Mucuna pruriens – A Powerful Source of Neurotransmitters With Wide Ranging Benefits*
Organic Mucuna Pruriens extract is a natural source of L-DOPA, an amino acid that converts into dopamine. Dopamine is an essential part of the brain properly working and can easily be depleted by stress, drug abuse and stimulants.
And that’s not all. It contains small amounts of serotonin and 5-HTP making it an interesting herb to act as a nootropic. [16]*
It’s known by several other names including velvet bean, cowage, cowitch, kapikacchu and more. It is a bean that grows in India, Africa, China and other areas.

Mucuna’s Hormone Balancing Effects*
Further, dopamine may assist in proper hormone levels. In infertile men, organic Mucuna extract was shown to increase androgens levels, lutenizing hormone, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline while decreasing levels of prolactin and follicle stimulation hormone. [2]*
L-dopa has been shown to increase hormones for growth and recovery for one to two hours after taking it.[3][4]* Better yet, the L-dopa in mucuna stays active longer in the blood than synthetic versions, likely due to its many other constituents.[5]*
In Chinese medicine, it is considered a Jing herb, supporting the adrenals and kidney health, with its stress reducing properties.*
According to Ayurveda, it is balancing to all three doshas. [15]*
Mucuna Pruriens Benefits
According to the Ayurvedic system, Mucuna has a wide range of benefits, several of few of which have been studied. These include:
- Powerful Antioxidant [6][10]*
- Neuro-Protective [14]*
- Aphrodisiac [12][17]*
- Anti-Snake Venom properties [17][20]*
- Increases Testosterone and spermogenesis [2][18]*
- Reduces Stress [18]*
- Anti-Bacterial [13]*
- Blood Sugar Regulating [11]*
- Helpful for the Skin [17]*
- May help Darken Hair [9]*
- And much more
Famous superfoodist, David Wolfe states, “I categorize mucuna as an anti stimulant that should be taken with stimulant-containing foods or beverages (i.e. coffee, yerba mate, cacao, etc.) The cacao-mucuna stimulant-to-antistimulant relationship is one of the oldest known, dating back thousands of years. Historically, cacao shamans always had in their possession cacao and mucuna during their travels.” [1]
15.76% L-DOPA
This is not a standardized extract but instead an organic full spectrum extract, allowing the natural ratio of all the constituents. Still we tested it for what is considered the “active” part coming close to 16%.
Our starting product is purely the seeds, which is the most commonly recommended part. It is extracted with CO2, water and alcohol.

Our Mucuna
Our mucuna comes from the same supplier that produces our shilajit, bacopa and gotu kola. If you have had any of those, then you know this stuff will be great as well!
It is Certified Organic.
Extraction is done by Supercritical CO2 and Hydroethanol (duel extract). Supercritical CO2 is an important commercial and industrial solvent due to its low toxicity and environmental impact. The relatively low temperature of the process and the stability of CO2 also allows most compounds to be extracted with little damage or denaturing.
This is also a Full-Spectrum Extract meaning it is not standardized to anything in particular and has the natural quantities of the many different active components found in the plant. It also means it contains Polar, Non Polar and Mid Polar active compounds for the best bioavailability and bio-adaptability.
Mucuna Dosage and Contraindications
Mucuna dosage is recommended as one gram per day. This is approximately 1/2 of a teaspoon.
As a rich source of neurotransmitters mucuna is not generally recommended for children. It’s also best to avoid when pregnant or lactating as it has been not studied in those populations.
As it may have blood pressure lowering effects, its not recommended to take in combination with blood pressure medication.
The L-dopa in Mucuna alters brain chemistry. Thus, it is best not taking in combination with anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, or other mind altering substances. At higher doses, more than 1 gram, some people experience headaches and sleeplessness.
Cycling Mucuna Pruriens
Since it effects neurotransmitters it is probably best to cycle mucuna. This will prevent your body from adapting to it, and then slowing its own production. It’s also likely this will keep the mucuna being physiologically effective.
One option is to take it for five days, then not take it for two days, and repeat.
Another option is to take it for 3-4 weeks and then take a week off.
Not everyone does this though. In most of the studies done, mucuna was taken daily even for three or for months. We like to err on the side of caution and thus recommend some form of cycling.



Anyone (verified owner) –
Good. Wife’s pregnant now
Vasile Onisa (verified owner) –
Excellent product ,but I got a damaged Stag Swag with the dropper broken in the product , I want to return the order , any advise appreciated !!!. Thank you !!!.
988307Cherry Scarmardo (verified owner) –
Mixes well in my coffee.
Richard Trepagnier (verified owner) –
Little to no noticeable change
Bob Chatham (verified owner) –
Good quality
David Sparks (verified owner) –
Provides clarity and focus. Add it to your morning nutrition.
cecil jr webb (verified owner) –
can`t rate this product. I didn`t know what to look or feel for,sorry!
roy (verified owner) –
as someone with ADD this stuf is great! 1 tea spoon gives my concentration a mega boost
this stuf is perfect for me thanks!
Bruce Henderson (verified owner) –
So far, hasn’t done much. Will continue, and give it more time.
Drew Walker (verified owner) –
Fast shipping! Noticed positive affects almost immediately! Highly recommend!
David Sparks (verified owner) –
Product quality as advertised. I am going to be a regular customer of Empire Herbs. Quality at a reasonable price.
Eduardo Rosado (verified owner) –
Great product
Johnson, Verdell (verified owner) –
I ordered some HeShouWu 2-weeks ago and have not received it yet
Ted Etheredge (verified owner) –
I could feel the difference after the first day. This is one of my favorites!
Curtis Uhrin (verified owner) –
Great Product
William Nance (verified owner) –
I can feel the stress leave me and a calm comes over me and things that were on my mind causing stress and worry seem to fade away
Nicole D. Kazmierski (verified owner) –
I ordered this product 6 days ago and it still has not been shipped. I have sent two emails asking when it would be shipped, as it stated when ordered that it would be shipped within 48 hours. My husband needed this supplement this week and now I have no idea when it will get here. Disappointing as this is my first order from this company.
Chelsea Satterthwaite –
I believe our support team was working with you on this Nicole. Is there anything else we can do for you at this time?
richard lewis (verified owner) –
Quality products.
William Pappas (verified owner) –
I haven’t felt much from it. The price is high for a small quantity. Does this stuff work?
James Squire (verified owner) –
Same as above
Abel Shepherds (verified owner) –
Excellent
kristy bruno (verified owner) –
I love the Mucuna,it’s quite potent. Works wonders
John Kari (verified owner) –
I suffer from the symptoms of restless leg syndrome……..this product relieves the twitching in the arms and legs at night…….finally I can sleep again !!!!!!
Chelsea Satterthwaite –
Wow, that’s awesome! Thank you for sharing your successes!
Greg Schmidt (verified owner) –
So far so good (product wise). Taste is a bit strong but I mix it in my morning oatmeal and that works great. I am taking this with 3 other Lost Empire products and results are slow (expected) but headed in the right direction. I would recommend it !!!!
Chelsea Satterthwaite –
Awesome! What other products are you enjoying?
Davy Mathis (verified owner) –
This product worked well and the next morning after i awoke it tookwhile for me to stop smiling about nothing
ethan baker (verified owner) –
Mucuna works great I sleep better feel better and I do not sweat all the time. Very deep rim sleep with vivid dreams.
Joey Kesney –
I like it. im a customer.
Steve S. (verified owner) –
Great product. Could feel the lift from dopamine immediately. Don’t usually feel any change that fast fro any other supplement that I regularly take. Would recommend without hesitation
SWC (verified owner) –
Very good product with excellent quick delivery.
Victor Lopez (verified owner) –
Works well for me about to reorder
Kenneth Middleton Jr. (verified owner) –
Mucuna is a must herb to keep a man’s libido strong. I feel its effects about 30 minutes after consuming.
I like to combine it with Horny Goat Weed before intimate moments.
Robert Clark (verified owner) –
Love this product. I am realizing it’s benefits.
Matthew Myers (verified owner) –
Very good product…good quality
James Squire (verified owner) –
Seems to deliver as described in the details page.
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΣ ΤΣΩΝΗΣ (verified owner) –
Not sure if it works as it promises
Loke Kok Leong (verified owner) –
Product not effective and I feel no difference taking it.
Carlos (verified owner) –
This is some powerful stuff! Been taking for lesss than a week so i can’t really talk of a long term difference, but as soon as i took a small spoonful… “WOW!” It was like i just like i just took a pill, or something! Definitely makes you calmer, more focused, and i can feel it somehow working on my body, just an overall “better working” feeling! Would recommend to anyone, atleast give it a try!
mdv4054 –
I just received it today. Only giving 3 stars as of now because i ran into some literature that actually states that L-Dopa can cause neurotoxicity. Or is it that too much is what causes that?
Waiting on more info before i go forward with this…
Zane Christopher –
We have never had anyone report this effect. Like anything, too much of something always results in poison. I have never heard of this though. Also, was the study done using straight L-Dopa or was in herb form? Cofactors in the herbs will help mitigate any side effects which is why they are recommended over isolates.
Oliver –
I am a weightlifter for 50 years. I realize I need to keep up with the new ideas
In training, but I also need to know what side effects the new item may bring with it
Example , lowering or raising blood pressure. Your website is the first one that I
have seen that I didn’t have to research each ingredient independently,
however I did anyway, thankyou for offering complete unbiased information.
Elaine Rito –
I tried Mucuna at the BJJ Worlds and I was very stressed. After a few minutes of taking Mucuna, It gave me the piece I was in need. I felt so relax but not sleepy. I’m not planning to do cycles of Mucuna and instead of cycles I will take it everyday. For my daily basis of work and stress, Mucuna is an awesome way to keep myself relaxed and to keep my focus in whatever I need.
Eric –
I accidently took 1 full teaspoon this morning, this is the second time taking the herb for me. I was a bit hung over from a party last night. The hangover left (I am cycling off of the Pine Pollen today) and in about an hour, I became horny as a horny toad! LOL! I like it!
Bree Benson –
With these herbs, I feel better overall. Physically, these herbs give me more energy and stamina, but in a way caffiene can’t provide. There is no jittery feeling, no elevated heart rate, and no crash afterwards. Mentally, there is much more focus and clarity in simple tasks and my memory during more complicated and multi-tasking events was much better. Emotionally, I feel lifted. I see things from a more positive lense and am able to handle stressful events with a much calmer demeanor. The best way I can put it is I overall feel as if I’ve had the best night’s rest of my life. I feel very refreshed, balanced, and well.