Hi all,
I have Focal Dystonia, and am trying to find answers.Being a movement disorder I was wondering would Macuna Pruriens help and ordered some.After a bit of delay, I got my delivery and after nearly a week of taking two levels teaspoons a day, I see no change.Now I can put that down to different things such as not enough taken,or for long enough or maybe it's not going to work. But has me puzzled and wondering did I perhaps buy a poor quality is that i have also seen no sign of this reputed aphrodisiac effect. I am not particularly worried about this aspect of taking the herb, seeing I am not in a relationship and am more and too concerned about my ailment and it's affects, but it has sown the seeds of doubt in my head.I have also just read that the powder should be dark brown and not light tan which the powder I have is.Can anyone who has taken it throw any light on what colour it should be? I live in Europe and getting the powder here wasn't easy so it is a bit of a disappointment.All help appreciated.Thank you

Banjoman,

Your diagnosis is solely "focal dystonia"? Or is this a symptom of something else?

From what I have read the only type of dystonia responsive to levodopa is indeed the very descriptively named "Dopa Responsive Dystonia".

As to the purity of the formulation you have, I cannot advise. Most likely you would need to have lab test for content. The only reliable one to try would be the sachets by Zandopa.

Sorry cannot be of more information,

Laura

Thanks Laura.Yes, there is some lack of understanding in the area of musicians dystonia and there doesn't seem to be any clear understanding of how one acquires it and so we are all trying various options.Botox certainly helps but I have read of people finding help from Sinemet which may of course mean that they have stumbled on to their dopa responsive aspect.I will check out Zandopa.Thanks

Zandopa is not mucuna as it has been highly processed and seems to have aspartame in it as well. The tan powder is more the color I would expect and it would vary to brown as well. Try this test- Take a white ceramic saucer that you don't want and put a tsp of the powder on it. Then drip one drop of water on it and let it sit overnight. Good mucuna will stain it as black as can be.

As for aphrodesia, up your dose to one tbsp for a month. Most of the neighborhood's mammals and half its reptiles will be at risk.

Thanks reverett123.That has put my mind at ease and certainly gave me a laugh as well.