Mucuna Pruriens For Bodybuilding, Growth Hormone & Libido

Supplementing with Mucuna pruriens for bodybuilding may be beneficial in several ways.

M. pruriens, also called velvet bean extract, seems to naturally boost testosterone levels, as well as human growth hormone (HGH).

It is also known to normalize pituitary hormone levels, making it useful as a first-option for treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms.

Mucuna (Velvet Bean, Cowhage) has been implicated for its possible actions in controlling blood-glucose levels, increasing mitochondrial energy, increasing plasma antioxidant capacities and various other healthy advantages.

Although large-scale human trials addressing the effectiveness of Mucuna pruriens for bodybuilding are underway currently, not enough have been successfully completed to dictate any standardized parameters for velvet bean extract supplementation.

Mucuna Pruriens

Herbal Supplement

Mood

Nootropic

Body -building

How It Works:

• Elevates dopamine & norepinephrine
• Boosts mood, focus & motivation
• Improves stress response & libido

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Mucuna Pruriens Uses for Bodybuilding

Testosterone is a hormone that plays key roles in the development of strong bones and muscular mass.

Using Mucuna pruriens for bodybuilding can help to suppress prolactin, which is associated with low testosterone levels.

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that encourages lactation in women after childbirth and is known to decrease testosterone levels.

Excessive prolactin, especially in males, may cause erectile dysfunction (ED), poor spermatogenesis, gynecomastia (male breasts), an array of inflammatory diseases and ailments – and/or chronically low testosterone levels.

Velvet bean extracts contain significant amounts of levodopa (L-dopa) which is a precursor to dopamine production in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Dopamine, among its many other roles, suppresses prolactin synthesis.

Therefore, increasing endogenous L-dopa via velvet bean extract increases dopamine, which subsequently increases testosterone via the suppression of prolactin.

Mucuna Pruriens Effects on Growth Hormone

Like testosterone, human growth hormone is integral for the processes of developing bone and increasing muscle mass. HGH is also linked to increased fat metabolism. When stacked with Chlorophytum borivilianum, velvet bean extracts are believed to upregulate HGH production. This stack is also reported to affect erectogenesis, spermatogenesis and male infertility.

In one clinical trial, supplementation with Chlorophytum borivilianum and Mucuna pruriens for bodybuilding increased serum HGH levels over different time intervals. The peak of synthesis occurred at 60 minutes after ingestion of the supplement.

It was concluded that this stacking combination increased circulating growth hormone in athletically trained men. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Mucuna Pruriens for Male Infertility

In one double-blind human trial, 75 men with infertility symptoms were monitored for changes in catecholamine levels in both blood and semen. Catecholamines are pituitary hormones including adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine.

Daily supplementation with Mucuna Pruriens was analyzed for 6 months. The following data was generated:

• Blood and semen plasma concentrations of all catecholamines measured were significantly increased in all subjects;
• Semen catecholamine concentrations were normalized;
• Testosterone was elevated in every participant, but particularly in those participants who began with low baseline sperm counts;
• Sperm motility, sperm quality and sperm quantity were all increased;

The mechanisms by which Mucuna pruriens extracts improve male infertility symptoms continue to be explored. More clinical testing and research needs to be completed, but early science seems very promising.

Mucuna Pruriens Health Benefits

Besides using Mucuna pruriens for bodybuilding cycles, this supplement offers a number of additional health benefits. Velvet bean extracts are rich in protein (about 25%), healthy fats, fiber and numerous phytonutrients.

M. pruriens has also been implicated and is being tested for its capacities to:

• Improve the body’s abilities to metabolize proteins;
• Decrease synthesis of harmful digestive chemicals like chymotrypsin and trypsin;
• Act as an anti-oxidant; improve ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenging and improve immunity responses in general;
• Exhibit antimicrobial and anthelmintic (parasitic worm destroying) properties;
• Natural treatment for snake bites by neutralizing the effects of cardiotoxins and cytotoxins;
• Decrease cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals;
• Improve skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis;
• Inhibit spikes in blood glucose levels after meals.

Safety of Supplementing with Mucuna Pruriens

The main active constituent in velvet bean extracts is L-dopa. In natural plant form, Mucuna pruriens contains about 5% levodopa. Some extracts contain higher levels. To determine the right dosage for your bodybuilding cycle, read the manufacturer instructions provided on the label of any product you are using and speak to your doctor.

There are some known side effects from taking naturally-sourced Mucuna pruriens for bodybuilding. Side effects are generally mild and rare when using this supplement for short periods of time.

However, long-term L-dopa supplementation, may cause negative health effects including excessively low blood pressure, intestinal bleeding, hair loss, hallucinations, emotional outbursts, cardiovacular problems and more. Natural L-dopa from velvet beans may interact with the same types of pharmaceuticals that synthetic L-dopa is known to.

Taking Mucuna Pruriens for bodybuilding seems to be generally safe, but it’s best to discuss it with your doctor first.

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