Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens)

"The velvet bean, or kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), is a tropical legume valued for its diverse nutritional and medicinal characteristics. It is widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and other traditional medicine systems, primarily for its rejuvenating effects, neurological benefits, and as an aphrodisiac. It is notable for containing L-DOPA (Levodopa), a direct precursor to dopamine, making it particularly useful in managing Parkinson’s disease, improving mood, and enhancing libido and fertility."

Velvet Bean Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Mucuna
Species: Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.

Common Names

English: Velvet Bean, Cowhage
Sanskrit: Kapikacchu, Atmagupta
Hindi: Kaunch, Konch Beej
Tamil: Poonaikali Vidai
Telugu: Naikkuruna
Bengali: Alkushi
Marathi: Khajkujhali

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Nervine Tonic - Strengthens the nervous system, supports coordination and muscle movement.

Aphrodisiac and Reproductive Health - Enhances libido, sperm count, and fertility in both men and women, Rejuvenates reproductive tissues and improves vitality.

Mood Enhancer - Elevates dopamine levels, aiding in the treatment of depression, stress, and anxiety..

Anti-diabetic - Helps regulate blood glucose levels by modulating insulin sensitivity.

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Vol. II, Part I, Govt. of India

The Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products, CSIR, New Delhi.

Manyam, B. V. (1995). "Mucuna pruriens (Cowhage) in Parkinson’s disease." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1(3), 249–255.

Lampariello, L. R., Cortelazzo, A., Guerranti, R., Sticozzi, C., & Valacchi, G. (2012). "The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens." Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(4), 331–339.

Hussain, G., et al. (2018). "Role of dietary bioactive phytochemicals in oxidative stress-mediated neurodegenerative diseases: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Article ID 2017039.

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Commentary by Dr. K.C. Chunekar, Published by Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi.

European Medicines Agency (EMA). Assessment report on Mucuna pruriens seed extract. Herbal medicinal product documentation.

United States Pharmacopeia Herbal Medicines Compendium (HMC).

Satyavati, G.V., Gupta, A.K., & Tandon, N. (1987). Medicinal Plants of India, Vol. II. ICMR, New Delhi.