In the UK, Mucuna Pruriens is sold as a dietary supplement and a raw herbal extract powder to promote energy levels, mood, weight loss and sexual function. It is available to purchase without a prescription from a number of online retailers.
Under UK law, Mucuna extract is regulated as a Food Supplement by the Department of Health. Supplements are defined as “a concentrated source of a vitamin, mineral or other substance with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone, or in combination, sold in dose form.”
Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans, dopa beans, cowitch) is a vining leguminous plant that thrives in the tropical regions of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It has been used as a versatile therapeutic agent from the traditional Ayurvedic medicine system since before 1000 BCE.
In the UK, M. pruriens is sometimes used as a treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (kampavata). Use of Mucuna pruriens in the UK is also popular for its prosexual, hormone balancing and mood enhancing properties.



- Elevates dopamine & norepinephrine
- Boosts mood, focus & motivation
- Improves stress response & libido
Using Mucuna Pruriens in the UK
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According to reviews of mucuna pruriens users in the UK, supplementing with this herbal extract may also have positive effects on energy levels, mental clarity, libido, stress and fat/lean mass ratios.
Most users of this supplement take it for nootropic or mental performance enhancement purposes and to elevate mood and alleviate feelings of anxiety. However, the majority of research into this supplement has focused on the therapeutic use for treating Parkinson’s disease, anti-aging effects and for increasing testosterone levels in men.
There is relatively little human research into the effects of mucuna pruriens available. While the long history of traditional use is often pointed to as evidence of its safety, more research is needed to establish the risk of side effects
Mucuna extract is generally well tolerated when used in appropriate dosages for short periods of time. However, the high levels of natural L-dopa (levodopa, levodopamine) contained in the seeds of this herb could cause side effects at very high dosages or when used for longer durations.
It is important to discuss supplementation with your doctor and follow manufacturer’s dosing recommendations.
Mucuna Pruriens for Elevating Dopamine Levels
Mucuna pruriens is a natural dopamine-boosting supplement. It is a source of L-dopa, which is the precursor to dopamine production in the brain.
Unlike other dopamine boosters, such as L-Tyrosine or L-Phenylalanine, the L-dopa found within mucuna seed extract is not rate-limited for crossing the blood-brain barrier.
This means that it elevates dopamine levels in the brain faster and to a greater degree than if you were to use L-Tyrosine or L-Phenylalanine supplements. This can result in an increased in positive effects, such as better mood and improved concentration, but it could also increase the possible side effects linked to increased dopamine level.
Dopamine serves a variety of biological and psychological roles in humans. Low dopamine levels are associated with a number of adverse health conditions. Naturopathic physicians in the UK may suggest Mucuna pruriens to treat Parkinson’s disease, RLS (restless leg syndrome), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and schizophrenia.
Dopamine is manufactured via L-dopa, largely in the substantia nigra. In the case of Parkinson’s, the dopamine-secreting neurons in the substantia nigra degenerate to the point where they can no longer secrete adequate amounts of this neurotransmitter to properly regulate muscle movement.
Roles of Dopamine in the Body and Brain:
The following are some of the functions of the neurotransmitter dopamine:
- Modulates reward stimulated behaviors;
- Accommodates primary neurotransmission in the CNS;
- Regulates motor control and movement fluidity;
- Controls the secretion rates of certain other hormones, including prolactin;
- Causes vasodilation of blood vessels and impedes norepinephrine release;
- Increases urine output and sodium elimination from the kidneys;
- Reduces pancreatic insulin synthesis and secretion;
- Protects mucosa in the intestines and slows down gastrointestinal motility;
- Reduces lymphocytic activity in the immune system;
Supplementation of Mucuna pruriens may help patients to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s and other low-dopamine conditions by naturally elevating L-dopa levels. The natural levodopa sourced from M. pruriens has been clinically shown to act stronger, faster and with significantly less expense than synthetic levodopa.
However, it is important to note that Mucuna pruriens is not approved in the UK as a medicine and should not be taken for any medical condition, unless under the guidance of a physician.
Mucuna Pruriens for Male Sexual Performance
There are record high numbers of middle-aged and elderly men who are using TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) in the UK.
While TRTs may be effective at elevating levels of this male sexual hormone, they are also linked to a high rate of side effects; including vision loss, hearing loss, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, heart arrhythmias, stroke and more.
Mucuna pruriens use has also been found to naturally elevate testosterone in the following manner:
- The hypothalamus releases PRH (prolactin releasing hormone).
- This stimulates the pituitary to release prolactin.
- Increased prolactin release stimulates decreased testosterone synthesis in testicular Leydig cells.
- Natural L-dopa from Mucuna pruriens results in increased dopamine synthesis in the substantia nigra.
- Increased dopamine initiates release of PIF (prolactin inhibitory factor).
- Decreased prolactin production/secretion increases levels of testosterone.
In research studies, mucuna extract has been found to improve male sexual health, fertility, semen quality and act as an aphrodisiac.
Effects of Mucuna Pruriens
There are a number of additional phytonutrient constituents found in velvet bean extracts other than levodopa.
In clinical experimentation, Mucuna pruriens supplementation in the UK has demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, vasodilatory, aphrodisiacal and other properties. Some of the potential therapeutic uses for velvet bean extracts include:
- Reducing blood-glucose spikes after eating meals;
- Combating aging by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS);
- Natural remedy for dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders;
- Treating symptoms associated with male infertility and erectile dysfunction;
- Balancing catecholamine levels in the semen and the blood;
- Improving fat and protein metabolism;
- Decreasing cortisol levels, especially in chronically stressed men;
Conclusions
Velvet bean extract is a popular natural dopamine booster. As a source of L-dopa, research shows that it may improve symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Mucuna pruriens use may also modulate hormone levels, improve lipid profiles, enhance glucose utilization, fight free radical damages, improve sexual dysfunction and increase mitochondrial energy synthesis. Many UK residents take mucuna extract to boost mood and focus.
Although velvet beans have been used traditionally for thousands of years, there is relatively little clinical research available to establish the safety or risk of side effects form using this supplement. The L-dopa content of this extract could interact with certain pharmaceutical drugs or cause adverse effects at high dosages if used for long periods of time.
It is best to speak with your doctor before you decide to buy mucuna pruriens supplements in the UK to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you. Other options for dopamine-boosting supplements include L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine.
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Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment