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Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.) - A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sharma Tarun, Ramamurthy A., Nathani Sumit and Anand Parul
Number of views: 644
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. belongs to the family Fabaceae is commonly known as Kapikacchu,
Atmagupta, Kacchura, Markati etc. in Sanskrit; Velvet bean, Cowitch, Cowhage in English and
Kawaanch, Kavach in Hindi. Its synonyms, morphology, properties, actions and medicinal uses
are described in Ayurvediya Samhitas as well as Nighantus. It is an established herbal drug used
for the management of male infertility, nervous disorders, and also as an aphrodisiac. It
possesses many pharmacological activities like antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, anti-oxidant,
antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, anti pakinsonism and antivenom activity.
M. pruriens seed is a natural source of the amino acid L-3,4-dihydroxy phenyl alanine (LDOPA),
the direct precursor to the neuro transmitter dopamine which is used widely in the
treatment of Parkinson's disease. Other major constituents isolated are four new alkaloids viz.,
mucuadine, mucuadinine, mucuadininine and prurienidine along with mucunin, mucuadine,
small amount of nicotine, various amino acids, carbohydrate, acids, indole alkyl amines and
serotonin.
According to Ancient Ayurvedic literature Kapikacchu is used as a potent aphrodisiac, geriatric
tonic and vermifuge. It is also used for the treatment of menstruation disorders, constipation,
oedema, fever, tuberculosis, etc. In addition, Mucuna is also grown as food crop, ornamental
plant, living mulch and green manure crop. The reviews summarize the literature review,
botanical description, medicinal uses, phyto constituents, cultivation and propagation and
pharmacological activities of M. pruriens.