What is L-DOPA？

L-DOPA is an amino acid (also known as levodopa) and precursor of dopamine, but it plays a role in epinephrine and norepinephrine as well. 

The high levels of L-DOPA can also be found in mucuna pruriens. Mucuna pruriens is referred to as a natural herbal supplement originating from ancient Indian medical practices although it’s technically a legume that grows in the tropics. This adaptogen can be used to lower stress, reduce anxiety, improve focus, boost libido and improve mood. These benefits are due to the levels of L-DOPA found within this “dopa bean”.

You may recognize the name as it’s a popular treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. L-DOPA is naturally produced in animals and plants and produced from the amino acid, L-tyrosine.

Tyrosine hydroxylase is an enzyme (a catalyst for biochemical reactions) that uses tetrahydrobiopterin (also known as B4) to convert tyrosine to L-DOPA. Unlike dopamine, L-DOPA has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This is how it increases dopamine in the brain. (2) You see, the blood-brain barrier acts as a filter, allowing some substances in while keeping others out. Once L-DOPA passes the barrier, it’s taken up by dopaminergic neurons that convert it to dopamine and increase these neurons levels of dopamine and storage. This is why it’s used in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and other brain diseases.