Can Velvet bean (Mucuna-pruriens) Be Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease And Depression?

Velvet Bean mucuna pruriensVelvet Bean as a Natural Treatment for Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

The Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens), has long been used in natural medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions. This unusual plant has many usages due to its active chemical constituents.

The benefits of Velvet bean include aiding in the relief of chronic pain, improved mood enhancement, increased libido, blood sugar stabilization, and increasing testosterone.  Velvet bean has been prescribed both as a powder and in capsule form

Velvet Bean is a Natural Source for L Dopa

Leva Dopa (L Dopa) is the main active ingredient responsible for many of the therapeutic benefits of the Velvet Bean.  L Dopa is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine dysregulation has been linked to several diseases that include, Parkinson’s disease, chronic depression, drug addiction and the associated side-effects of withdrawal, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and schizophrenia.  Because I work with a wide variety of patients, I am often asked about this plant, and whether or not it can, in fact, be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

Dopamine is considered a neurotransmitter associated with reward-motivated behavior. Many recreational drugs have addictive properties because of their ability to increase circulating dopamine in the brain. Dopamine can enhance mood, create feelings of joy and euphoria, and is associated with our ability to feel pleasure. And even, to fall in love.

Finding the Best Quality Supplement

Currently, Velvet Bean is available as an extract of 15% L-Dopa and has been researched as an alternative treatment for the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.  Velvet bean has also been used to treat some types of drug addiction withdrawal and depression. I don’t currently advise pregnant women to use Velvet bean—as it can raise testosterone and inhibit prolactin.  Prolactin is an important hormone needed to aid in lactation.

Still, for mild cases of depression—or as an adjunct therapy for patients being treated for drug-addiction or Parkinson’s disease—the plant has been found to have therapeutic value.

For mild cases of depression, I usually prescribe a powder that contains 15% L-Dopa.  And dosing is usually paired with vitamins and supplements to help create the most therapeutic treatment possible—based on the individual needs of the patient.

The best quality Velvet bean I have found on the market comes from Sun Foods. This product is a powder, and it can be added to water from 1 to 4 times a day—depending on the needs of the patient.  I often prescribe this product to treat people in drug and alcohol addiction recovery.  And I have been impressed by the results I see in my patients who take Velvet been daily as part of their comprehensive treatment plan.

To find out more about my work, or to schedule an appointment, please visit my website at DoctorWhimsy.com

I look forward to helping you improve your health

Dr. Whimsy Anderson, ND

Dr. Whimsy

I am a Naturopathic doctor, Medical Intuitive, Energy medicine/Healing touch practitioner and Tarot reader. I practice the old wise woman ways and have always been drawn to traditional medicine. I practice in the greater Los Angeles area. Tel: (323) 762-3982 Office@DoctorWhimsy.com

Leave a Reply