15 Science-Backed Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Mucuna pruriens is a leguminous plant that is native to the region of Africa and East Asia. The plant is also commonly known as monkey tamarind or velvet beans, and they are the only beans that have rightfully earned the title of magic beans. It has been found to offer numerous health benefits, including increased testosterone levels, improved fertility in men, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced mood and cognitive function, support for Parkinson's disease management, healthy sperm count and motility, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, healthy libido and sexual function, and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

These benefits of mucuna pruriens make it a promising herb for supporting overall health and wellness. It is available in every form, including capsules, powder, creams, and gels. Studies on Mucuna pruriens show that the herb is safe to use and can greatly benefit your skin, mind, and surroundings! Read along to find out more about these magic beans.

Health Benefits of Eating Mucuna Pruriens Seeds

The amazing herb has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and has been found to offer a wide range of health benefits. Following are the many ways Mucuna Pruriens can improve your health and overall well-being.

1. Boosts Dopamine levels

One of the most important benefits of Mucuna pruriens is the presence of the chemical constituent L-dopa in the plant extract. L-dopa is a precursor in the synthesis of Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for giving us a sense of pleasure. Dopamine levels rise when we accomplish a goal, complete a task, listen to music or even perform an exercise. High dopamine levels boost your mood and make you happier throughout the day. Dopamine is also actively involved in various chemical activities such as arousal, motor control, and maintaining attention. An imbalance in the levels of Dopamine leads to a condition known as Parkinson's disease.

2. Treatment for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is characterized by damage to the nerves that produce the hormone, Dopamine. Inadequate levels of Dopamine in the circulation lead to impairment in memory, movements, and muscle stiffness. Thus external synthetic Dopamine must be administered to patients with Parkinson's. However, long-term use of synthetic Dopamine leads to several side effects. Studies have shown that taking velvet beans as supplements is a much safer source of Dopamine with fewer side effects and is effective in the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's. 

Also Read: Parkinson's disease FAQ

3. Treatment for ADHD

Dopamine is used as the first line of treatment for ADHD. Dopamine improves focus and attention and helps reduce the signs of ADHD. Since Mucuna pruriens is a good source of the dopamine precursor L-dopa, it is inherently used in treating disease conditions requiring external Dopamine in safe concentrations. Taking Mucuna supplements has been shown to improve the symptoms of ADHD.

4. Treats Male Infertility

Dopamine is responsible for arousal in both men and women. Dopamine also triggers neurotransmitters that stimulate sexual behavior and enhance libido in men. The supplements of Mucuna Pruriens are also observed to increase sperm count and increase sperm motility. In addition, the supplement also boosts the levels of testosterone in men. 

Also Read: What Is Infertility? Does Age Play a Role In It?

5. Controls blood sugar levels

Substantial research studies prove that consuming Mucuna Pruriens reduces plasma glucose levels. A chemical component called D-chiro-inositol in these beans controls glucose metabolism and helps regulate healthy glucose levels in the blood. More research is being carried out to determine the safety profile of this herb for use as an antidiabetic medicine. 

Also Read: How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide

6. Natural Aphrodisiac 

Mucuna Pruriens is a natural aphrodisiac that stimulates the release of testosterone, enhances sexual libido, and increases sex drive. Benefits of mucuna pruriens also include enhancing blood circulation in the genitals, promoting a healthy performance and strengthening and toning the sexual glands. 

7. AIDS Digestion

Velvet beans are known to cause smooth muscle contractions in the gut that aids in digestion. The contractions improve digestion, release the digested food slowly to the large intestines and even promote healthy bowel movements. Taking Mucuna Pruriens can benefit those who suffer from constipation. 

Also Read: How to Maintain a Healthy Bladder and Bowel

8. Keeps Parasites Away

The leaves of Mucuna Pruriens have antibacterial properties, while the seeds of the plant have antimicrobial properties. Using the leaves can keep parasites such as lice, cockroaches, and insects away from your household items. Phenols and tannins in the bean extract contribute to the antibacterial properties of the beans.

9. Natural Anti-Aging Solution

Antioxidants reduce cellular stress and protect skin cells from aging and dying. They also prevent protein damage and also protect the DNA strands from breaking. Since Mucuna Pruriens beans are loaded with antioxidants, their extracts are used in skin care gels and face creams to help prevent the occurrence of signs of aging, which usually occurs when the skin cells are exposed to damaging sun rays, radiation, and pollution. 

10. Improves Sleep

Taking supplements of Mucuna pruriens significantly improves sleep patterns. This is because it contains several chemicals that boost mood and reduce overall mental stress. The mind and body are both relaxed to give a sense of relaxation to you. This, in turn, helps you sleep faster and longer, not to forget, and gives you a deep, sound slumber. 

11. Counters snake venom

Snake venom contains poisonous toxins that trigger the release of neurotoxins, cardiotoxins, and cytotoxins that are extremely harmful to the nerves, heart, and cells and can cause death if not countered immediately. Anti-venom is typically a substance that can counter the effects of the poison and prevent damage and death to the body. The seeds of Mucuna Pruriens were used in traditional medicine as a prophylactic anti-venom medicine. Traditional medicine even claims that swallowing the seeds of velvet beans can protect you from snake bites for a year. 

12. Reduces frequency of seizures 

Consuming supplements of Mucuna Pruriens is shown to reduce the frequency of occurrence of seizures. It helps relax rigid muscles, controls the electrical signals in the brain, and may control seizures in an epileptic patient. 

Also Read: Early Warning Signs of a Seizure

13. Gives smooth skin

This is quite evident because velvet beans contain so many antioxidants and minerals. The plant extract is used in several creams and skincare products that improve the skin's texture. Patients with psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema can benefit from using these skin creams. 

Also Read: 13 best eczema creams in 2023

14. High in Nutrients

These magic beans contain many essential chemical constituents that provide many health benefits. The beans contain 30% proteins and essential amino acids. They also contain healthy fatty acids such as linoleic acid. They are packed with antioxidants and minerals that boost the texture of the skin and hair follicles. They also contain D-chiro-inositol, a chemical that helps manage diabetes and PCOS. 

15. Reduces Stress

Another wonder of the velvet beans is that they are natural adaptogens, which means they have a unique set of chemical constituents that act on the adrenal glands and control the release of cortisol. Low cortisol levels in the blood reduce stress, while high cortisol levels help us cope with stress. These beans help regulate this crucial hormone and reduce stress as a supplement. 

Caution to take while taking Mucuna Pruriens

Naturally available L-dopa is a savior for patients who cannot synthesize this chemical. However, increased levels of L-dopa may also put some people at risk. Caution must be taken while considering taking Mucuna Pruriens supplement since it may,

• Increase the blood pressure of patients with heart conditions.
• Glaucoma in patients with diabetes or high blood pressure. 
• Lead to psychosis, especially in patients already diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health illnesses. 

Conclusion 

Mucuna Pruriens is an all-around plant known for its several proven benefits. From treating Parkinson's to enhancing well-being, velvet beans do it all. It is a natural source of several chemicals synthesized in the body. The beans are safe to ingest, and the benefits far outweigh any rare side effects observed. When using it to treat Parkinson's disease, speak to your doctor about Mucuna Pruriens benefits over traditional allopathic medicines.