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Dietary supplement

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hard Rhino

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract is a dietary supplement by Hard Rhino with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for parkinson's disease symptoms, male fertility and libido, mood and stress support.Based on those ingredients, 193 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Mucuna Pruriens. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Mucuna Pruriens, a plant extract standardized to deliver L-dopa (levodopa), an active compound similar to a medication. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, a brain chemical involved in movement and mood.

No inactive ingredients are listed.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Cowhage product and its label doesn't state a use — see Cowhage's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we have rates all uses listed — anxiety, erythema (skin redness), high prolactin levels, muscle pain, Parkinson disease, and rheumatoid arthritis — as having insufficient reliable evidence. That means research so far hasn't firmly established whether Mucuna Pruriens works for these purposes.

It's an active compound, but we don't have solid data on whether it's effective for you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cowhage

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Mucuna Pruriens contains L-dopa, an active drug-like compound, so it requires careful use and professional guidance. Oral side effects are generally rare, but some people report diarrhea, flatulence, mucosal irritation, dry mouth, and headaches.

In clinical trials using higher doses (22.5 to 67.5 grams daily), some participants experienced nausea, abdominal bloating, vomiting, and insomnia (about 3% of subjects). The safety data advises against this product during pregnancy because of insufficient safety information and its dopamine effects.

The same applies to breastfeeding: L-dopa can lower prolactin and reduce milk supply. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cowhage

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Cowhage.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 193 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before starting this product, double-check any medications you take with your doctor or pharmacist, especially: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — Major risk; methyldopa and blood pressure medications like guanethidine — Major and Moderate risks; levodopa medications — Major risk; diabetes medications; antipsychotics; tricyclic antidepressants; and anesthesia drugs used in surgery.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Mucuna Pruriens is a levodopa-containing botanical with documented interactions across multiple medication types — most seriously with MAOIs and other blood pressure or dopamine-affecting drugs. Evidence for its effectiveness hasn't been firmly established in the data we hold.

If you're taking any prescription medications, especially for mood, blood pressure, diabetes, or psychosis, or if you have surgery scheduled, check with your own doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Hard Rhino
Barcode (UPC) 798711500031
Net contents 500 Gram(s); 1.1 lbs
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2017
DSLD ID 72741
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Gram(s)
Servings per container
500
UPC/BARCODE
798711500031
IngredientAmount% DV
Mucuna Pruriens1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

No added fillers

Allergens: This product contains no soy, dairy, dairy byproducts, eggs, shellfish, wheat, gluten, tree nuts, or sesame seeds.

This is a non-GMO ingredient.

General Statements

Only pure ingredients

Pure powder

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 level scoop (~1 gram) mixed with 8-12 ounces of water or suitable beverage. Taken 1-3 times daily, preferably with meals or as directed by your qualified health professional.

1 Carefully measure out suggested serving size using a microscale. 2 Add to preferred beverage. 3 Mix well. 4 Drink within 10-15 minutes. How to use

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children. Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Always consult with a qualified health physician before taking any new dietary supplement.

Do not use or consume if pressure seal is broken.

Do not use or consume if seal is broken.

Seals/Symbols

Lab tested for purity and quality

Packaged in USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Re-seal zipper immediately after use to preserve freshness.

See for yourself

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container500 Amounts shown are per serving.

Mucuna Pruriens

Interacts with
193 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

Cowhage (Mucuna pruriens) is a tropical legume best known as a natural source of L-dopa, the compound the body turns into dopamine. It is most studied...

Mucuna Pruriens monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
193Drugs
17 Major 176 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Mucuna Pruriens8 drug types · 193 drugs

Levodopa

Concomitant use can increase the risk of levodopa-related adverse effects.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Some cowhage products have been standardized to contain 75-400 mg of levodopa per dose.

Likelihood Likely Evidence D
Methyldopa (Aldomet)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and methyldopa might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with methyldopa might cause additive hypotension. In addition, methyldopa may inhibit peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa and increase levodopa levels in the central nervous system; avoid using.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and non-selective MAOIs might increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with non-selective MAOIs might cause hypertensive crisis. However, this interaction has not been reported with MAO-B selective inhibitors such as selegiline.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anesthesia

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and anesthesia might increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthesia has led to arrhythmias. Other anesthetics have not been implicated. Use other anesthetics in patients taking cowhage or tell patients to stop taking cowhage at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that cowhage might have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antipsychotic Drugs

Theoretically, use of cowhage might decrease the clinical effects of antipsychotic drugs.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa might counteract the antidopaminergic effects of antipsychotic medications.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Guanethidine (Ismelin)

Theoretically, concomitant use of cowhage and guanethidine might increase the risk of hypotension.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of levodopa with guanethidine might cause additive hypotension; avoid using.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Tcas)

Theoretically, use of TCAs might reduce the levels and clinical effects of cowhage.
Cowhage contains levodopa. Use of TCAs might reduce the absorption of levodopa. Some case reports describe patients that developed hypertension and dyskinesia when taking both levodopa and TCAs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract, from the product label.

Hard Rhino

See all Hard Rhino products
Name
Guardian Wholesale
Street Address
1607 West Whispering Wind Drive
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
ZipCode
85085
Phone Number
(866) 961-8378
Web Address
HardRhino.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino: Common Questions

Does Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract by Hard Rhino interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract has a known interaction with 193 medications, including 17 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is L-dopa and why is it in this product?
L-dopa (levodopa) is a compound your body converts to dopamine, a brain chemical. Mucuna Pruriens naturally contains it. This extract is standardized to deliver a measurable amount of L-dopa — 75 to 400 mg per dose depending on the product — which is why it requires careful use like an active medication.
Can I take this if I'm on an antidepressant?
It depends on which antidepressant. Tricyclic antidepressants (older types like amitriptyline or nortriptyline) have Moderate interactions — they may reduce how your body absorbs levodopa or cause high blood pressure and involuntary movements. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medication before taking this product.
Is this safe to use before surgery?
No. Mucuna Pruriens interacts with certain anesthesia agents (cyclopropane and halogenated hydrocarbons), raising the risk of irregular heartbeats. If you're having surgery, tell your surgical team and your own doctor or pharmacist about this product well in advance.
Can I take this if I have diabetes?
Animal research suggests Mucuna Pruriens might lower blood sugar, so combining it with diabetes medications carries a Moderate interaction risk — increased low blood sugar. Check with your own doctor or pharmacist before taking it, especially if your blood sugar is already well controlled.
What side effects should I expect?
Oral side effects are generally rare. Some people report diarrhea, flatulence, dry mouth, mucosal irritation, or headaches. At higher doses (22.5 to 67.5 grams daily), a small number of trial participants experienced nausea, bloating, vomiting, and insomnia. Start low and watch for any changes.
Does this work for Parkinson disease or anxiety?
The evidence we have rates both uses as having insufficient reliable evidence — meaning research hasn't firmly established whether it works. It contains an active dopamine-related compound, but solid proof of effectiveness for these conditions isn't in our data.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Mucuna Pruriens 4:1 L-Dopa Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 12 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cowhage 12 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Anon. Epidemiological notes and reports: Mucuna pruriens-associated pruritus--New Jersey. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 1985;34:732-3.
  4. HP-200 in Parkinson's Disease study group. An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: Results of a multicenter clinical trial. J Alt Comp Med 1995;1:249-55. DOI
  5. Infante ME, Perez AM, Simao MR, et al. Outbreak of acute toxic psychosis attributed to Mucuna pruriens. Lancet 1990;336:1129. PubMed
  6. Vaidya AB, Rajagopalan TG, Mankodi NA, et al. Treatment of Parkinson's disease with the cowhage plant-Mucuna pruriens Bak. Neurol India 1978;26:171-6.
  7. Vadivel V, Janardhanan K. Nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of velvet bean: an under-utilized food legume in south India. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2000;51:279-87. PubMed
  8. Akhtar MS, Qureshi AQ, Iqbal J. Antidiabetic evaluation of Mucuna pruriens, Linn seeds. J Pak Med Assoc 1990;40:147-50.
  9. Prakash, D., Niranjan, A., and Tewari, S. K. Some nutritional properties of the seeds of three Mucuna species. Int.J.Food Sci.Nutr. 2001;52(1):79-82.
  10. Vadivel, V. and Janardhanan, K. Nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of seven South Indian wild legumes. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr 2005;60(2):69-75. PubMed
  11. Creapure (Creatine Monohydrate). Toxicological Datasheet. Degussa BioActives. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/DOCKETS/.../95s-0316-rpt0154-54-Ref-50-vol112.pdf.
  12. Pulikkalpura H, Kurup R, Mathew PJ, Baby S. Levodopa in Mucuna pruriens and its degradation. Sci Rep 2015;5:11078. PubMed

See these in context on the Cowhage monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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