L-Dopa (L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine): A Non-Protein Toxic Amino Acid in Mucuna pruriens Seeds

The seeds of Mucuna pruriens, a potential tropical under-utilized legume, were reported to contain high level of protein (26-30%), desirable amino acid, fatty acid and mineral composition with good nutritional properties, comparable with that of other common legumes. It is consumed as food by people living in the rural areas of India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, Malawi and other countries. L-Dopa...