Mucuna pruriens, more commonly known as cowhage, is a plant that produces beans and seeds that may yield health benefits when used medicinally. This plant has been used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a motor system disorder caused by a reduction in dopamine production in the brain. Mucuna pruriens seeds contain levodopa, the precursor to dopamine and the standard medical treatment for this disease. Despite these purported benefits, additional research is needed to support these effects of Mucuna pruriens. Before taking this supplement, discuss its safety with your doctor.
Common Side Effects
Stomach irritation is the most common side effect associated with Mucuna pruriens. You may feel nauseated or bloated, which may result in a temporary decrease in your appetite. Talk with your physician if such side effects persist or become severe.
Infrequent Side Effects
Infrequently, additional adverse side effects may arise following treatment with this supplement. Severe nausea may cause vomiting. You may also have frequent headaches, heart palpitations or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, a side effect also called insomnia. Certain people experience delusions, hallucinations, confusion, agitation and abnormal body movements. If these side effects become disruptive or do not subside, seek prompt care from your medical provider.
Additional Adverse Effects
Handling or ingesting the hair of the Mucuna pruriens bean pod may cause severe irritation. The bean pod hair may cause swelling, burning or intense itching at the site of skin contact. Consult your doctor immediately if you develop any type of skin irritation after coming in contact with this supplement.
Contraindications
If you have certain health concerns or problems, treatment with Mucuna pruriens may be inappropriate. Due to the lack of safety information, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid taking this herbal treatment. Additionally, do not use Mucuna pruriens if you have low blood sugar, diabetes, liver or heart disease, skin cancer, a peptic ulcer or a psychiatric condition. This natural supplement may worsen symptoms associated with your health condition. In addition, do not take this supplement if you are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks, because Mucuna pruriens can interact with drugs typically given during anesthesia and may cause heart problems.
Medication Interactions
Mucuna pruriens may interact with certain medications. Combining this natural supplement with tricyclic antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs may reduce the absorption or effectiveness of these treatments. Avoid taking Mucuna pruriens if you are also taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, because this herbal supplement may enhance the effects of these drugs. Additionally, do not take Mucuna pruriens in conjunction with MAOIs, a class of antidepressants. This treatment combination may increase your risk of developing severe side effects, including high blood pressure, seizures and a rapid heart rate.
