Mucuna pruriens
species of plant
Common Themes
Videos Mentioning Mucuna pruriens
Controlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction
Andrew Huberman
Velvet bean; a natural source of L-DOPA discussed as a dopamine-boosting supplement.
AMA #4: Maintain Motivation, Improve REM Sleep, Set Goals, Manage Anxiety & More
Andrew Huberman
A supplement containing L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine, which is noted for making people highly dopaminergic but can lead to a crash and further depletion.
Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort
Andrew Huberman
A supplement derived from a bean, similar to L-DOPA, used to treat Parkinson's. While it can increase dopamine, its effects are primarily peak-trough rather than sustained baseline increases for non-Parkinson's individuals.
Using Your Nervous System to Enhance Your Immune System
Andrew Huberman
Contains L-Dopa, an immediate precursor to dopamine, which can increase dopamine levels and potentially accelerate healing, but may cause a 'crash' in some individuals.
How to Control Your Sense of Pain & Pleasure
Andrew Huberman
A tropical legume bean, 99% L-DOPA (dopamine precursor), sometimes used to increase dopamine but can cause a crash; its exterior hairs cause itching.
Optimize & Control Your Brain Chemistry to Improve Health & Performance | Huberman Lab Podcast #80
Andrew Huberman
A supplement derived from a velvety bean, which is L-DOPA and can potently and acutely increase dopamine, but is associated with a substantial 'crash'. Huberman does not recommend it.
How Foods and Nutrients Control Our Moods
Andrew Huberman
A velvet bean containing L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, available over-the-counter and known to increase dopamine, improve sperm quality, reduce prolactin, and enhance subjective well-being. Huberman experienced a severe crash from it.
Testosterone Boosters, Sticking Points, and Bar Velocity Technology (Episode 56)
Stronger By Science
An herb mentioned as one of many claimed to influence testosterone levels, lacking robust evidence.
Tools to Enhance Working Memory & Attention
Andrew Huberman
A velvety bean containing L-DOPA (99% equivalent), a key component in dopamine production, shown to potently increase dopamine levels and improve symptoms in Parkinson's patients. A low dose (250-500mg) is suggested with doctor consultation.
How to Optimize Cognitive Function & Brain Health | Dr. Mark D'Esposito
Andrew Huberman
An over-the-counter supplement containing L-DOPA, which the speaker tried and found to cause agitation and visual disturbance, rather than a benefit.