Research

Mucuna Pruriens

25 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

0
Meta-analyses
2
Systematic reviews
11
RCTs
12
Other studies
Systematic reviews (8%)
RCTs (44%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Parkinson's Disease·Fatima Hammoud, Ali Ismail, Reem Zaher, et al

Mucuna pruriens Treatment for Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Systematic reviewBrain Health

Systematic review of clinical trials investigating Mucuna pruriens as an alternative treatment for Parkinson's disease. Mucuna pruriens contains L-dopa and is noted for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiparkinsonian properties, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for PD.

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2022·Current neuropharmacology·Wiesner Agnieszka, Paśko Paweł, Kujawska Małgorzata

How to Optimize the Effectiveness and Safety of Parkinson's Disease Therapy? - A Systematic Review of Drugs Interactions with Food and Dietary Supplements.

Systematic review

Systematic review of 81 studies examining interactions between Parkinson's disease drugs and food or dietary supplements. Found positive interactions of levodopa with coffee, fiber, and vitamin C, and negative effects from high-protein diet and ferrous sulfate supplements. Recommendations for drug intake regarding food are provided.

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2025·Journal of Parkinson's disease·Roberto Cilia, Momodou Cham, Vida Obese, et al

in untreated Parkinson's disease in sub-Saharan Africa: A 12-month, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

RCTn = 32Brain Health

A 12-month, multicenter, randomized, open-label phase 2 trial comparing mucuna pruriens (MP) powder to standard levodopa-decarboxylase inhibitor (LD + DDCI) in 32 untreated Parkinson's disease patients. MP powder improved quality of life, motor and non-motor symptoms, showing similar outcomes to LD + DDCI. Adverse events were more frequent with MP but mostly mild.

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2025·Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)·Thanatat Boonmongkol, Onanong Phokaewvarangkul, Sornkanok Vimolmangkang, et al

Comparative efficacy of Mucuna pruriens and conventional levodopa in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial on pharmacokinetics and clinical perspectives from Asia.

RCTn = 11

This randomized, single-blind, crossover trial compared the pharmacokinetics, clinical outcomes, and safety of Mucuna pruriens powder against levodopa/benserazide dispersible tablets in Parkinson's disease patients with motor complications. Mucuna pruriens demonstrated significantly higher overall drug exposure and provided a longer ON state without dyskinesia compared to levodopa DT, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment.

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2024·PloS one·Kordula Lang-Illievich, Christoph Klivinyi, Heike Schulze-Bauer, et al

The effect of photobiomodulation on histamine and Mucuna pruriens-induced pruritus, hyperknesis and alloknesis in healthy volunteers: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study.

RCTn = 17

Double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) on pruritus, hyperknesis, and alloknesis induced by histamine and Mucuna pruriens in healthy volunteers. LLLT reduced histamine-induced symptoms but was ineffective against Mucuna pruriens-induced pruritus.

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2008·Fertility and sterility·Kamla Kant Shukla, Abbas Ali Mahdi, Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad, et al

Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.

RCTn = 150Sexual Health Hormone Health

Prospective study on the effects of Mucuna pruriens on male infertility. Treatment improved testosterone, LH, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline levels, and reduced FSH and PRL levels in infertile men. Sperm count and motility were significantly recovered after treatment.

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2007·Fertility and sterility·Mohammad Kaleem Ahmad, Abbas Ali Mahdi, Kamla Kant Shukla, et al

Effect of Mucuna pruriens on semen profile and biochemical parameters in seminal plasma of infertile men.

RCTn = 120Sexual Health

Prospective study on the effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds on semen profiles and biochemical levels in seminal plasma of infertile men. Treatment significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation, elevated spermatogenesis, improved sperm motility, and recovered levels of lipids and antioxidant vitamins in seminal plasma.

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2025·International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research·Urjita Sanghavi, Twinkle J. Bhatt

PhytoPark Syrup: Herbal Neuroprotective Syrup in Parkinson’s disease

StudyBrain Health Mental Clarity

The paper reports on the formulation and evaluation of PhytoPark Syrup, a phytopharmaceutical preparation containing Mucuna pruriens and other medicinal plants for neuroprotection and cognitive improvement. The syrup is designed to enhance bioavailability and patient compliance, particularly in elderly patients. Preliminary results suggest it is stable and promising as a natural remedy for neurodegenerative disorders.

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2024·NUTRIRE DIAITA·Reza Fadhilla, Siti Zaqiah Muslim, Adriana Nora, et al

Evaluasi Nilai Gizi dan Antioksidan Yogurt Nabati Berbahan Dasar Kara Benguk (Mucuna pruriens) Menggunakan Variasi Kultur Starter

StudyNutrition

The study evaluated the nutritional and antioxidant value of plant-based yogurt made from fermented velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) using various starter cultures. The yogurt showed significant differences in carbohydrate and protein components based on the starter culture used, with the highest antioxidant activity observed in the culture with Lactobacillus acidophilus FNCC 0051.

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2021·Key Engineering Materials·Chuda Chittasupho, N. Kamkaen

Development and Characterization of Oral Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract Jelly

Study

The research aimed to develop a Mucuna pruriens jelly formula suitable for Parkinson’s patients. The jelly was analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics, showing a pH of 4.77 and a consistent texture. It contained 542 mg of L-dopa per piece, suggesting potential as a health product for Parkinson’s patients.

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2018·Parkinsonism & related disorders·Roberto Cilia, Janeth Laguna, Erica Cassani, et al

Daily intake of Mucuna pruriens in advanced Parkinson's disease: A 16-week, noninferiority, randomized, crossover, pilot study.

RCTn = 14

A 16-week randomized crossover pilot study comparing Mucuna pruriens (MP) to marketed levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) in 14 Parkinson's disease patients. MP showed similar efficacy to LD/CD but had tolerability issues, with 50% of patients discontinuing due to side effects. Further studies are needed to optimize MP formulation and dosing.

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2017·Neurology·Roberto Cilia, Janeth Laguna, Erica Cassani, et al

in Parkinson disease: A double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover study.

RCTn = 18

This double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover study investigated the efficacy and safety of Mucuna pruriens (MP) as an alternative source of levodopa for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. Eighteen patients received various treatments, including high-dose and low-dose MP. MP-Hd showed greater motor improvement and longer ON duration with fewer dyskinesias and adverse events compared to standard levodopa treatment.

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2011·Tropical animal health and production·Adan García-Galván, Roberto Belmar-Casso, Luis Sarmiento-Franco, et al

Evaluation of the metabolizable energy value for growing lambs of the Mucuna pruriens seed and the whole pod.

RCTn = 24

The study evaluated the metabolizable energy value of Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) seeds and whole pods in diets for growing lambs. It validated previously estimated ME values and found that M. pruriens can be included as a component in diets for growing sheep, as a partial replacement of conventional feedstuffs.

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2009·Journal of ethnopharmacology·C M Huisden, A T Adesogan, J M Gaskin, et al

Effect of feeding Mucuna pruriens on helminth parasite infestation in lambs.

RCTn = 36

RCT examining the effect of Mucuna pruriens on helminth parasite infestation in lambs. Mucuna intake did not statistically affect fecal egg counts or abomasal worm counts, though numerical reductions were observed. Levamisole significantly reduced parasite burden.

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2004·Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·R Katzenschlager, A Evans, A Manson, et al

Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson's disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study.

RCTn = 8

RCT comparing mucuna pruriens seed powder to standard L-dopa/carbidopa in 8 Parkinson's disease patients. The 30 g mucuna preparation led to a faster onset of effect and longer on time without increasing dyskinesias, suggesting potential advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations.

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1995·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)

An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: results of a multicenter clinical trial. HP-200 in Parkinson's Disease Study Group.

RCTn = 60Brain Health

Multicenter clinical trial examining the efficacy and tolerability of HP-200, derived from Mucuna pruriens, in 60 patients with Parkinson's disease over 12 weeks. Significant reductions in Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS scores were observed, indicating improved symptoms. Adverse effects were mild and mainly gastrointestinal.

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2025·Journal of food science·Omodele Ibraheem, Pelumi D. Ibikunle, R. A. Gabriel-Ajobiewe, et al

Bacillus subtilis 7A Enhances the Nutritional Quality of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens Linn.) Seeds and Potentiates Its Role in the Management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Animal studyNutrition Nutrition

The study investigates the impact of Bacillus subtilis 7A fermentation on the nutritional composition and antidiabetic efficacy of velvet bean seeds (VBS). Fermented VBS (FVBS) showed improved nutritional content and bioactive compounds, and demonstrated potential in managing Type II diabetes mellitus in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

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2024·International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review·Asogwa Kingsley Kelechi, Udedi Stanley Chidi, Igwilo Innocent Onyeze, et al

Formulation of Nutraceutical from the Leaf Extracts of Justicia carnea, Ficus capensis and Mucuna pruriens for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Animal studyNutrition

The study evaluated the efficacy of a herbal teabag formulated with Justicia carnea, Ficus capensis, and Mucuna pruriens in improving hematological and biochemical markers of iron deficiency anemia in Wistar rats. The teabag significantly increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, ferritin, serum iron, and pack cell volume, with results comparable to standard ferrous sulfate therapy.

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2020·Pharmacognosy Magazine·V. Tumbas-Saponjac, Oke-Oghene P. Akpoveso, O. Oyeniran, et al

Antioxidant activity and enhanced cytotoxicity of aqueous Mucuna pruriens L. leaf extract by doxorubicin on different human cancer cell lines

In vitro

The study evaluated the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of aqueous Mucuna pruriens leaf extract on various human cancer cell lines. The extract showed cytotoxicity in all tested cell lines, with the highest activity in HeLa cells. The combination of the extract with Doxorubicin significantly reduced the IC50 value, indicating enhanced cytotoxicity.

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2016·Oriental journal of chemistry·Sri Ariani, S. Matsjeh, M. Mustofa, et al

Quantitative Analysis of L-Dopa (L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine) Content in Extracts of Various Products from Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) Tempe Processing

Study

The study conducted a quantitative analysis of L-Dopa content in extracts from various stages of velvet bean tempe processing. The L-Dopa content varied across different processing stages, with the highest content found in pre-fermented velvet bean.

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2026·Scientia Pharmaceutica·Malika Mekhalfi, Sabine Berteina-Raboin

Mucuna pruriens: A Dietary Supplement with Balancing Properties That Can Limit Neurological Disorders and Associated Depressive States

ReviewBrain Health Mood

The paper discusses Mucuna pruriens as a dietary supplement with potential benefits for neurological disorders and depressive states, primarily due to its high L-Dopa content. It highlights the plant's therapeutic benefits and reduced side effects compared to synthetic L-Dopa, and notes the need for further studies.

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2024·Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences·R. Parveen, H. Baruah, Rakesh Bramhankar, et al

Pharmaco-therapeutic potentials of Mucuna pruriens (L.) in male infertility and associated sexual dysfunctions

ReviewSexual Health Mens Health

Narrative review of Mucuna pruriens (MP) in treating male infertility and associated sexual dysfunctions. MP is noted for its action on multiple aspects of infertility due to its complex mixture of alkaloids and nutritional components, with antioxidant and adaptogenic properties.

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2024·Ecology, Environment and Conservation·Sagar Shinde, Athoiba Singh, Shekhar Shinde, et al

Emerging Perspectives on Plant-Based L-Dopa Sources for the Treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Review

This narrative review discusses plant-based L-DOPA sources, such as Mucuna pruriens and Vicia faba, as alternatives to synthetic L-DOPA for Parkinson's disease treatment. It highlights the potential benefits of natural L-DOPA in alleviating motor symptoms and its advantages in terms of cost and availability.

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2022·Legume Science·Chinju Baby, Sawinder Kaur, Jyoti Singh, et al

Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens): A sustainable protein source for tomorrow

Review

This review discusses the potential of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) as a sustainable plant-based protein source. It highlights its nutritional properties, including antiparkinson, antidiabetic, and anticancer benefits, and addresses processing conditions and antinutrient concerns for human consumption.

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2017·Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience·S. Rai, H. Birla, S. Singh, et al

Mucuna pruriens Protects against MPTP Intoxicated Neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s Disease through NF-κB/pAKT Signaling Pathways

Animal studyBrain Health Inflammation

The study investigated the effects of Mucuna pruriens extract on neuroinflammation in MPTP-intoxicated mice, a model for Parkinson's disease. The extract reduced inflammatory markers, improved antioxidant defenses, and restored behavioral abnormalities, suggesting neuroprotective effects through NF-κB and pAkt pathways.

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