Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Double Wood Supplements

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

Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg is a dietary supplement by Double Wood Supplements 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 Seed Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements

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 Seed Extract at 1000 mg per capsule. Mucuna pruriens, also called cowhage, is a plant whose seeds contain levodopa, the same compound used in Parkinson's disease medications.

The extract also comes with two inactive ingredients — hypromellose and microcrystalline cellulose — which are the capsule shell and a filler.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Cowhage's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mood and stress support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, stress, dopamine, cortisol.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cowhage is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold does not establish that Mucuna pruriens works for anxiety, skin redness (erythema), high prolactin levels, muscle pain, Parkinson's disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. All six uses carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence, meaning the research we have on file isn't strong enough to say whether it helps or doesn't.

If you're considering it for one of these reasons, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist what the broader research landscape shows and whether it makes sense for your situation.

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.

Orally, cowhage seems to cause side effects in only a small number of people, though a complete safety review hasn't been done. The most common reported effects are diarrhea, flatulence, and mouth irritation.

Some people have reported headaches or trouble sleeping — about 3% of trial participants experienced insomnia. At higher doses (22.5 to 67.5 grams daily in divided doses), nausea, belly swelling, and vomiting have been reported.

Because it contains levodopa, an active drug-like compound, it should be used carefully and with professional guidance. During pregnancy, safety data is not sufficient to know either way, but the dopamine effects of levodopa make avoidance advisable — talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

While breastfeeding, levodopa can lower prolactin and reduce milk supply, so it should be avoided. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, check with your own healthcare provider before taking this extract.

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 taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — a Major risk; methyldopa or levodopa — Major risks; blood sugar medications, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, or guanethidine — Moderate risks; or if you're scheduled for surgery involving certain anesthetics. Also disclose it if you're on any blood pressure medication.

These interactions can change how your drugs work or cause serious side effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This extract is a concentrated source of levodopa, so it's not a simple supplement — it acts like an active medication and carries real interaction risks with common prescription drugs, especially blood pressure medications, antidepressants, diabetes drugs, and antipsychotics. If you take any prescription medication or are planning surgery, you need to clear this with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting.

The evidence for its effectiveness in the conditions mentioned is not yet established in the data we hold.

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 Feb 25, 2021.

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 Extract 1000 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Double Wood Supplements
Barcode (UPC) 859793007501
Net contents 210 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2021
DSLD ID 241886
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Qualified Health, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten 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 Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
105
UPC/BARCODE
859793007501
IngredientAmount% DV
Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose

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.
Formula

Directions: Mucuna Pruriens, also known as Velvet Bean, is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia that is widely naturalized and cultivated. When the extract is taken as a supplement it supports mood, healthy stress levels, and dopamine levels.

Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000mg per serving

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a supplement, take 2 capsules per day on an empty stomach. Do not exceed 4 capsules in one day.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. Do not freeze or expose to moisture or heat above room temperature.

Seals/Symbols

Proudly made in USA

Formulation

Made with Non-GMO ingredients Gluten free

Supports dopamine levels Supports healthy cortisol levels Supports mood

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary supplement

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician before use.

Do not use Mucuna Pruriens if you are pregnant, nursing, or under 18 years of age.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately if any adverse reactions occur.

Do not use Mucuna Pruriens and operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed 4 capsules per day.

Do not use Mucuna Pruriens if you are pregnant, nursing, or under 18 years of age.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container105 Amounts shown are per serving.

Mucuna pruriens Seed Extract

Interacts with
193 drugs
1000 mg 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 Seed Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg?

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 Extract 1000 mg 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 pruriens Seed Extract8 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 Extract 1000 mg, from the product label.

Double Wood Supplements

See all Double Wood Supplements products
Name
Double Wood LLC
Street Address
3510 Scotts Ln Ste 219
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
ZipCode
19129-1573
Web Address
www.doublewoodsupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements: Common Questions

Does Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg by Double Wood Supplements interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg 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 Extract 1000 mg 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 levodopa and why is it in this product?
Levodopa is an active compound found naturally in the cowhage plant. It's the same ingredient used in Parkinson's disease medications and is why this extract can interact with so many drugs — it's not inert. This product contains 1000 mg of the seed extract, which may hold 75–400 mg of levodopa per dose depending on how it's made.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
That depends on which blood pressure medication you're on. Some, like methyldopa or guanethidine, have documented Major or Moderate interaction risks with this extract. Others may too. You need to review your specific prescription with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting — do not begin this product without that conversation.
What are the most common side effects?
Diarrhea, flatulence, and mouth irritation are the most commonly reported when taken by mouth. Some people report headaches. At higher doses (22.5–67.5 grams daily), nausea, belly swelling, and vomiting have been seen, and about 3% of trial participants experienced insomnia.
Is this safe to take while breastfeeding?
No — the levodopa in this extract can lower prolactin and reduce milk supply, so it should be avoided while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're nursing or planning to.
Can I use this for Parkinson's disease?
The effectiveness of this extract for Parkinson's disease has not been established in the data we hold — the evidence rating is insufficient. Also, because it contains levodopa, it carries a Major interaction risk if you're already on levodopa medication. Any use for Parkinson's must be discussed with your neurologist or primary care provider.
What if I'm scheduled for surgery?
Tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you're taking this product. Certain anesthetics (cyclopropane or halogenated hydrocarbons) used with levodopa have caused heart rhythm problems. You may need to stop taking this extract before surgery or switch to a different type of anesthesia — your surgical team will advise.

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

Not sure if Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Extract 1000 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Mucuna Pruriens Extract 1000 mg’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 Extract 1000 mg'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

Keep exploring