Yes, Mucuna pruriens is edible, with the beans of the plant having been traditionally used as a food source in some cultures. However, adequate processing (typically soaking in water followed by boiling) is required to destroy antinutrients (such as phytic acid, tannins, and saponins) and to reduce the potentially dangerously high levels of L-DOPA found in the raw beans.^[12][13]

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.^[14][15][16]

Parts of the plant also contain:

• L-DOPA, with mature seeds usually containing between around 2% and 6% of L-DOPA by weight,^[17][18][19] and the roots, stems, and leaves generally containing <1%^[20]
• Vitamin B3^[2]
• Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids, in amounts ranging from 8 to 24 mg per 500 grams of the dried milled seeds^[21]
• NN-dimethyltryptamine (DMT),5-MeO-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), and bufotenin (although not enough to produce psychedelic effects)^[22][23]
• Beta-carboline^[22]
• Mucunain (a protease enzyme in the fine hairs on Mucuna pruriens seed pods, which causes skin irritation and itching)^[24]
• Various saponins, anthraquinones, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins^[25]
• GpMuc (a glycoprotein inhibitor of protein digestive enzymes)^[26]
• Behenic acid^[15]
• CoQ10 and nicotine adenine dinucleotide, reduced (NADH)^[2]
• Two forms of inositol: D-chiro inositol and myo-inositol^[27]
• Dietary minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, and selenium ^[15]

To date, no human trials have explored the potential anti-diabetic properties of Mucuna pruriens. In trials conducted in rats (both with and without diabetes), Mucuna pruriens has generally exhibited anti-diabetic properties, reducing blood glucose levels both acutely and with long-term supplementation.^{[28][29][30][31]}

Both Mucuna pruriens and isolated L-DOPA are apparently effective for the treatment of Parkinson's symptoms. However, preliminary evidence from animal research suggests that Mucuna pruriens may be, in some ways, superior to isolated L-DOPA.

For example, in one animal study, treatment with Mucuna pruriens resulted in a lower incidence of dyskinesia compared to treatment with the same amount of isolated L-DOPA.^[1]. Moreover, in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease, Mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder was more effective than the same amount of isolated L-DOPA for restoring the brain levels of dopamine, L-DOPA, norepinephrine, and serotonin, and exhibited greater neuroprotective activity.^[2]

One potential explanation for the findings above relates to the DNA-protective properties of Mucuna pruriens. More specifically, it has been suggested that, in the presence of copper ions (the levels of which have been reported to be elevated in individuals with Parkinson’s disease), L-DOPA may cause extensive oxidative DNA damage.^[3] While this could be a concern with the use of isolated L-DOPA, some of the constituents of Mucuna pruriens have antioxidant and metal-chelating properties, potentially mitigating the risk of DNA damage.^[4][5]

Another potential explanation for the above relates to the finding that in rodents, at least, L-DOPA-containing preparations of Mucuna pruriens are 2–3 times as potent as the equivalent dose of isolated (synthetic) L-DOPA.^[6][7] This higher potency could be due to components in Mucuna pruriens acting as dopamine decarboxylase inhibitors, preventing the conversion of L-DOPA into dopamine in peripheral tissues, thereby allowing more L-DOPA to reach the brain.^[1] It could also be due to other components in Mucuna pruriens having anti-Parkinsonian properties.^[8]

With the above said, the standard treatment with L-DOPA for Parkinson’s usually involves pairing L-DOPA with carbidopa or benserazide (which are dopamine decarboxylase inhibitors). In human trials comparing Mucuna pruriens to L-DOPA + carbidopa/benserazide, the findings suggest similar effectiveness at reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, with Mucuna pruriens potentially having a more favorable tolerability profile.^[9][10][11]