The nutritional profile of Mucuna pruriens seeds can vary depending on a number of factors, including plant variety, growth environment, maturity of the seeds, and type of processing. In general, Mucuna pruriens seeds contain approximately 25–35% protein, 40–65% carbohydrates, 4–14% fat, and 4–12% fiber.[1][2][3]
Parts of the plant also contain:
- L-DOPA, with mature seeds usually containing between around 2% and 6% of L-DOPA by weight,[4][5][6] and the roots, stems, and leaves generally containing <1%[7]
- Vitamin B3[8]
- Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, in amounts ranging from 8 to 24 mg per 500 grams of the dried milled seeds[9]
- NN-dimethyltryptamine (DMT),5-MeO-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), and bufotenin (although not enough to produce psychedelic effects)[10][11]
- Beta-carboline[10]
- Mucunain (a protease enzyme in the fine hairs on Mucuna pruriens seed pods, which causes skin irritation and itching)[12]
- Various saponins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins[13]
- GpMuc (a glycoprotein inhibitor of protein digestive enzymes)[14]
- Behenic acid[2]
- CoQ10 and nicotine adenine dinucleotide, reduced (NADH)[8]
- Two forms of inositol: D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol[15]
- Dietary minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and selenium [2]