Mucuna: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Neurological

Mucuna pruriens, rich in L-DOPA (3% to 7%), shows promising benefits in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Clinical research has demonstrated that Mucuna increases serum L-DOPA concentrations in Parkinson's patients, which may contribute to a significant improvement in their symptoms. Mucuna has been found to be twice as effective as synthetic L-DOPA in reducing motor disturbances in Parkinsonian rats, and in humans it acts more rapidly due to better bioavailability while also offering a longer duration of action. This efficacy is reinforced by the presence of other constituents such as ubiquinone and NADH, which are antioxidants that help increase mitochondrial respiration and complex I activity of the respiratory chain, both essential in the disease's pathophysiology. Additionally, Mucuna offers protection against oxidative DNA damage, which is exacerbated in Parkinson's patients by elevated levels of divalent copper in the brain. Its ability to chelate copper and iron ions plays a crucial role in protecting the brain from oxidizing species.

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Hormone metabolism

Mucuna pruriens plays a significant role in improving male fertility through its multiple hormonal actions. In men with fertility problems, consumption of Mucuna pruriens has been shown to restore antioxidant enzymes, thereby directly improving sperm quality. This plant also promotes a significant increase in levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are crucial for stimulating spermatogenesis. In addition to its effects on testosterone and LH, Mucuna pruriens reduces levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), whose increase is often associated with damage to the seminiferous tubules, negatively affecting sperm production. Another important mechanism of action is the reduction of prolactin, a hormone whose elevated levels are linked to fertility problems in men.

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Hypoglycemic

Mucuna pruriens has demonstrated promising hypoglycemic effects in animal studies. These studies suggest that Mucuna may not only reduce blood glucose levels but also potentially slow the development of diabetic nephropathy, a common complication of diabetes that affects the kidneys. The plant is rich in essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper, which could play a role in stimulating insulin production or through the action of insulin-mimetic compounds naturally present in the plant. In addition, research in animal models of type 1 diabetes has shown that Mucuna pruriens may help protect pancreatic islet beta cells from destruction, suggesting immunosuppressive effects that could be beneficial in managing autoimmune diabetes.

Anxiolytic

A recent study revealed that Mucuna pruriens seeds may have beneficial effects in the treatment of depression. The researchers administered a hydroalcoholic extract of Mucuna at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg to mice and found a significant reduction in immobility time in the forced swim and tail suspension tests, indicating an antidepressant effect. This effect appears to be related to an interaction with the dopaminergic system, as the effect was attenuated by haloperidol, a dopamine antagonist, and enhanced by bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist. Moreover, treatment with Mucuna improved the behavior of mice subjected to moderate chronic stress, as evidenced by increased consumption of a sucrose solution, suggesting an attenuation of depressive symptoms.