FAMILY— Fabaceae
GENUS— Mucuna
SCIENTIFIC NAME— Mucuna Pruriens
OTHER NAME(s)— Monkey Tamarind, Kaunch Seeds, Velvet Bean, Bengal Velvet Bean, Cowage, Cowitch, Mauritius Velvet Bean, Yokohama Velvet Bean, Florida Velvet Bean, Lacuna Bean, Lyon Bean, Cowhage, Picapica, Kapikachu, Yerepe, Yoruba, Atmagupta
WHAT IS MUCUNA PRURIENS (KAUNCH SEEDS)?
Mucuna Pruriens has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times and it is used in more than 350 medicines in Ayurveda. Its seeds, leaves and roots are all used as medicine. Its flowers are purple in color and 5–10 cm long. Its seeds are oval and black or white in color. It has been known for its powerful aphrodisiac nature and body stabilizing properties.
It contains a chemical called levodopa or L-dopa, which is best for dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline hormones. Due to its chemical components, it is used for mental state changes, sleep disorders and mood problems etc.
MUCUNA PRURIENS DOSAGE:
- Seed Powder— 6 to 10 grams per day for adults
- Seed Extracts— 250 to 500 mg once or twice a day after meals
- Decoction— 5 to 15 ml once or twice a day in divided amounts
However, it depends on the age and health of the person. In such a situation, it is better to seek medical advice about it once.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MUCUNA PRURIENS?
1. Relieves Parkinson’s Symptoms:
Parkinson’s is a disease associated with the nervous system. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain are unable to produce enough of a brain chemical called dopamine. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2]
In such a situation, the patient may have shivering, body pain and difficulty in walking. However, the disease can occur when aging, but sometimes it can happen in a genetic and younger person. Kaunch seeds can be a good choice in this situation.
According to a study published on the NCBI website, the seeds has been found to be very effective in Parkinson’s disease. It has anti-Parkinson’s properties because it contains an amino acid called L-dopa or Levodopa. These amino acids can be very effective in Parkinson’s disease. [Trusted Source 1]
2. For Better Sleep:
It is necessary for everyone to get enough sleep. If you do not get enough sleep, not only physical, but also mental problems may occur. In such a situation, mucuna pruriens can also be beneficial in sleeping problems [Trusted Source 3]
According to a research published on the NCBI website, if white velvet beans are consumed along with chlorophytum borivilianum, insomnia problem can be relieved. [Trusted Source 4]
At present, research on this is very limited. In such a situation, its effect on everyone is the same, it is not necessary.
3. Sexual Health:
Like women, men also face the problem of impotence or infertility. This may be due to obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and hormonal changes. Whatever be the reason, but kaunch seeds can be a cure for this problem. [Trusted Source 5]
According to a research conducted on infertile men on this subject, improvement in sperm count has been observed with the use of mucuna pruriens. [Trusted Source 6]
In this case, its use can not only prevent sperm loss, but can also help to overcome the problem of infertility. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 7]
In addition, at times stress can also affect semen quality and cause infertility. In such a case, mucuna pruriens can also help to reduce mental stress and can prevent infertility problems. [Trusted Source 8]
Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Chhatrapati Medical University, India found that mucuna pruriens supports normal function of the male reproductive system, in particular supporting the normal levels of male fertility. It is believed that it can increase libido (men and women), enhance blood circulation to the genitals, increase sperm count, strengthen sexual glands and increase the levels of testosterone.
Its libido enhancing effects are thought to be due to its high levels of levodopa (L-dopa), contained in this herb.
4. In Diabetes:
While talking about the benefits of mucuna pruriens, it can also be beneficial in diabetes.
According to a study done on mice, kaunch seeds used for the treatment of diabetes over the years can be beneficial. It can act as an anti-diabetic agent. [Trusted Source 7] [Trusted Source 9]
5. In Depression:
In today’s era, many individuals face problems like change in mood and loss of concentration. These may be the symptoms of depression. [Trusted Source 10] [Trusted Source 11]
In such a time, it is important to pay attention to it. Mucuna pruriens can also be beneficial for problems like depression. According to studies conducted on mice on this subject, antidepressant properties are present in it. [Trusted Source 7] [Trusted Source 12]
In such a situation, the use of mucuna pruriens can be helpful in preventing or reducing depression.
6. Improved Concentration:
Many times due to stress and anxiety, people may not be able to concentrate on important tasks. In such a situation, it may be helpful to fix the problem of decreased concentration.
Actually, these seeds can be helpful in reducing mental stress and also have antidepressant properties. The hydroalcoholic extract present in kaunch seeds may be the reason. [Trusted Source 7] [Trusted Source 8]
In this case, there is a possibility that its intake can calm the mind and improve concentration.
7. For Body or Back Pain:
Nowadays, many individuals complain of having body ache due to their poor lifestyle and busy routine. Everyday work becomes difficult if there is a problem of pain in the body or back.
At the same time, repeated use of painkillers is also not right. In this case Ayurvedic medicines and natural remedies can prove to be beneficial. Kaunch seed is also one of such ayurvedic medicines. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can help relieve pain. [Trusted Source 7]
However, there is no precise scientific study about this, so its effects may vary from person to person.
8. In Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a disease associated with the nervous system, in which an individual experiences seizures. There can be many reasons for this, such as due to the consumption of certain medicines, sometimes due to head injury, meningitis etc. [Trusted Source 13] [Trusted Source 14]
In such a situation, the use of mucuna pruriens can prove to be helpful in this disease. It has anti-epileptic properties, due to which the problem of epilepsy or its effect can be reduced. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 7] [Trusted Source 15]
However, it may reduce the effect of epilepsy or its symptoms, but do not forget to consider the treatment of epilepsy. In addition, if someone has severe epileptic problems, then they must ask their doctor once before using.
9. In Obesity:
Nowadays almost every person is troubled by the problem of weight gain or obesity. This problem is common due to poor lifestyle and wrong diet. [Trusted Source 16]
In this situation, the right diet and exercise is necessary, but if mucuna pruriens is consumed together, it can be beneficial in reducing weight.
According to research conducted on mice on this topic, anti-obese effects of kaunch seeds have been revealed. [Trusted Source 17]
10. Rich in Antioxidants:
Kaunch seeds also have antioxidant properties. Actually, many types of antioxidants are needed to keep the body healthy. Antioxidants can help to destroy free radicals that damage the body and can be helpful in keeping the body healthy. [Trusted Source 18]
In this case, if we talk about the consumption of antioxidant foods, then it also includes kaunch seeds. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 7]
MUCUNA PRURIENS NUTRITIONAL VALUE:
There are many nutritional elements present in the seeds of kaunch such as calcium, potassium, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. Some other nutrients include —
- Sodium: 43.1-150.1 mg
- Potassium: 778.1-1846.0 mg
- Calcium: 393.4-717.7 mg
- Magnesium: 174.9-387.6 mg
- Phosphorus: 98.4-592.1 mg
- Iron: 10.8–15.0 mg
- Copper: 0.9-2.2 mg
- Zinc: 5.0-10.9 mg
- Manganese: 3.9–4.3 mg [Trusted Source 19]
MUCUNA PRURIENS SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects may include —
- Conch seed has anti-diabetic properties. In such a situation, if someone is already taking diabetes medicines, then the amount of sugar can be reduced excessively. Take precautions and seek medical advice before taking.
- Pregnant women or lactating women do not consume it. It may harm pregnant woman and the baby.
- Its excessive intake can also cause nutritional deficiency and weakness in the body.
- Kaunch seeds are rich in amino acids called L-dopa-Levodopa. But, excessive intake of this amino acid can also lead to nausea, headache, problems of excessive sleep.
TAKE AWAY
Mucuna pruriens has many medicinal properties. It can be beneficial in sleeping disorders (insomnia), improved concentration, improved sex drive, diabetes and depression. But, its excessive consumption may harm. Consult your doctor or health care provider before using this product.