Herb's Introduction
Mucuna pruriens, also known as velvet bean, is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia. This climbing, herbaceous vine is well-known for the fine, hair-like bristles that cover its pods. These bristles are highly irritating to the skin, causing a strong itching sensation, which is why some of its common names include "cowitch" or "itchy bean." The plant itself, however, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, where its seeds are valued for their medicinal properties. A key component found in the seeds is L-dopa, a naturally occurring amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. This unique chemical makeup is the basis for many of its traditional and modern uses.
Name in Different Countries
English: Velvet bean, cowhage, cowitch, itchy bean, buffalo bean, Mauritius bean. Sanskrit: Kapikacchu, Atmagupta. Hindi: Kaunch, Kiwanch. Bengali: Alkusi. Malayalam: Naikkurana. Tamil: Punaikkaali. Telugu: Doolagondi. Japanese: Fuki-mame. Spanish: Picapica. French: Pois velu, pois à gratter.
Terminology
Family: Leguminosae. Synonyms: The plant has numerous synonyms, including Dolichos pruriens L., Mucuna atropurpurea, and Stizolobium pruriens. Vernacular names: The user provided a comprehensive list of names for Mucuna pruriens across many languages and regions, highlighting its widespread recognition and use. Examples include kavachan in Gujarati, werekpe in Yoruba, and nanoma in Upper Guinea Crioulo.
Availability
Mucuna pruriens is widely available throughout its native tropical and subtropical ranges in India, Africa, and the Caribbean. It is often found growing wild, but it is also cultivated for both its medicinal properties and as a cover crop to improve soil fertility. Its seeds, which are the primary part used medicinally, are commercially available in various forms, including as a powder, extract, or in capsules, in health food stores and online.
External Look
Plant: Mucuna pruriens is a vigorous, climbing liana (woody vine) with long, twining stems. Leaves: The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they are composed of three leaflets, each up to 12 cm long. Flowers: The flowers grow in hanging clusters (racemes) and are typically purple or sometimes white. The flowers are described as having a silky texture. Pods: The most distinctive feature of the plant are its pods. They are curved, up to 7 cm long, and are densely covered in fine, pale brown to steel-grey hairs. These hairs are what cause the intense itching and irritation upon contact. Seeds: Inside the pods are a small number of shiny, oval-shaped seeds that can vary in color from black to brown to mottled.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of Mucuna pruriens are primarily attributed to the presence of L-dopa in its seeds. This makes it a significant herb in traditional medicine, particularly for neurological and reproductive health. Kampavata (Parkinson's Disease): In Ayurveda, Mucuna pruriens is a well-known remedy for Parkinson's disease due to its high L-dopa content. The L-dopa can cross the blood-brain barrier and convert into dopamine, which is deficient in individuals with Parkinson's. Aphrodisiac and Male Fertility: It is traditionally used to increase libido and treat male infertility. Studies suggest it can improve sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels. Nervine Tonic: It's considered a nervine tonic, meaning it helps to calm the nervous system and is used for conditions like anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Anthelmintic: The irritant hairs on the pods have been used as a purgative to expel intestinal worms. Wide-Ranging Traditional Uses: Traditional texts and sources list a vast number of other uses for different parts of the plant, including for rheumatism, gout, diabetes, high blood pressure, and various skin conditions.
Advantages
Natural L-dopa Source: As a natural source of L-dopa, it offers an alternative or complementary option for managing Parkinson's symptoms. Reproductive Health Benefits: It has documented benefits for male fertility, which is a significant advantage in traditional and modern contexts. Adaptogenic Properties: It's considered an adaptogen, helping the body manage stress and maintain a state of balance. Versatile Use: Different parts of the plant—the seeds, roots, and pods—are used for a wide range of ailments, from neurological disorders to digestive issues.
Uses
Parkinson's Disease: The most well-studied use is for managing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Male Infertility: It is widely used as a traditional remedy for male infertility. Nervine Tonic: Used to reduce anxiety and stress and to improve mood. Aphrodisiac: Known for its ability to enhance sexual function and libido in both men and women. Anthelmintic: The pod hairs are used to expel parasitic worms. Other Traditional Uses: The roots and leaves are used for various other conditions, including fever, coughs, and skin problems.
Using Way
For medicinal purposes, the seeds are never used directly due to potential toxicity and the need to process the L-dopa effectively. They are typically subjected to a process called mitigation to make them safe for consumption. Traditional Mitigation: The seeds are boiled in milk or a solution of buffalo dung to remove the outer seed coat and embryo. The remaining kernel is then processed further—often by storing it in rice gruel, water, or yogurt—before being dried and powdered. The milk used for boiling is discarded. Modern Preparation: The most common way to use Mucuna pruriens today is as a standardized extract or powder. These products are typically made from the processed seeds and are available in capsules or as a loose powder that can be mixed into drinks or food. The dosage can vary depending on the product and the intended use. Anthelmintic Use: The irritating hairs from the pods are sometimes mixed with a binding agent like honey or treacle to form a paste or pill, which is then consumed as a purgative.
Conclusion
Mucuna pruriens is a multifaceted herb with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. Its primary medicinal value comes from the L-dopa found in its seeds, which makes it a powerful natural remedy for conditions like Parkinson's disease and male infertility. While its spiny pods are infamous for their intense irritant properties, the processed seeds have provided a source of healing for centuries. The plant's ability to act as a nervine tonic and adaptogen further cements its status as a valuable medicinal herb with a wide range of applications. As with any herbal supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially for a serious condition like Parkinson's.
