-5%
Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) is an herbal source of L-dopa, traditionally used in Parkinson’s disease, male fertility, nerve health, and parasitic infections.
Cowhage, also known as velvet bean, is a tropical legume found in regions such as India, the Bahamas, and possibly southern Florida. Its seeds, beans, and pod hairs are traditionally used in herbal medicine. Cowhage has been valued since ancient Ayurvedic times, especially for neurological and reproductive health.
Cowhage seeds are naturally rich in levodopa (L-dopa).
In the body, L-DOPA is converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for motor control and mood regulation.
Because Parkinson’s disease is linked to low dopamine levels, Cowhage-derived L-DOPA may provide symptom relief.
However, unlike pharmaceutical L-dopa (which is combined with carbidopa to prevent premature breakdown), Cowhage’s natural L-dopa is mostly degraded before reaching the brain, limiting its effectiveness.