Velvet Bean vs Sphenocentrum Jollyanum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Velvet Bean

Mucuna pruriens

Mens Health

Sphenocentrum jollyanum

Mens Health

Velvet Bean

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Sphenocentrum Jollyanum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tropical legume whose seeds contain the highest known natural source of L-DOPA. Used in Ayurveda as male tonic, anti-Parkinson herb, and aphrodisiac.

West African shrub used in traditional medicine in Nigeria and Ghana for sexual dysfunction, fertility enhancement, and as a bitter tonic.

Active Compounds

L-DOPA, serotonin, 5-HTP, mucunine

sphenocentrin, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins

Traditional Uses

Treat male infertility, Aphrodisiac tonic, Tremors and Parkinson-like conditions in Ayurveda, Nutritive protein food

sexual dysfunction, fertility, malaria, fever, tonic

Modern Uses

L-DOPA source for Parkinson, Testosterone support, Antidiabetic, Neuroprotective

aphrodisiac, antiplasmodial, immunostimulant, tonic

Adult Dosage

5g standardized powder or 300-500mg extract (15% L-DOPA) daily

Root macerate or decoction 200ml 2x daily

Contraindications

MAO inhibitors (L-DOPA interaction), Pregnancy, Cardiac arrhythmias, Peptic ulcers

pregnancy, children, cardiac conditions

Side Effects

Nausea, Psychosis at high doses, Drug interactions

nausea, elevated blood pressure

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E