*Article Mucuna pruriens* **Seed Aqueous Extract Improved Neuroprotective and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effects Compared with Synthetic L-Dopa**

**Narisa Kamkaen 1,\*, Chuda Chittasupho 2,3,\*, Suwanna Vorarat 4, Sarin Tadtong 5, Watoo Phrompittayarat 6, Siriporn Okonogi 2,3 and Pakakrong Kwankhao <sup>7</sup>**


**Abstract:** L-dopa, a dopaminergic agonist, is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, due to the long-term toxicity and adverse effects of using L-dopa as the first-line therapy for Parkinson's disease, a search for alternative medications is an important current challenge. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has suggested the use of *Mucuna pruriens* Linn. (Fabaceae) as an anti-Parkinson's agent. The present study aimed to quantify the amount of L-dopa in *M. pruriens* seed extract by HPLC analysis. The cytotoxicity and neuroprotective properties of *M. pruriens* aqueous extract were investigated by two in vitro models including the serum deprivation method and coadministration of hydrogen peroxide assay. The results showed the significant neuroprotective activities of *M. pruriens* seed extracts at a concentration of 10 ng/mL. In addition, the effects of L-dopa and *M. pruriens* seed extract on in vitro acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. *M. pruriens* seed extract demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, while synthetic L-dopa enhanced the activity of the enzyme. It can be concluded that the administration of *M. pruriens* seed might be effective in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. *M. prurience* seed extract containing L-dopa has shown less acetylcholinesterase activity stimulation compared with L-dopa, suggesting that the extract might have a superior benefit for use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

**Keywords:** *Mucuna pruriens* seed; neuroprotective activity; Parkinson's disease; anti-acetylcholinesterase activity; L-dopa
