Dosage of Levo-DOPA, L-DOPA

Levo-DOPA, also known as L-DOPA, is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a key role as a direct precursor to dopamine, a key neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, movement, and many brain functions. It is particularly well-known for its presence in Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean), a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. In the nutraceutical sector, L-DOPA is sought after for its potential in neurological and wellness formulations.

The importance of L-DOPA measurement
Levo-DOPA measurement is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and standardization of plant products and food supplements containing it. Its concentration can vary depending on the plant species, geographical origin, extraction process, or storage conditions. Rigorous quantification allows:

• to ensure the conformity of raw materials to technical specifications,
• to control the content of active ingredients in extracts of Mucuna pruriens and other plants,
• to check the stability of the finished formulations,
• to meet regulatory requirements in nutraceuticals and herbal medicine.

Analytical methods
The analysis of L-DOPA is based on high-precision chromatography methods, suitable for complex matrices:

• HPLC-UV (high performance liquid chromatography) : reference method for quantifying L-DOPA in plant extracts and powders.
• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : used for high sensitivity measurements and specific identification, even in complex formulations.

These approaches guarantee precise and reproducible quantification, essential for validating the quality of products intended for the nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic sectors.

Matrices analyzed
The L-DOPA assay is performed on a wide range of matrices, including:

• raw plant extracts,
• powders of Mucuna pruriens or other plants,
• nutraceutical formulations,
• food supplements for neurological well-being.

Industrial applications
L-DOPA being a bioactive compound, its dosage is relevant for several sectors:

• Nutraceutical: control of the content of active ingredients in food supplements, capsules, powders or standardized extracts.
• Phytotherapy: validation of the quality of preparations based on Mucuna pruriens .
• Functional cosmetics: certain standardized extracts containing L-DOPA can be integrated into formulations with innovative aims.

Complementary methods available
For comprehensive analytical monitoring, L-DOPA can be analyzed alongside other bioactive compounds to assess the overall quality of extracts. YesWeLab offers, for example:

• the dosage of indole alkaloids such as corynanthine ,
• the dosage of free amino acids, such as theanine or tryptamine ,
• the control of phenolic and flavonoid compounds for the complete characterization of plant extracts.

These combined approaches allow manufacturers to have a reliable and complete analytical profile of their raw materials and finished products.

YesWeLab Commitment
At YesWeLab, we work with a network of carefully selected partner laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Depending on your needs, we select the laboratory best suited to the matrix to be analyzed and the required technique.

Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and design offices have entrusted us with their analyses via our digital platform. We provide simplified management, from quote to results delivery, with personalized scientific support.

Contact Us
Are you interested in measuring L-DOPA in your extracts or finished products? Our scientific team is available to help you determine the most appropriate method and guarantee reliable results. Contact YesWeLab now for a personalized quote.