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Mucuna pruriens, which is also known as “cowhage,” is commonly used in folk medicine to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as some other ailments. Mucuna contains L-DOPA, which is the natural precursor to dopamine.
Some people also use Mucuna pruriens for testosterone supplementation. There is a direct link between elevated dopamine levels and increased synthesis of testosterone.
Higher dopamine levels can result in upregulation of androgen receptors, increased GnRH release in the hypothalamus of the brain, as well as a suppression of prolactin release. This supplement has also been shown to boost human growth hormone levels.
The use of mucuna extract as a testosterone-booster may support increased muscle gains, improved sex drive, improved sperm quality and lower cortisol levels. There may also be additional benefits for men’s sexual health and wellness.
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About Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens is a bean-like plant found in tropical locations. The plant is common in the Bahamas and India, but it can also be found in some parts of southern Florida.
Various parts of the plant are used to make supplements and medications, including the hair of the bean pod and the bean itself. The seed pods of this bean are one of the few natural plant sources of L-DOPA.
In Ayurvedic medicine, these substances are commonly used as an oral treatment for Parkinson’s disease, parasitic infections, hyperprolactinemia, arthritis and anxiety.
Mucuna pruriens may also be used as an aphrodisiac, an analgesic and a fever remedy. Finally, some people have used this substance as a nootropic for enhanced focus, motivation and mental alertness.
Does Mucuna Pruriens Increase Testosterone?
Research indicates that Mucuna pruriens may have an effect on the body’s testosterone level. One particular Mucuna pruriens testosterone study was published in a journal entitled “Fertility and Sterility” in 2008.
This study evaluated the effects of treatment with Mucuna pruriens on the testosterone levels of 75 men undergoing infertility screening and treatment. The study found that treatment with Mucuna pruriens led to a significant increase in testosterone levels, as well as noradrenaline, adrenaline and other hormonal markers.
Furthermore, the study also found that Mucuna pruriens increases dopamine levels in the blood, which provides additional support for the production of testosterone.
Based on the evidence in this study, it seems that Mucuna pruriens could be an effective testosterone booster.
Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for Men
Using Mucuna pruriens for testosterone levels in men can be beneficial in a number of ways. Some of the effects men taking Mucuna pruriens for testosterone may notice include:
Better cardiovascular health – Low testosterone levels have been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Raising testosterone levels may decrease these risks.
Enhanced libido – Multiple studies have confirmed a link between testosterone and libido. When testosterone is low, sexual desire is more likely to be low as well. Raising testosterone levels may improve sexual desire.
Improved fertility – Testosterone also plays an important role in male fertility. Low levels of testosterone can cause problems with fertility, especially among men with other hormonal disturbances. Mucuna pruriens raises testosterone levels, which may improve fertility as well.
In addition to the effects above, raising testosterone levels has also been linked to greater muscle mass and lower fat concentrations. For this reason, Mucuna extract has also been used for raising testosterone in bodybuilders and other athletic individuals.
Dosage Recommendations for Mucuna Pruriens
Studies investigating safe dosages of Mucuna pruriens for raising testosterone levels have been limited.
However, in one study, a dosage of 5 mg of Mucuna pruriens was administered in a single dose with milk daily for three months.
Studies have also used up to 30 g of a raw Mucuna pruriens preparation for up to one week in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Keep in mind that no standardization procedure exists for preparations of Mucuna pruriens, so the amount of active ingredient in each preparation may vary considerably.
Side Effects of Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens has been linked to very few side effects, but it has a limited research history in humans. There is a potential for side effects if it is used for long periods of time or at high dosages.
In most cases, the substance causes only mild gastrointestinal discomfort. In isolated cases, the drug has also caused acute toxic psychosis.
Mucuna pruriens may interact with several other drugs, however. Taking Mucuna pruriens in combination with these drugs may lead to adverse effects. Some of the drugs known to interact include:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Methyldopa
- Guanethedine
- Antipsychotic medications
- Antidiabetes drugs
- Anesthesia
The most severe reactions may occur when Mucuna pruriens is used with MAOIs, methyldopa or antipsychotic drugs. All other potential reactions are considered moderate.
Mucuna pruriens may also interact with some herbs and supplements, including willow bark, fenugreek, ginger, bitter melon and any other supplement that lowers blood sugar levels.
In addition, taking Vitamin B6 or kava may limit the effects of Mucuna pruriens on dopamine levels, which could impede the effects on testosterone synthesis. However, no research studies have examined this link.
Using Mucuna Pruriens Safely
When used in accordance with doctor and packaging recommendations for no more than 20 weeks at a time, most oral preparations of Mucuna pruriens are considered reasonably safe.
Mucuna Beanpod hairs used orally or topically, however, are considered possibly unsafe because of their potential to act as irritants. It is important to select supplements that only provide an extract from the seed pod of this plant.
The safety of Mucuna pruriens for children, pregnant women and lactating women has not yet been investigated. Thus, it should be avoided until more is known.
Always consult a physician before using Mucuna pruriens for testosterone levels or for any other purpose.
Avoid using this substance if you have a history of psychiatric disease, peptic ulcers, melanoma, liver disease, hypoglycemia, diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Discontinue the use of this supplement at least two weeks before undergoing a surgical procedure.
- Shukla KK1, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, Shankhwar SN, Rajender S, Jaiswar SP. Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Fertil Steril. 2008.
- Sharma R, Oni O, Gupta K, Chen G, Sharma M, Dawn B, Parashara D, Savin V, Ambrose J, Barua R. Normalization of testosterone level is associated with reduced incidence of myocardial infarction and mortality in men. European Heart Journal. 2015.
- Wein H. Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men. National Institutes of Health. 2013.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Do you see a problem with stacking mucuna pruriens, 5htp and l-tyrosine?
Why should you not take mucuna with liver problems?
Thanks
Mike
Hi,
I take Mucuna pruriens in the morning with l-tyrosine first thing on a empty stomach! U have to be hungry too, and wait a couple hours for your stomach to process this before eating. This is important as you want the synergy of these two working together. I do alot of intermediate fasting now due to this Dopa reward, so I don’t mind skipping breakfast once in a while now. Actually a lot of people become non responders quickly to l-tyrosine and the only way to get any effect back from it is to mix with mucuna!
Take 5HTP at night and call it a day.
Mucuna Pruriens, NALT Tyrosine, 5HTP = Great Combo
Even when you do this regular tyrosine sucks and doesn’t do a damn thing. NALT on the other hand with mucuna is way, way better. Any Amino Acid you can buy that is AycetL is way better.