Mucuna Pruriens Extract

Mucuna Pruriens Extract: Nature’s Premium L-Dopa Source | AIHerba

1. What is Mucuna Pruriens Extract?
Mucuna Pruriens, commonly known as Velvet Bean or Cowhage, is a tropical legume revered in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Mucuna Pruriens Extract is a potent, standardized concentrate derived from its seeds, prized primarily for its high concentration of L-Dopa (Levodopa), the direct metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Modern extraction techniques isolate and concentrate this key bioactive compound, alongside beneficial co-factors like alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, resulting in a highly bioavailable neuroactive ingredient crucial for cognitive health, mood regulation, and motor function support.

2. Product Source, Chemical Properties & Specifications

• Source: Seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., sustainably sourced from premium cultivation regions.

• Primary Active: L-Dopa (Levodopa)

• CAS: 59-92-7 (for L-Dopa)

• MF: C₉H₁₁NO₄ (for L-Dopa)

• MW: 197.19 g/mol (for L-Dopa)

• EINECS: 200-445-2 (for L-Dopa)

• Appearance: Fine, free-flowing powder; color ranges from off-white to light brown depending on standardization.

• Standardization: Commonly standardized to 15%, 40%, 60%, or 99% L-Dopa content, ensuring consistent potency and efficacy.

• Solubility: Soluble in water and dilute acids; insoluble in organic solvents.

3. Why Choose AIHerba’s Mucuna Pruriens Extract? The Gold Standard
Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. (AIHerba) sets the benchmark for premium Mucuna Pruriens Extract. Here’s why it’s considered among the best:

• Key Ingredient: Standardized L-Dopa (Levodopa). Our high-purity extracts (15%, 40%, 60%, 99%) guarantee reliable bioactive content.

• Health Benefits (Compliant Structure/Function Claims):

  • Supports Dopamine Production: As the direct precursor, L-Dopa is essential for dopamine synthesis.

  • Promotes Cognitive Health & Mental Acuity: Supports focus, memory, and overall cognitive function.*

  • Enhances Mood & Emotional Well-being: Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating mood and motivation.*

  • Supports Neurological Health & Motor Function: Critical for healthy nervous system signaling and movement coordination.*

  • Powerful Antioxidant Activity: Combats oxidative stress linked to cellular aging.*

  • Supports Reproductive Health: Traditionally used to support libido and male reproductive vitality.*

• Origin & Processing: Raw materials sourced from optimal regions; extracted, purified, and standardized at our state-of-the-art GMP-certified facility in Shaanxi, China, using advanced chromatographic techniques.

• Recommended Daily Intake: Varies significantly based on L-Dopa standardization and purpose. Typical supplemental doses range from 100mg to 500mg of standardized extract (containing 15-50mg L-Dopa). CRUCIAL: Always follow specific product labeling or a healthcare practitioner’s advice. Start low and increase gradually if needed.

• Usage: Primarily used in dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, powders), functional foods/beverages, and specialized nutraceutical formulations.

• Target Audience: Adults seeking cognitive support, mood enhancement, neurological health maintenance, antioxidant protection, or reproductive system support. Not intended for children or pregnant/nursing women.

• Important Considerations & Potential Side Effects:

  • Medical Consultation Essential: Mandatory before use, especially if diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, taking prescription medications (especially MAOIs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihypertensives), or have cardiovascular, psychiatric, liver, or kidney conditions, melanoma history, or peptic ulcers.

  • Side Effects: Possible nausea, vomiting, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, insomnia, vivid dreams, headache, dry mouth. High doses significantly increase risk. L-Dopa can affect heart rhythm.

  • Gradual Dosing: Start with the lowest effective dose to minimize side effects.

  • Purity Matters: Low-quality extracts may contain contaminants or inconsistent L-Dopa levels, increasing risk. AIHerba’s rigorous QC mitigates this.

  • Avoid Abrupt Discontinuation.

• Why AIHerba is Best: Unmatched purity (><｜begin▁of▁thinking｜> via HPLC), guaranteed standardization, comprehensive contaminant screening (see COA below), traceable sourcing, and cutting-edge extraction technology ensure a superior, safe, and effective ingredient. Our 28 years of bioactive expertise is your assurance.

4. AIHerba: Your Trusted Partner in Premium Botanicals
Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. (AIHerba) is a globally recognized leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of high-purity natural ingredients. As a vertically integrated high-tech enterprise, we specialize in:

• Advanced Extraction & Purification: Expertise in isolating bioactive compounds from botanicals using cutting-edge technologies (SFE, HPLC prep, membrane filtration).

• Diverse Portfolio: Offering Natural Plant Extracts, Cosmetic Actives, Nutraceutical Ingredients (including Mucuna Pruriens), Pharmaceutical Intermediates, Natural Colors, Sweeteners, Food & Beverage Additives.

• Unrivaled Scientific Rigor:

  • Research Barriers: Collaboration with 5 elite universities via joint labs, ownership of 20+ patents, and a proprietary global compound library.

  • Analytical Leadership: Equipped with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/UHPLC), Superconducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometers, GC-MS, ICP-MS – enabling purity standards exceeding industry norms by 20%+.

• Global Reach: Serving 80+ countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, providing customized ingredient solutions to multinational pharmaceutical corporations, nutraceutical brands, research institutions, and cosmetic innovators.

• Legacy of Excellence: 28 years of dedicated experience in bioactive compound research and production.

5. Product Specifications & Certificate of Analysis (COA)

AIHerba Mucuna Pruriens Extract COA Summary

Note: Full COA provided with each batch shipment. Specifications meet or exceed USP, EP, and FDA guidelines.

6. Advanced Production Process
AIHerba employs a multi-stage, GMP-compliant process ensuring maximum purity and bioactivity:

1. Sourcing & Authentication: Raw beans rigorously tested for identity and contaminants.

2. Pre-treatment: Cleaning, dehulling, and milling.

3. Selective Extraction: Utilizing optimized solvent extraction (e.g., hydro-alcoholic) or supercritical fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) for enhanced selectivity.

4. Primary Purification: Filtration and centrifugation to remove particulates.

5. Chromatographic Concentration: Preparative HPLC or Adsorption Chromatography to isolate and concentrate L-Dopa, removing unwanted alkaloids and impurities.

6. Crystallization/Polar Fraction Isolation: For high-purity grades (e.g., 99%).

7. Drying: Low-temperature spray drying or lyophilization (freeze-drying) to preserve bioactivity and ensure powder stability.

8. Standardization: Precise blending to achieve specified L-Dopa potency (15%, 40%, 60%, 99%).

9. Final QC & Packaging: Under strict controlled conditions.

7. Diverse Application Scenarios

• Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals: Capsules, tablets, powders for cognitive support, mood enhancement, neurological health, antioxidant protection, vitality.

• Functional Foods & Beverages: Fortified bars, drinks, snacks offering nootropic and wellness benefits.

• Sports Nutrition: Potential applications for focus and motivation support during training.*

• Cosmeceuticals: Exploring topical applications for antioxidant skin benefits (limited research).

• Research Ingredients: High-purity L-Dopa for pharmacological and neurological studies.

8. Stringent Quality Control (QC)
AIHerba’s QC is the cornerstone of our reliability. Our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory implements a multi-tiered testing protocol:

• Incoming Raw Material Inspection: Full identity (Macro/Microscopy, HPTLC, DNA barcoding) and safety testing (heavy metals, pesticides).

• In-Process Controls (IPC): Monitoring critical parameters (pH, temp, solvent conc., L-Dopa levels via HPLC) throughout extraction and purification to ensure consistency and yield.

• Finished Product Testing: Comprehensive analysis against stringent specifications: Potency (HPLC/UHPLC for L-Dopa quantification), Residual Solvents (GC), Heavy Metals (ICP-MS), Pesticides (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS), Microbiology (USP <61>/<62>), Physical/Chemical Properties (Loss on Drying, Ash, Solubility).

• Stability Studies: Real-time and accelerated stability testing to determine shelf life and storage conditions.

• Documentation & Traceability: Full batch records, electronic data capture (CDS like Empower), and comprehensive COAs ensure complete traceability from seed to shipment. Our purity guarantee (><｜begin▁of▁thinking｜> via HPLC) and contaminant thresholds exceeding industry standards are non-negotiable.

9. Secure Packaging & Global Logistics

• Primary Packaging: Double-layer polyethylene (PE) bags with moisture barrier properties.

• Secondary Packaging: Sealed in food-grade fiber drums (25kg) or cardboard cartons (1kg, 5kg options available).

• Labeling: Compliant with international regulations, including product name, batch number, manufacturing/expiry date, net weight, specifications, GMP statement, storage conditions.

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place (<25°C/77°F), protected from light and moisture.

• Shelf Life: Typically 24 months when stored properly in unopened containers.

• Logistics: Efficient global shipping via air or sea freight. Expertise in customs clearance and documentation for seamless international delivery. Cold chain options available.

10. Health Benefits: Mechanism & Research

• Dopaminergic Pathway: L-Dopa readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is decarboxylated to dopamine by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). This replenishes depleted dopamine stores, crucial for:

  • Motor Control: Dopamine is essential for basal ganglia function regulating movement (key in Parkinson’s management under medical supervision).

  • Cognition & Mood: Dopamine modulates prefrontal cortex activity (executive function, focus) and limbic system pathways (reward, motivation, mood elevation).*

  • Neuroendocrine Regulation: Influences prolactin secretion and growth hormone release.*

• Antioxidant Activity: Contains natural antioxidants (flavonoids, glutathione precursors) that scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress implicated in neurodegeneration and aging.*

• Adaptogenic Potential: Emerging research suggests potential roles in modulating stress response via HPA axis influence and neuroprotection.*

11. Industry Applications & AIHerba’s Innovation
Beyond supplements, Mucuna finds niche applications:

• Pharmaceutical Intermediates: High-purity L-Dopa (99%) as a starting material for synthetic drugs.

• Precision Nutraceuticals: Formulated in complexes with co-factors (e.g., Carbidopa analogs, AADC enhancers like Vit B6, antioxidants) to improve efficacy and reduce peripheral side effects.*

• AIHerba’s Technological Edge:

  • Proprietary Purification: Chromatographic processes yielding ultra-high purity (>99.5% L-Dopa) with minimized residual solvents.

  • Stabilization Technologies: Encapsulation methods to enhance L-Dopa shelf-life and reduce degradation.

  • Synergistic Formulation Support: Leveraging our compound library to develop enhanced Mucuna blends.

  • Metabolomics Profiling: Using LC-MS for comprehensive phytochemical characterization beyond L-Dopa.

12. Research Frontiers & Challenges

• Frontiers: Exploring Mucuna’s role in addiction recovery, depression mechanisms, neurogenesis, gut-brain axis modulation, and topical neurocosmetic applications. Investigating non-L-Dopa bioactive peptides (lectins, mucunain) for unique bioactivities.

• Challenges: Ensuring consistent bioavailability of L-Dopa (affected by gastric emptying, peripheral decarboxylation). Managing potential side effects and drug interactions. Establishing definitive clinical dosing guidelines for non-Parkinson’s applications. Sustainable sourcing and combatting adulteration in the supply chain. Regulatory harmonization for health claims globally.

13. Mucuna Pruriens Extract FAQ

• Q: What’s the main benefit? A: Primarily known as the richest natural source of L-Dopa, supporting dopamine production crucial for brain function, mood, and movement.*

• Q: Is it safe? A: Generally safe at appropriate doses for healthy adults, BUT medical consultation is mandatory due to significant interaction and side effect potential, especially with medications or pre-existing conditions.

• Q: What dosage should I take? A: Dose depends heavily on L-Dopa concentration. Typical ranges are 100-500mg extract (providing 15-50mg L-Dopa). ALWAYS follow product label or doctor’s advice. Start low.

• Q: Can it treat Parkinson’s disease? A: It contains L-Dopa, the primary Parkinson’s medication. Self-treating Parkinson’s is extremely dangerous. Use ONLY under strict medical supervision.

• Q: Are there side effects? A: Yes, possible nausea, dizziness, headache, insomnia, especially at higher doses. Risk increases with purity/concentration.

• Q: How is AIHerba’s extract different? A: Unmatched purity (><｜begin▁of▁thinking｜>, guaranteed L-Dopa standardization (15%-99%), rigorous contaminant control (heavy metals, pesticides, microbes), advanced purification (HPLC, SFE), traceability, and 28 years of expertise.

• Q: Can I use it with antidepressants? A: Potentially dangerous interactions exist (e.g., with MAOIs, SSRIs). ABSOLUTELY CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USE if taking ANY medication.

• Q: What’s the shelf life? A: Typically 24 months stored cool, dry, and dark in sealed containers.

14. Where to Buy & Request Samples
Source premium, reliably standardized Mucuna Pruriens Extract directly from the manufacturer:

• Visit our website: www.aiherba.com – Explore our full botanical extract portfolio.

• Contact Sales: Email: liaodaohai@gmail.com

• Request Free Samples: Contact us via email to discuss your application and request sample availability. Specify desired L-Dopa standardization (15%, 40%, 60%, 99%).

15. Conclusion
Mucuna Pruriens Extract, standardized for its critical L-Dopa content, offers significant potential for supporting neurological health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being.* Choosing a supplier with uncompromising commitment to purity, potency, and safety is paramount. AIHerba (Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.) leverages 28 years of bioactive expertise, cutting-edge technology (HPLC, NMR, ICP-MS), and rigorous quality control exceeding industry standards to deliver Mucuna Pruriens Extract you can trust. From sustainable sourcing and advanced purification to comprehensive COAs and global logistics, we provide the reliable, high-performance ingredient foundation your formulations require. Contact us today to experience the AIHerba difference.

16. References (Examples – Include specific studies relevant to claims)

1. Katzenschlager, R., et al. (2004). Mucuna pruriens in Parkinson’s disease: a double blind clinical and pharmacological study. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 75(12), 1672-1677.

2. Lampariello, L. R., et al. (2012). The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(4), 331–339.

3. Lieu, C. A., et al. (2010). The Antiparkinsonian and Antidyskinetic Mechanisms of Mucuna pruriens in the MPTP-Treated Nonhuman Primate. *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012*.

4. Manyam, B. V., & Sanchez-Ramos, J. R. (1999). Traditional and complementary therapies in Parkinson’s disease. Advances in Neurology, 80, 565-574.

5. USP-NF Monographs. Levodopa. United States Pharmacopeia.

6. European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) Monographs.

7. FDA Guidance for Industry: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Products and Their Regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. (2006).

8. (Include recent reviews on neuroprotection, antioxidant effects, clinical trials on cognition/mood – search PubMed)

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