Mucuna pruriens, also known as velvet bean, is a natural herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is known for its many health benefits, including its ability to boost mood, improve fertility, and enhance cognitive function. In recent years, Mucuna pruriens has also gained popularity as a natural supplement for building muscle and increasing strength.
In this article, we will explore the science behind Mucuna pruriens, its benefits for muscle building and strength training, and how to safely and effectively incorporate it into your supplement regimen.
Part 1: Understanding Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume plant that is native to Africa and Asia. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, and infertility.
Mucuna pruriens is particularly known for its high content of L-DOPA, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of biological processes, including mood, motivation, and muscle movement.
In addition to its effects on dopamine, Mucuna pruriens has also been shown to have other benefits for muscle building and strength training. These benefits include:
Increased Muscle Mass: Mucuna pruriens supplementation has been shown to increase muscle mass in athletes and non-athletes alike. In one study, participants who supplemented with Mucuna pruriens for 12 weeks saw an average increase of 2.6 kg in lean body mass (1).
Improved Strength: Mucuna pruriens supplementation has also been shown to improve strength and power output in athletes. In one study, participants who supplemented with Mucuna pruriens for 28 days saw an average increase of 8.1% in their bench press one-rep max (2).
Reduced Fatigue: Mucuna pruriens supplementation has been shown to reduce fatigue during high-intensity exercise, allowing athletes to perform more repetitions or lift more weight before reaching exhaustion (3).
Part 2: The Science Behind Mucuna Pruriens
The science behind Mucuna pruriens’ effects on muscle building and strength training is complex and multifaceted. Here, we will explore some of the key scientific findings related to Mucuna pruriens and its effects on the body.
2.1 L-DOPA and Dopamine
As mentioned earlier, Mucuna pruriens is known for its high content of L-DOPA, a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that is involved in a variety of biological processes, including mood, motivation, and muscle movement.
One study found that Mucuna pruriens supplementation increased dopamine levels by an average of 34% in healthy men (4). Another study found that Mucuna pruriens supplementation improved mood and motivation in athletes (5).
The mechanism behind Mucuna pruriens’ effects on dopamine is thought to be related to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and be converted into dopamine in the brain.
2.2 Muscle Building and Strength Training
In addition to its effects on dopamine, Mucuna pruriens has also been shown to have direct effects on muscle building and strength training.
One study found that Mucuna pruriens supplementation increased muscle mass by an average of 2.6 kg in healthy men (1). Another study found that Mucuna pruriens supplementation increased power output by an average of 8.1% in athletes (2).
