Mucuna pruriens

Mucuna pruriens, often referred to as velvet bean, is a plant known from traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it is valued for its revitalizing and psychoactive effects. This climbing shrub, which can grow up to 15 metres tall, is native to tropical regions of India, Africa and Asia. The name already indicates that the useful part of the plant is the beans hidden in the pods, which are covered with fine prickly hairs. It is these pods that give the plant its name 'velvet bean'.

The hairs covering the pods are unpleasant to the touch and in most cases irritate the skin of humans. The inaccessibility of these pods is also reflected in the Sanskrit name Mucuna - atmaguptawhich means 'secret self' and refers to the plant's hidden potential - its bean, shrouded in a difficult-to-access layer. However, these hairs fall off over time and the fruit becomes more accessible.

HISTORY

Mucuna has a rich history of use across cultures. In Ayurveda, it has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac, a remedy for neurodegenerative diseases and poisons, such as snakebites and scorpion bites. In Amazonia, it was administered to relieve hand tremors, treat infertility and digestive problems. In Central America and Mexico it served as an alternative to coffee, known as "Nescafé Inca". In Indonesia, the fruit is used to make tempeh, called "tempe benguk". It is evident that the vast majority of the indigenous cultures of our planet have used Mucuna either as a medicinal remedy or as a food.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, it symbolizes yang energy - masculine strength, potency and focus, but it also contains yin properties, i.e. nourishing and regenerating energy.

Nowadays, it is becoming popular in the West thanks to its content of L-dopa, a precursor of dopamine, which is considered an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

CHEMISTRY

Mucuna is rich in bioactive substances:

• L-dopa - a precursor to dopamine that promotes motivation, concentration, learning and physical performance. It is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, ADHD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
• Serotonin and its precursor 5-hydroxy-tryptamine(5-HTP) - promoting good mood and proper sleep biorhythm.
• Tryptamine alkaloids - contains trace amounts of substances such as N,N-DMT, bufotenin and 5-MeO-DMT, which may support pineal gland function.
• Minerals and protein - beans contain up to 27% protein and a range of minerals, including magnesium and selenium.
• Other substances - saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids and nicotinic acid, which promote overall vitality.

EFFECTS

Thanks to its high L-dopa content, Mucuna supports the production of dopamine, which regulates the functions of our consciousness, biorhythm and sleep. It determines how we perceive pleasure and pleasure. This action is also supported by the presence of serotonin and its precursor 5-HTP in the plant.

L-dopa also increases testosterone levels, thereby positively affecting libido, fertility and sperm quality. According to studies, regular use of Mucuna increased sperm count in men and promoted sperm motility. Thus, the plant can serve as a supportive agent in the treatment of male infertility. However, the aphrodisiac effects of Mucuna are available to both sexes.

Mucuna acts as a tonic and harmonising agent of the nervous system. It reduces stress and anxiety. It is even referred to as "heart-opening medicine" by indigenous tribes.

MUCUNA AND ITS PSYCHOSPIRITUAL EFFECTS

Mucuna contains trace amounts of known tryptamine psychedelic substances such as N,N-DMT, 5-Meo-DMT and bufotenin, which are found e.g. in Ayahuasca or the frog Bufo Alvarius.

Although the percentage of these substances in the plant is minimal and does not reach the levels needed to induce a psychedelic experience, Mucuna can be said to influence and expand consciousness in some way. Indigenous cultures therefore considered the plant to be a "plant teacher" used in various spiritual traditions and rituals.

Currently, Mucuna has been described as a "pineal gland boosting plant" or a plant that activates the higher functions of the pineal gland, a gland located in the middle of our brain, often associated with spiritual experiences. This phenomenon is probably due to the fact that all of the mentioned tryptamine psychedelics, including serotonin and its precursor 5-HTP, are present in the Mucuna and at the same time these substances are synthesized by the human body in the pineal gland. One could then say that taking in these substances from the outside through the consumption of the Mucuna could somehow connect this center where these substances are originally produced...and activate it. Higher pineal function may lead to more vivid dreams, greater creativity and a deeper connection to the self. Such experiences are reported by regular users of Mucuna, as well as general mood improvement, stress reduction, better quality sleep, and increased clarity of mind.

CONTRAINDICATIONS, SAFETY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF MUCUNA

Due to the high content of L-dopa, which stimulates dopamine production , Mucuna should be taken with discretion. Excessive stimulation with dopamine can interfere with its natural production and negatively affect the psyche. We consider extracts with a higher content of L-dopa to be suitable primarily for therapeutic use in individuals with disorders characterized by insufficient dopamine production in the brain, such as Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. The original form, a full-spectrum powder, is then more suitable for healthy individuals for overall body health support and as a tonic for the body, mind and reproductive system.

People with glaucoma, cardiac arrhythmias, stomach ulcers or psychoses should avoid taking Mucuna. Combination with MAOI inhibitors is also inappropriate.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

The recommended daily dose is 1 teaspoon (approx. 3 g) of bean powder. Can be added to smoothies, cacao or other drinks.

COMBINATION

Mucuna is suitable to combine with other adaptogens such as Ashwagandha, Maca, Cacao and medicinal mushrooms.

To support the functioning of the pineal gland (the so-called third eye), the combination with Blue Water Lily is suitable.

To support the stimulating effects, the combination with Cocoa and Clover is suitable.

OTHER RESOURCES AND STUDIES

Mucuna and the treatment of ADHD - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3035600/

Mucuna and improved sleep quality - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3388003/

Mucuna and Parkinson's Disease - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15548480/