing the focus on its
antioxidant action. The mechanism behind this is simple — all free
radicals have an unpaired electron that makes them unstable in the body.
Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical to neutralize its
effects, particularly on the brain. Mucuna has an added benefit in that
it fights systemic redness in the brain, which is often a factor in
brain degradation.
[7]
Does Mucuna pruriens Affect the Effects of Stress?
Ayurvedic tradition uses Mucuna pruriens to positively promote mental health and
stress response.
A study involving 120 men who suffered from psychological stress
reported that supplementation with Mucuna significantly eased stress.
[8]
Oddly enough, the men also had fertility issues and supplementation
appeared to promote sperm quality and count. Researchers also concluded
that Mucuna pruriens reactivates the antioxidant defense system, an
essential biological mechanism necessary for maintaining homeostasis
within the body.
Is a Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease on the Horizon?
Parkinson’s disease is partially characterized by decreased brain
production of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. Because Mucuna
pruriens positively influences dopamine levels, it’s been an Ayurvedic
therapy for centuries. Preliminary research indicates that the natural
form of L-dopa in Mucuna pruriens provides equivalent (or better)
results compared to synthetic levodopa; and without the common side
effects of nausea, vomiting, and involuntary muscle movement.
[9] [10]
Now, should it be inferred that Mucuna pruriens is a cure or treatment
for Parkinson’s? Not in the least. Is this study interesting in a
hopeful sense though? Absolutely.
Supplementing with Mucuna pruriens
Mucuna pruriens has a rich history of use for
promoting mental health.
Current research supports its traditional application and hopefully
additional research will gain insight into future uses. If you are
considering supplementing with Mucuna pruriens, like any supplement,
it’s a good idea to find an organic or wild crafted source. If you have
supplemented with Mucuna pruriens, please leave a comment below and
share your experience with us!
