What percentage range of the dry weight of the Mucuna pruriens seed can the concentration of L-DOPA sometimes represent?
Answer
between 3% and 9%
The therapeutic relevance of Mucuna pruriens is directly tied to the substantial amount of L-DOPA contained within its seeds. Depending on external variables such as the specific variety of the plant and the environmental growing conditions it experienced, the concentration of L-DOPA within the dry weight of the seed can be quite high. Specifically, published data indicates that this concentration frequently falls within the range of three percent up to nine percent. This high endogenous level is what makes the bean a potent source for neurological applications and dictates the perceived efficacy of different supplemental products.

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