Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean)
Hormone & Libido Support
Overview
- Mucuna pruriens, commonly called velvet bean, is a tropical legume.
- Its seeds and sprouts contain bioactive compounds, most notably the amino‑acid‑derived alkaloid L‑DOPA.
- Historically used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and neuro‑supportive herb.
- Modern research focuses on its ability to modulate dopamine pathways, antioxidant defenses, and muscle metabolism.
- It is a popular ingredient in nutraceuticals aimed at brain health, mood balance, and physical performance.
Chemistry
- Principal Alkaloid: L‑DOPA, with the molecular formula C₉H₁₁NO₄, molecular weight 197.19 g mol⁻¹, and IUPAC name (S)-2-amino-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid.
- Structure: It is a catechol‑containing α‑amino acid featuring a phenolic ring and a primary amine.
- Additional Compounds: M. pruriens also contains L‑tryptophan (C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂) and flavonoids such as quercetin (C₁₅H₁₀O₇).
- Seed Coat Content: The plant’s seed coat contains L‑DOPA‑glycosides, which are hydrolyzed in the gut to release free L‑DOPA.
- Chemical Properties: The presence of both catechol and amine groups confers high affinity for aromatic amino‑acid transporters and facilitates rapid oxidation to quinones.
Sources & Quality
- Cultivation: Velvet bean is cultivated primarily in tropical regions of India, Thailand, and Brazil.
- Supplement Production: Commercial supplements are usually derived from dried, de‑seeded, and pulverized beans.
- Extraction: Followed by aqueous or ethanol extraction to concentrate L‑DOPA (often standardized to 45–55 % L‑DOPA).
- Manufacturing Practices: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities employ solvent‑recovery and low‑temperature spray‑drying to preserve catechol integrity.
- Quality Control: High‑quality products are verified by HPLC‑UV or LC‑MS for L‑DOPA content, heavy‑metal limits (Pb <10 ppm, Cd <5 ppm) and absence of microbial contaminants (cfu <10³ CFU/g).
- Preferred Sources: Certified organic or “non‑GMO” sources are preferred for reduced pesticide exposure.
- Formulation: Freeze‑drying and microencapsulation are increasingly used to improve stability and bioavailability in capsule or powder formats.
Where to Buy Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean)
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