Taking Mucuna Pruriens for depression is a natural solution that may help to restore balance to your mood.
This all natural plant extract may be able to do what prescription anti-depressants like Prozac and Wellbutrin do for emotional stability and mood enhancement, but without the harsh chemical side effects.
By releasing bioavailable L-Dopa into the bloodstream, taking Mucuna for depression boosts overall levels of dopamine, serotonin, and other vital hormones. It can also improve sexual health and support improved energy levels.
Let’s find out how this simple nootropic supplement works to help patients who are suffering from symptoms of depression.



- Elevates dopamine & norepinephrine
- Boosts mood, focus & motivation
- Improves stress response & libido
Mucuna Pruriens for Depression
Related Topics
Long before pharmaceutical corporations starting making and marketing prescription anti-depressants in the 1940s, tribal cultures had already found countless solutions for mental health problems, growing right out of the ground.
Humans have consumed plant-based medicinals like Mucuna Pruriens for depression symptoms for countless centuries.
The tall, shrub-like plant, found in various tropical climates in India, Africa, and the Caribbean, is known to produce a mood-brightening energy boost similar to a highly amplified cup of coffee.
Traditional cultures harvested the seeds of this plant, also known as the velvet bean, and used them in coffee or tea. Not only was Mucuna found to enhance energy and lift the spirits, it also made a potent remedy for a variety of other physical issues, such as snakebite, muscle problems, and menstrual pain.
Now, scientists have learned why extracts of the plant have such incredible medicinal value – it is loaded with L-Dopa, the amino acid found in our bodies which is a pre-cursor to dopamine, and a host of other neurochemicals such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Each seed of the plant can contain as much as 100 or more micrograms of L-Dopa. Once again, nature has provided potent solutions to promote our total well-being.
The Effects of L-Dopa
Once Mucuna Pruriens is consumed, it easily breaks down into its constituent parts, one of which is L-Dopa. L-Dopa is a naturally occurring amino acid. It is bioavailable and able to cross the blood brain barrier.
L-Dopa is able to directly affect the central nervous system by boosting output of dopamine, the chemical responsible for sensory stimulation, physical pleasure, and bursts of euphoria.
Serotonin, a famous mood regulator, is also released, along with adrenaline. The combination of these elements makes taking Mucuna Pruriens for depression a natural therapy.
Modern Medical Use of Mucuna
Mucuna’s other main use to date has been as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. It is thought that a lack of dopamine has caused impaired motor ability, rigidity, and slowing cognitive abilities in these patients. Dopamine itself is not bioavailable and cannot easily be supplemented.
However, L-Dopa can boost dopamine levels inside the brain. It has been shown to bring relief to Parkinson’s symptoms and generate enhanced mobility and clearer thoughts. While the typical nootropic user will never have to face symptoms as serious as Parkinson’s, the same benefits can be applied to a healthy mind.
Mucuna and L-Dopa help to improve motor control, response to stimuli and touch, and excellent mood enhancement and mental energy.
Benefits of Taking Mucuna Pruriens for Depression
Depression symptoms can range from light to severe. As many as 40 million people in the U.S. may suffer from some type of anxiety or depression disorder.
They may experience lethargy, hopelessness, trouble eating and sleeping, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, chronic pain, headaches and a host of secondary medical conditions which arise as a result of being depressed.
Dopamine, by way of taking an L-Dopa supplement like Mucuna Pruriens for depression, addresses the key chemical source of many of these symptoms.
By balancing hormone levels in the brain, Mucuna can stop depression symptoms before they start, lifting mood overall, reintroducing feelings of joy and control, and making stress more manageable. What’s the best dosage to achieve these effects?
For most people, as little as 100 mg per day is enough to lift mood and shift the balance away from depression. Doses up to 500 mg (but not exceeding 1 gram) are widely recommended for most symptoms. Side effects will remain light or completely non-existent as long as these dosages are followed.
Mucuna is also known to improve sexual health and desire, the loss of which can be a root cause of depression for some people. With mental clarity and natural energy, depression sufferers can find the peace and space to address important issues in their lives in a healthy, productive manner.
Supplements to Use with Mucuna Pruriens
Many people have combined Mucuna successfully with other mood enhancers, anxiolytics and nootropic supplements. One common pairing is to use it together with 5-HTP to help reduce anxiety and feelings of stress.
Mucuna works well stacked with racetams like Noopept or Aniracetam. Its euphoric, high energy quality harmonizes well with the cognitive enhancing benefits of these other supplements.
Overall, taking Mucuna Pruriens for depression on its own or in combination with these other supplement will be effective tools in the fight against emotional imbalance.
- Champatisingh D, Sahu PK, Pal A, Nanda GS. Anticataleptic and antiepileptic activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Mucuna pruriens: A study on role of dopaminergic system in epilepsy in albino rats. Indian J Pharmacol. 2011
- Chukwudi NH, Simeon O, Chinyere AJ. Analysis of some biochemical and haematological parameters for Mucuna pruriens (DC) seed powder in male rats. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2011
- Lampariello LR, Cortelazzo A, Guerranti R, Sticozzi C, Valacchi G. The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens. J Tradit Complement Med. 2012
- Vaidya AB, Rajagopalan TG, Mankodi NA, Antarkar DS, Tathed PS, Purohit AV, Wadia NH. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with the cowhage plant-Mucuna pruriens Bak. Neurol India. 1978
- Tripathi YB, Upadhyay AK. Effect of the alcohol extract of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens on free radicals and oxidative stress in albino rats. Phytother Res. 2002
- Katzenschlager R, Evans A, Manson A, Patsalos PN, Ratnaraj N, Watt H, Timmermann L, Van der Giessen R, Lees AJ. Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004
- Donati D, Lampariello LR, Pagani R, Guerranti R, Cinci G, Marinello E. Antidiabetic oligocyclitols in seeds of Mucuna pruriens. Phytother Res. 2005
- Suresh S, Prithiviraj E, Lakshmi NV, Ganesh MK, Ganesh L, Prakash S. Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage in epididymal sperm of streptozotocin induced diabetic rat. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013
Article last updated on: March 31st, 2018 by Nootriment