Our super herb of the week, Mucuna Pruriens, most well known as the ‘velvet bean,’ is an ancient Indian medicinal herb. It was originally grown in southern China and eastern India and is now cultivated throughout the tropics.
Also known as the dopa bean, the velvet bean contains high levels of L-DOPA. In fact, according to a study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, the velvet bean is a major source for commercially extracting pure L-dopa, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
For thousands of years the velvet bean has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen to lower stress, reduce anxiety, improve focus, boost libido and improve mood.
Traditional Use
In the Himalayas and Mauritius, green pods and mature beans from Mucuna pruriens were traditionally boiled and eaten. Meanwhile, in Guatemala and Mexico, beans were roasted, ground and consumed as a coffee substitute known as “Nescafé.” Today Mucuna Pruriens is available in the form of powder and capsules.
Ultimately, the benefits of Mucuna pruriens are only supported by limited, low-quality clinical studies. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Mucuna Pruriens for any of the above-listed uses. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking Mucuna pruriens supplements. Mucuna should never be used as a replacement for approved medical therapies.
Have you used our super herb of the week, the velvet bean? What was your experience?
