Mucuna pruriens, also known as velvet bean, is a tropical legume known for its rich content of L-DOPA, a direct precursor to dopamine. It’s used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern supplementation for a variety of health benefits. I learned about Mucuna back in 2000 after reading the supplement review book that a popular supplement company at the time called EAS, founded by Bill Phillips, used to publish. This edition was written by supplement expert and LLA podcast guest Vince Andrich. Vince conveyed the benefits of Mucuna and why he takes it pre-workout. According to Vince, Mucuna increases the motivation neurotransmitter Dopamine which results in a noticeable increase in focus and drive. I noticed a big boost in focus and motivation when I started taking it back in 2000 which lead to a noticeable improvement in training performance. The increase in dopamine is why many users often feel ASTB on the first dose. It’s not due to an increase in testosterone, as that takes a few weeks to manifest. However, the increase in dopamine is often felt the first time you take it. I always feel fantastic after taking Mucuna and take two caps of ASTB, which contains 200mg of high-quality Mucuna per cap, before training for a boost in performance. In addition to increasing dopamine Mucuna has also been shown to support testosterone and growth hormone which is why it is in ASTB! It doesn’t stop there though as Mucuna has many additional benefits.
🔋 1. Increases Dopamine Levels
- Contains L-DOPA, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and converts into dopamine.
- Can help elevate mood, motivation, and mental focus.
- May support those with low dopamine due to stress, fatigue, or aging.
🧠 2. Cognitive Enhancement
- Dopamine plays a key role in memory, learning, and attention.
- May improve cognitive function, especially under stress or fatigue.
🧬 3. Hormonal Support and Testosterone Boost
- Studies suggest Mucuna may increase testosterone levels and libido in men.
- Shown to improve sperm quality (motility and count), especially in infertile men.
😌 4. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
- L-DOPA indirectly supports lower cortisol levels by boosting dopamine.
- May help reduce anxiety and improve resilience to stress.
💪 5. Improves Physical Performance
- Some users report better strength, endurance, and muscle growth, likely due to hormonal effects.
- May support exercise recovery and energy levels.
🧪 6. Antioxidant Effects
- Contains antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
- Protects the brain and testes from oxidative stress.
🧠 7. Neuroprotective Properties
- Used in some Parkinson’s disease protocols due to natural L-DOPA content.
- May support brain health and delay neurodegeneration.
🧬 8. Blood Sugar and Metabolic Support
- Animal studies suggest it may help regulate blood glucose and support insulin sensitivity.
🧘 9. Libido and Mood Enhancement
- Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac.
- Improves mood, especially in cases of low dopamine or serotonin dominance.
⚠️ Potential Side Effects & Considerations
- May cause nausea or digestive discomfort in high doses.
- Should not be combined with dopaminergic drugs (e.g., L-DOPA, MAOIs) without medical guidance.
- Not recommended for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (can worsen dopamine-related symptoms).
