The co-enzyme - NADH - aka nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - helps to manufacture ATP, and helps to convert tyrosine into dopamine.

Actually, I mentioned combining quercetin with Mucuna extracts. Anyhow, below is an abstract on NADH in case you are interested...


Stabilized NADH (ENADA) improves jet lag-induced cognitive performance deficit

Birkmayer GD, Kay GG, Vurre E.

Labor Birkmayer & MEDINFO GmbH, Wien.
Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(17-18):450-4.

Current remedies for jet lag (phototherapy, melatonin, stimulant, and sedative medications) are limited in efficacy and practicality. The efficacy of a stabilized, sublingual form of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH, ENADAlert, Menuco Corp.) as a countermeasure for jet lag was examined. Because NADH increases cellular production of ATP and facilitates dopamine synthesis, it may counteract the effects of jet lag on cognitive functioning and sleepiness. Thirty-five healthy, employed subjects participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Training and baseline testing were conducted on the West Coast before subjects flew overnight to the East Coast, where they would experience a 3-hour time difference. Upon arrival, individuals were randomly assigned to received either 20 mg of sublingual stabilized NADH (n = 18) or identical placebo tablets (n = 17). All participants completed computer-administered tests (including Cog Screen) to assess changes in cognitive functioning, mood, and sleepiness in the morning and afternoon. Jet lag resulted in increased sleepiness for over half the participants and deterioration of cognitive functioning for approximately one third. The morning following the flight, subjects experienced lapses of attention in addition to disruptions in working memory, divided attention, and visual perceptual speed. Individuals who received NADH performed significantly better on 4 cognitive test measures (P < or = .05) and reported less sleepiness compared with those who received placebo. No adverse effects were observed with NADH treatment. Stabilized NADH significantly reduced jet lag-induced negative cognitive effects and sleepiness, was easily administered, and was found to have no side effects.

Unfortunately, I no longer have the link about Mucuna sides (it was a good one). But the deciding factor for me on avoiding to much use is that Mucuna (or something in it) is a precursor for melanin. Since I have already had several moles surgically removed, I want to limit anything that would increase my chances of turning any of my good moles into bad moles.

I've got some Alhpa DopaPoppers by Pinnacle that comtain L-dopa lying around so I'll try this out.I never noticed much/any substantial effect before,but I was taking them on an empty stomach for "GH release" about an hour before my pre-bed protien shake on an empty stomach,guess pre w/o would be better.
How soon did you take them before begining your w/o and what was the time frame of pre w/o nutrition...i never w/o on a totally empty stomach,IMO it's better to lift w/a protein blended shake and a piece of fruit...but I suppose a 1/2 hour before downing that food wouyld be the time to supplement w/l-dopa?

The GH-releasing claims associated with these supplements are really kinda irrelevant IMO Colin. Regarding the "poppers", In my experience, I needed at least -14-16 poppers to = the mind/body effects of using the Solaray brand (complete coincidence that Logos also mentioned this brand) - "DopaBean" at 4-5 capsules pre-workout. Remember, nausea, dizziness, and severe blood-pressure disturbances can occur w/o warning when ingesting these supplements. Also MAOI's combined with Velvet Bean extracts can potentially be very dangerous and upredictable...

Leaving the poppers in your mouth for 30 seconds or so as advised --> and letting them be absorbed in this manner just doesn't seem to work as well as one would expect. The other ingredients are beneficial in the "Poppers", however, once again, when they used to be simply tablets/capsules that one swallowed, I noticed a HUGE difference...I used Solaray DopaBean the last few years as it was one of the lower priced sources around where I shopped

Also, the avoiding food/empty-stomach advice --> the Velvet Bean is food ---> so when you ingest the supplement in this manner, an hour or so pre-workout, the "take on an empty stomach" advice - really doesnt matter...Also, as Dopamine mentioned, the amount of L-dopa actually entering the brain would be quite little anyhow.

I'm not RAVING about these supplements, just pointing out that in my experience, they do have their place, and as Logos pointed out, for some reason not many ppl mention or use them...

I took about 1 gram of Mucuna extract 30 minutes prior to working out. Also, I usually don't eat anything within a couple hours before working out. I've found that I burn less fat when I eat near my workouts. Good Luck!

I've got some Alhpa DopaPoppers by Pinnacle that comtain L-dopa lying around so I'll try this out.I never noticed much/any substantial effect before,but I was taking them on an empty stomach for "GH release" about an hour before my pre-bed protien shake on an empty stomach,guess pre w/o would be better.
How soon did you take them before begining your w/o and what was the time frame of pre w/o nutrition...i never w/o on a totally empty stomach,IMO it's better to lift w/a protein blended shake and a piece of fruit...but I suppose a 1/2 hour before downing that food wouyld be the time to supplement w/l-dopa?

I was taking a standard 1/2 teaspoon dose and on the 3rd day I felt like that for a few hours. It also made me extremely tired.

However, its a good thing to know that these extracts (not Rx Levodopa) - have some mild-antioxidant properties along with ergogenic benefits - and can be used safely by the majority of healthy athletes to mildly boost perfmance etc...