Mucuna pruriens
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Mucuna pruriens Common Names: Cow-hage, Cow-itch Plant, Velvet Bean,
Monkey Tamarind, Bengal Velvet Bean Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Genus: Mucuna Species: M. pruriens Synonyms: Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Dolichos pruriens L., Stizolobium pruriens (L.) Medik. Morphological Description Mucuna pruriens is an annual or perennial tropical legume in the Fabaceae
family, known for its vigorous climbing or trailing habit. It produces
semi-woody vines reaching 1–15 m in length: · Stems: Slender, cylindrical, pubescent when young, becoming
glabrous with age (Burkill, 1995). · Leaves: Trifoliate, alternate, with ovate to rhomboid leaflets, 7–15
cm long, 5–12 cm wide, apex acuminate, hairy when young (Keay, 1989). · Flowers: Borne in pendulous racemes, 15–30 cm long, white, lavender,
or purple, pea-like, 3–4 cm long, bat-pollinated (Burkill, 1995). · Fruit: Pods 4–13 cm long, 1–2 cm wide, covered in orange-brown
stinging hairs; contain 3–7 shiny, ellipsoid seeds, 1–1.9 cm long, black,
brown, or mottled (Keay, 1989). Distribution and Habitat Mucuna pruriens is native to tropical Africa and Asia, widely naturalized
across the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and Australia: · Range: Senegal to Ethiopia, India to Southeast Asia, naturalized in
Brazil, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii (Burkill, 1995). · Habitat: Grasslands, bushlands, riverine forests, forest edges,
disturbed areas; elevations 0–2,100 m; prefers humid tropics, 20–35°C, rainfall
1,000–2,500 mm annually (Keay, 1989). · Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moist, humus-rich soils, tolerates
sandy to loamy conditions, pH 5.5–7.5 (Pathania et al., 2020). Ethnopharmacology Mucuna pruriens , commonly known as velvet bean, is a medicinal plant with a
wide range of therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective,
anti-Parkinsonian, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic,
and antidepressant effects. It is particularly rich in L-Dopa (levodopa),
alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which contribute to its
pharmacological activities. The plant is widely used in the treatment of Parkinson’s
disease due to its high L-Dopa content, a precursor to dopamine that helps
manage motor symptoms. It also has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing
effects, potentially benefiting conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and
neurodegeneration. Its aphrodisiac properties are well-known in traditional
medicine, as it enhances testosterone levels, improves sperm quality, and
boosts libido. Additionally, Mucuna pruriens exhibits anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant activities, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in
conditions such as arthritis and metabolic disorders. It has been shown to
regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetes management,
while its antidepressant and adaptogenic effects help alleviate stress,
anxiety, and depression. Despite its numerous medicinal benefits, excessive
consumption can cause side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort and
interactions with certain medications, necessitating caution in its use. · Anti-Parkinson’s: Seeds in India treat tremors. Cilia et al.
(2017) showed 30 g seed powder (5.7% L-DOPA) improved motor symptoms in
Parkinson’s patients comparably to levodopa/carbidopa. · Aphrodisiac: Seeds in Nigeria enhance libido. Shukla et al. (2010) found
5 g/kg seed extract increased sperm count and testosterone in rats by 38%. · Anti-inflammatory/Antioxidant: Leaves in Ghana reduce swelling. Han et
al. (2022) reported seed extracts (100 µg/mL) inhibited NO production in
macrophages by 60%. · Antidiabetic: Roots in India manage diabetes. Majekodunmi et al. (2011)
showed leaf extracts (200 mg/kg) reduced blood glucose in rats by 45%. · Neurological Health: Seeds in Ayurveda calm nerves. Lampariello
et al. (2012) noted L-DOPA (4–7% seed dry weight) and antioxidants support neuron
health. · Other Uses: Bark in Uganda treats dysentery; roots in Benin ease uterine
pain (Burkill, 1995). Phytochemicals include
L-DOPA, flavonoids, alkaloids (mucunine, prurienine), tannins, and saponins
(Kavitha & Thangamani, 2014). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Pods’ hairs cause severe itching via mucunain
and serotonin; ingestion of raw seeds (L-DOPA >7%) may cause nausea,
vomiting, or hallucinations. High doses (30 g/day) linked to mild
gastrointestinal distress long-term; avoid in pregnancy or with MAOIs due to
interactions (Lampariello et al., 2012; Pathania et al., 2020). Additional Uses · Agricultural: Forage (11–23% crude protein), green manure, nitrogen
fixation (35–40% crude fiber) (Burkill, 1995). · Culinary: Roasted seeds as coffee substitute in Guatemala; cooked pods
eaten in India (Keay, 1989). · Ecological: Controls Imperata cylindrica in Benin; invasive in Florida (Pathania et
al., 2020). References
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