Scientific name: Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Family and genus: Fabaceae, , Mucuna
Alternative names: Velvet Bean, cat bean, dog paw bean, dragon paw bean, tiger bean, Indian wild broad bean, itch bean, Cowhage, Velvet Bean
Distribution: Native to tropical regions, it is widely distributed in Africa, Asia (especially the Indian subcontinent), South America and the Caribbean region. It grows vigorously in a warm and humid climate.
Morphological characteristics
Annual climbing vine plant.
Leaves: trifoliate compound leaves, with ovate leaflets.
Flowers: Purple, white or pinkish-purple butterfly-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters.
Pod: The most distinctive feature. The pods are long and curved, densely covered with golden-brown or grayish-white down. These downy hairs contain a strong itchy substance (mainly the protease " lectin"), and skin contact can cause severe itching, redness, swelling and stinging sensation (which is also the origin of the name "itchy beans").
Seeds: The pod contains 2 to 6 kidney-shaped or flat-round seeds, which come in various colors (black, white, brown, and mottled).
Mucuna Pruriens uses
Neurological diseases: The most famous application is in the treatment of tremors and movement disorders similar to Parkinson's disease (referred to as "Kampavata"). This is an important foundation for its modern application.
Male health: Widely used as an aphrodisiac and aphrodisiac, it is used to treat erectile dysfunction, enhance sexual desire and sperm quality (quantity, motility, morphology).
Neurological tonics: As "Medhya Rasayana" (a tonic that promotes intelligence and neurological function), it is used to improve memory, cognitive function and mood.
Antivenom: Used in some areas to treat certain snake bites.
Deworming: Used to eliminate intestinal parasites.
Diuretics and kidney health.
Regulating menstruation: It is used to treat irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea.
Managing diabetes: Some traditional systems believe it helps control blood sugar.
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