ould reduce blood sugar by 19-55%, dose-dependently. Chronic use of mucuna has the most potent effect for this purpose, as using a small dosage over time builds up efficacy. For example, 5mg/kg over 12 weeks eventually has the same potential as a one-time dose of 100mg/kg. However, this effect seems to reach its peak at one month of use, and plateaus thereafter.
As an anti-venom agent
Mucuna pruriens was traditionally used as an anti-venom remedy against snakes such as the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus). This usage has been proven by science, as the protease inhibitor in mucuna breaks down the snake’s venom.
A study using oral administration Mucuna Pruriens resulted in a significant reduction of psychological stress. These results were administered via a questionnaire and by tracing serum cortisol levels. Mucuna is considered one of the best herbs for mood stabilization.
Antioxidant activities were observed when using the Methanol extract of Mucuna Prurien Seeds. This happens because Mucuna inhibits diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). The same study concluded that Mucuna Pruriens is an easy to find source of natural antioxidants.
Using a hydroalcoholic extract of Mucuna Pruriens seeds an antidepressent affect was observed in Mice.
Mucuna Pruriens Extract and Dosage Information
Mucuna pruriens extract is most commonly found as a seed powder. The color is typically pale or yellowish. I would go as far as to say I’d only take Mucuna Pruriens as an extract. The label on the package should clearly state the amount of L-DOPA in each dose; this is important because too much can cause unpleasant side effects.
There is no standardized dosage for Mucuna pruriens, but doses of up to 30g (1000mg of L-DOPA) have been used and generally well-tolerated in humans. This likely represents the highest dosage that can be recommended, while a more typical dosage, especially for long-term use, can start at 5g a day. Mature Mucuna pruriens seeds usually contain about 3-6% L-DOPA, while some tested supplements on the market contained 3.8-4.3%, mostly concentrated in the lower range.
Mucuna Pruriens Side Effects and Safety
Since Mucuna pruriens has a high L-DOPA content, it comes with a moderate number of potential contraindications and safety warnings. However, when taken in an appropriate dose by individuals without complicating factors, mucuna appears to be a very well-tolerated therapy. According to one study, some side effects reported were nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, dyskinesia, and insomnia (L-DOPA helps produce dopamine, which inhibits the production of melatonin, and thus interferes with sleep.)
L-DOPA can also cause psychotropic effects if taken at a high enough dose. These effects can include aggression, hallucinations, delusions, and depression, and are more likely to be severe in people with a history of mental illness. There has been one case of widespread psychosis from eating Mucuna pruriens during a famine in Mozambique. In this case, the disease affected mostly women and was compounded by poor diet. Fortunately, the levels of L-DOPA in most supplements are unlikely to be high enough to cause these types of effects.
There are more specific safety warnings for individuals on certain medications, or with certain diseases that interact with L-DOPA. Those with cardiovascular disease should not take Mucuna pruriens, because it can lower blood pressure. Diabetic patients taking mucuna should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust medications to make sure these levels do not fall too low. Patients with liver disease should not take mucuna, because L-DOPA can increase chemicals implicated in liver disease.
Additionally, people with melanoma should not take mucuna, because the body uses L-DOPA to make melanin. L-DOPA is also contraindicated in people with ulcers, and as mentioned, in certain cases of mental illness. Lastly, anyone undergoing surgery should stop taking mucuna two weeks before the procedure, so it will not interfere with blood sugar levels.
Mucuna is a fairly well researched herb, there is a l