Depression is a serious medical condition that can cause a significant impact to your ability to function. You may feel like staying in bed all day or avoiding your usual activities. Certain treatments, including medication, psychotherapy and biofeedback, may help alleviate symptoms of depression. Holistic and alternative remedies, such as mucuna pruriens, may also help depression. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplements.
About Mucuna Pruriens
Mucuna pruriens -- also known as cowhage seed or by its scientific name, Dolichos pruriens -- is an herbal remedy that has been used to treat a variety of mental and physical complaints for more than 4,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medical system, based on plant and herbal medicines, chakra treatment and natural healing. Mucuna pruriens is a native tropical plant whose beans are used as a dietary supplement in whole form or ground into powder for use in capsule form. It is largely used to treat Parkinson's disease. The main benefit of Mucuna pruriens is that the beans contain naturally occurring L-dopa, which is a precursor to the brain chemical dopamine. Low levels of dopamine may play a role in the development of depressive disorders, according to Dr. Donald Robinson in a 2007 column for the journal "Primary Psychiatry."
Depression and Dopamine
Depression affects everyone differently. However, common symptoms include a lack of motivation, lowered self-esteem, depressed mood, irritability, a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, insomnia, bodily aches and pains and a loss of appetite. The exact causes of depression are not totally understood. Researchers believe a combination of factors, including imbalances in neurotransmitters, can contribute to symptoms of depression. Most research has focused on the effects of imbalances in the neurotransmitters known as serotonin and noradrenaline. However, research published in the Oct. 1, 2002, issue of the journal "Biological Psychiatry" explains that mesolimbic dopamine deficiency plays an important role in the development of specific symptoms of depression, especially anhedonia, which is the inability to experience pleasure, and loss of motivation.
Clinical Evidence
Not much research has been conducted on the specific benefits of Mucuna pruriens and depressive disorders. Most studies have examined Mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease. However, in an animal study published in the September 2004 issue of the journal "Phytotherapy Research," researchers confirmed that administration of Mucuna pruriens restored the levodopa, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin content in the brains of rats, specifically in the sustantia nigra, an area of the brain that controls reward, movement and addiction. Although this study focused on the potential neuroprotective benefits of Mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease, the research also demonstrates promise for symptoms of depression. However, clinical studies are needed to evaluate these possible benefits.
Considerations
Herbalist and nutritional consultant Karen Kurtak, department head of Longevity Nutrition at the Grossman Wellness Institute, explains that Mucuna pruriens may provide benefits for depressive symptoms. However, it should be used with caution in people suffering from low levels of serotonin, as dopamine can lower serotonin levels. Talk to your doctor before using Mucuna pruriens, especially if you take any herbs or prescription or over-the-counter medications. Do not use Mucuna pruriens to self-treat your symptoms.
References
- Northwest Parkinson's Foundation: Mucuna Pruriens
- "Primary Psychiatry"; The Role of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in Depression; Donald Robinson, MD; 2007
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Dopaminergic Abnormalities in Amygdaloid Nuclei in Major Depression: A Postmortem Study; V. Klimek et al.; Oct. 1, 2002
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Neuroprotective Effects of the Antiparkinsonian Drug Mucuna Pruriens; B. Manyam et al.; September 2004
- What Matters; Mucuna Pruriens: Concerns about Long Term Side Effects for Overuse and Misuse; Karen Kurtak
