Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean)

Mucuna pruriens, i.e. Velvet bean, is a legume known by a multitude of common names (such as (Kiwanch, Kapikacchu, Velvet bean, Cowitch, Cowhage, Juckbohne, Picapica, Kapikachu, etc.) and native of tropical Africa, India, adn Caribbean.

In many parts of the world Mucuna pruriens is used as an important forage, fallow and green manure crop.

In Central America, velvet beans have been roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute for decades; its goes by the common name of "nescafé" in these regions, as well as in Brazil, for this reason.

The seeds of velvet bean are high in protein, carbohydrates, lipids, fiber, and minerals. They are also rich in novel alkaloids, saponins, and sterols. The seeds of all mucuna species contain a high concentration of L-dopa; velvet bean seeds contain 7-10% L-dopa. Concentrations of serotonin also have been found in the pod, leaf and fruit. The stinging hairs of the seed pods contain the phytochemical mucunain, which is responsible for causing skin irritation and itch.

Traditionally, velvet bean has been used as a nerve tonic for nervous system disorders. Due to the high concentration of L-dopa in the seeds, it has been studied for its possible use in Parkinson's disease.

Several studies have been conducted on the blood-sugar-lowering effect of Velvet bean. These studies all validate the traditional use of the plant for diabetes.

Velvet bean has a long history of traditional use in Brazil and India as an aphrodisiac. Clinical studies in India have validated that the plant does indeed have aphrodisiac activity.

Ayurvedic medicine often combines M. pruriens to Tribulus terrestris in order increase the quantity of L.dopa that reaches the brain and to restore libido.

Ayurvedic medicine has been using M. pruriens since 4500 years for many other pruposes, such as for male and female sterility, as nervine (central nervous system tonic), to enhance mental functioning and alertness, to help increasing lean muscle mass, to improve mood and sense of well-being.

Country	Uses
Brazil	as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, and nerve tonic, and for edema, intestinal worms
Germany	for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, intestinal gas, muscle pain, rheumatism, worms
India	for abortions, cancer, catarrh, cholera, cough, debility, delerium, diabetes, diarrhea, diuretic, dysentery, edema, fertility, gout, impotency, kidney stones, menstrual disorders, nervousness, scorpion sting, snakebite, sterility, tuberculosis, worms, and as an aphrodisiac and uterine stimulant

 

M. Pruriens

Main Uses:	for Parkinson's disease (contains natural L-dopa) for impotency and erectile dysfunction as an aphrodisiac and to increase testosterone as a muscle builder and anabolic/androgenic aid to stimulate growth hormone as a weight loss aid
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:	anabolic, androgenic, analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-inflammatory, anti-Parkinson's, antispasmodic, antivenin, aphrodisiac, febrifuge (reduces fever), hormonal, hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol), hypoglycemic, immunomodulator, nervine (balances/calms nerves), neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain)
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:	antilithic (prevents or eliminates kidney stones), antiparasitic, cough suppressant, blood cleanser, carminative (expels gas), central nervous system stimulant, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), menstrual stimulant, uterine stimulant, vermifuge (expels worms)
Contraindications:	It should not be used during pregnancy. Velvet bean has shown to lower blood sugar. Those with hypoglycemia or diabetes should only use Velvet bean under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Velvet bean has androgenic activity, increasing testosterone levels. Persons with excessive androgen syndromes should avoid using Velvet bean. Velvet bean inhibits prolactin. If you have a medical condition resulting in inadequate levels of prolactin in the body, do not use Velvet bean unless under the direction or your healthcare practitioner. The seed contains high quantities of L-dopa. Levodopa is the pharmaceutical medication used for Parkinson's disease. Those with Parkinson's should only use velvet bean under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Drug Interactions:	May potentiate androgenic medications. May potentiate insulin and antidiabetic medications. Will potentiate levodopa medications. Do not use in combination with M.A.O. inhibitors.

References
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